2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, standing out as a plug-in hybrid with three rows of seating. Despite its utilitarian minivan design, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, it offered practical features like sliding side doors for easy access in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was not particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag. However, it provided a comfortable interior with quality materials, although its design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular styles.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented a more rugged and upscale appearance, resembling a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer. It featured intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim, giving it a sophisticated look. The Trailblazer offered unique styling elements in its Activ and RS models, with options like contrasting roofs and sporty design cues. Inside, it provided a mix of materials and colours that added personality, although the interior didn't scream adventure. The Trailblazer's design was distinctive, with practical touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. It offered an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and efficient, with regenerative braking to recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light steering and unremarkable brakes. Despite this, the powertrain's seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes was impressive.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX and offered two engine options: a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-litre turbo-three with 155 horsepower. The Trailblazer's AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a decent driving experience with a pleasing exhaust note. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads but performed well on pavement. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors' automatic systems. It also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, although the differences were subtle.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was well-designed, with thoughtful storage solutions and a spacious third-row seat. However, maximizing cargo space required removing the second-row seats, which was less convenient than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. It provided 716 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded. The Trailblazer's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray. However, its cargo capacity was limited compared to larger SUVs, and it had a towing capacity of only 454 kilograms. The Trailblazer's rear seats were comfortable for short trips but less so for long journeys due to relatively flat cushions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and had a simple interface, although the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the sound quality required adjustment, and the rear-seat entertainment system might be unnecessary for families with personal devices.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster wasn't available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics, making it suitable for everyday use.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, although the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for crash prevention tech and a "Good" score for optional LED headlights.