2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen’s larger models, a restyled grille with the new VW logo, and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The Highline R-Line trim, in particular, boasted a sportier look with 20-inch wheels and a choice of five paint colours, including the striking Atlantic Blue Metallic. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting, though the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastics.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, resembling a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, offered a blend of SUV toughness and upscale details like intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models added unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS offering a sportier appearance. The Trailblazer’s contrasting roof options and distinctive paint colours, like Nitro Yellow, added to its appeal. Inside, the Trailblazer Activ model featured leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim. While the interior didn’t scream adventure, design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard added character.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its 19 centimetres of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The MacPherson struts and multi-link independent rear suspension provided a nimble and responsive ride, though pushing the Tiguan for more performance revealed its limitations. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX and offered a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, or an optional 1.3-litre engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-litre engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ model, with its AWD and 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, though the nine-speed automatic occasionally delivered rough shifts. The Trailblazer’s dampers were tuned for gravel roads, but it handled pavement well, offering a composed and nimble ride. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors’ automatic systems.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though our two-row test vehicle provided ample cargo space with 1,064 litres behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,078 litres. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row offered generous headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. It provided 716 litres of cargo space with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded. The Trailblazer’s rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but the flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. Up front, designers maximized space with a covered storage bin, deep tray, cupholders, and phone storage. However, the Trailblazer’s cargo capacity was limited, and it was rated to tow only 454 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer’s tech offerings might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, the available 8-inch touchscreen 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 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s standard LED headlights and advanced driver aids could improve that score.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered standard 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 tech and LED headlights.