2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including the LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the LX, and prices ranged from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding the destination charge. The U.S. model, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos had a stylish interior with exposed stitching and metallic accents, though it was marred by an abundance of shiny hard plastic. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally appealing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer, with a rugged yet upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS offering a sportier design. The Trailblazer's contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, although not unique to Chevy. Inside, the Trailblazer had a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned trim, providing a bit of personality. While the cabin didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard made it distinctive.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, paired with a CVT. The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Seltos had driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system had a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was suitable for light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. The Seltos offered good grip and visibility but had significant road noise on the highway.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX, offering a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer's AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models had a CVT. The Activ model had dampers tuned for gravel roads, providing a composed and nimble ride. The Trailblazer had a selectable AWD system, requiring manual engagement, and offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, though it exhibited some body roll and bouncing over road imperfections.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat and steering wheel were adjustable, providing a comfortable driving position. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, though the hard plastic door panels were unkind to elbows. The rear seat offered ample legroom and footroom, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port on upper trims. Cargo space was generous, with 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use, but the flat cushions made long trips less appealing. The Trailblazer's cargo space was 716 litres with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, slightly less than the Seltos. The Trailblazer had smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, but its cargo capacity was limited for larger loads.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a Bose sound system on the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity, though a cable was required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons, but lacked a native voice recognition system, relying on smartphone assistants for better results.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system were optional. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges conveyed information effectively, with smart design touches aiding comprehension.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. 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 rating from the NHTSA.