2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim and introduced the sporty ST-Line, enhancing the popular XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long, tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally revealing the base trim's influence.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, balancing SUV toughness with upscale details like intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS adopting a sportier appearance. Both models had contrasting roofs, adding a distinctive touch. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin featured a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned trim, providing personality despite its otherwise black interior. While not screaming "outdoor adventure," the design included distinctive touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg and burning as little as 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,540 kg with a fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially with the sport-tuned ST model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It featured a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and AWD options. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ, with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, though the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, offering a composed and nimble ride despite some body roll. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode showed minimal impact.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, its third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. Fully equipped models featured amenities like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat, however, was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. The Explorer's cabin storage was limited, with missed opportunities for practical storage solutions. The cargo space offered 528 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use, but flat cushions made long trips less appealing. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 716 litres with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded, respectable for the segment but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, designers maximized space with a covered storage bin, deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. A small dashboard carve-out's function remained unclear, as items placed there could become projectiles during hard braking.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. The smaller screen integrated well with the interior, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims offered wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The outdated Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless charging. Despite the optional features, the Trailblazer's tech might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, as the touchscreen remained relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster was unavailable. However, the 8-inch screen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was named a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's optional LED headlights received a "Good" score, while standard halogen headlights were rated "Average."