2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, showcased a mature design that balanced elegance and robustness. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, maintaining a classic look amidst evolving SUV trends. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was crafted with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern design trends. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information screen seemed out of place in a market moving towards larger digital displays. However, the Sequoia's build quality and durability were evident, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a modern and stylish appearance, resembling a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer. It featured intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim, giving it an upscale look. The Activ and RS models added unique styling elements, with the Activ focusing on ruggedness and the RS on sporty aesthetics. The Trailblazer's interior combined various textures and colours, providing a distinctive personality. While not designed for extreme off-road adventures, the Trailblazer's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish subcompact SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX, offering a choice between a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-litre turbo engine with 155 horsepower. The Trailblazer's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a pleasant driving experience. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads, offering a composed ride. However, the Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors with automatic systems. Despite this, the Trailblazer's performance was nimble and suitable for everyday driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. With features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof, it catered to family needs. The Sequoia provided ample cargo space, with 535 litres behind the third row and up to 3,401 litres with seats folded. Its interior storage options were generous, making it practical for long trips and family outings.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though compact, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. Its cargo space of 716 litres with seats up and 1,540 litres with seats folded was competitive in its segment. The Trailblazer's interior featured smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and cupholders. However, its towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms, reflecting its subcompact nature.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the modernity of competitors. The Sequoia did include a JBL audio system in higher trims and standard LED lighting, but its tech offerings lagged behind industry trends.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 8-inch screen and Bose audio system enhanced its tech appeal. While not the most advanced, the Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics. The combination of analog gauges and a smaller instrument cluster screen provided clear information without overwhelming the driver.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Toyota Safety Sense P included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags, ensuring passenger protection.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control enhanced its safety profile, making it a secure choice for families.