2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was a rare misstep, lacking the elegance and presence of its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, keeping the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, exuding SUV toughness without being over-the-top. Intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, gave it an upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling elements, with the Activ boasting a rugged look and the RS featuring a sporty design. The Trailblazer's interior, though not screaming "outdoor adventure," had distinctive design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard. The combination of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned trim added personality to the otherwise black interior.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster improved brake response. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test drive averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX, offering a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque as standard. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and AWD options. The Trailblazer Activ test car featured AWD, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.3-litre engine. The Trailblazer exhibited body roll typical of high-riding vehicles but remained composed and nimble. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. The Trailblazer offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode showed minimal impact.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior boasted exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, enhancing comfort. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased cargo capacity further.

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 Trailblazer's rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. Cargo space was 716 litres with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Upfront, designers maximized space with a covered storage bin, deep tray, and cupholders, though a small dashboard carve-out's function remained unclear.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition that was better than the previous model. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was adequate for most users, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. While it performed well, drivers needed to remain attentive. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but required human oversight.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered 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 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for crash prevention and protection.