2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This flourish added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander's unconventional asymmetrical dash was less jarring, with a metallic styling element creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance with 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 aesthetic. Contrasting roofs in various colours added a distinctive touch, although not unique to Chevy. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin featured a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned trim, providing personality despite not screaming "outdoor adventure." Design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard added to its distinctiveness.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. Toyota estimated a 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable during acceleration, especially uphill. Braking was traditional, with a smooth transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It offered a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was FWD only, while the 1.3-litre could be paired with AWD. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car had AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. Activ models had dampers tuned for gravel roads, but performed well on pavement. The Trailblazer felt composed and nimble, with good ride quality despite some bouncing over road imperfections. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. Drive modes included Normal, Sport, and Snow, though differences were subtle.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, a centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers with ease, and featured sliding and reclining captain's chairs. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos on headroom and provided mid-pack legroom, surpassing the Hyundai Kona. The Trailblazer offered more rear legroom than its Buick Encore GX sibling. Rear seats were comfortable for normal use, but flat cushions made long trips less appealing. Cargo space was 716 litres with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded, respectable for the segment. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kg. Up front, storage included a covered bin, deep tray, cupholders, and phone storage, with a small dashboard carve-out of uncertain function.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were also available on higher trims.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose audio, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless charging were optional. 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The systems generally worked well but could use fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel noted.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was also a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included 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's safety systems were well-regarded, with high marks for crash prevention tech.