2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, though its appealing styling certainly added to its charm. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, with options for a black, white, or red-painted roof enhancing its allure. In Canada, the Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298, plus a $1,900 destination charge from its South Korean factory. The RS trim, tested at $37,653, was deemed overpriced due to its hard plastic interior, despite its stylish design.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra, made a significant impression. Its redesigned body offered a more substantial presence than its predecessor, though its appeal was subjective. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and while luxurious, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included TRD Off-road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices from $79,335 to $95,335, including a $1,930 destination charge.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. In Canada, this engine was the default, as the smaller 1.2-litre option was unavailable. The Trailblazer offered a CVT with FWD and a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission with AWD, which also improved ride and handling. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, providing a nimble and fun driving experience. However, it was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kWh battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving towing capacity to 4,137 kg. Fuel efficiency also improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in 4WD. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Despite its power, the Sequoia's steering was slow, and its regenerative braking system felt heavy and numb.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, while roomy, was shaped like a park bench for a flat load floor. Cargo space was generous, with 716 litres in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items up to 2.5 metres.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, with a quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. The Capstone trim featured a JBL audio system, triple-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated seats. Power-deploying running boards aided entry, though taller passengers might find them cumbersome. The second-row captain’s chairs lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres behind the third row and 2,460 litres with all seats folded, significantly less than its predecessor.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim included a 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional tech included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 14-inch display in higher trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some bugs, and the display suffered from glare.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Tundra's high IIHS rating was promising.