2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a striking and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, while the wheels were pushed to the farthest corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their squinting, V-shaped pattern, mirrored the black trim below, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The car's wedgy profile, with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, combined with a smooth lower body, especially in matte silver paint, made it a standout in terms of design.

Inside, the EV6 featured a futuristic interior with dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting circled the rear passengers, and the front seat backrests had a sci-fi aesthetic. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls set the EV6 apart from basic Kia models, offering a car-first, computer-second experience that made it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while not just about looks, boasted an appealing design with well-proportioned character lines and small details that Chevrolet got right. The option of a black, white, or red-painted roof added to its charm. The Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298. The RS trim, which we tested, had a sticker price of $37,653, including options and destination charges. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, detracted from its value, making the LT trim a more sensible choice.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered an impressive 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. With a 77.4 kWh battery, this 2,100-kilogram vehicle accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The EV6's regenerative braking offered over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving, while the adaptive cruise control's radar sensor enabled auto mode deceleration. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 441-kilometre estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging times fell short of Kia's claims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-season tires, offered a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even in the Activ trim. The Trailblazer's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. Towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could hold items up to 2.5 metres long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, while the rear seat provided ample legroom but lacked comfort. The Trailblazer's cargo space was generous, with 716 litres in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the back seat folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating larger items.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras offered sharp visuals. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The RS trim included a 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. The system was intuitive, with physical controls for easy use. The Trailblazer also offered a keyless entry keypad system and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.

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