2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, offered a compact yet substantial SUV experience, echoing the design cues of the larger Chevrolet Blazer. It featured intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim, with the Activ and RS models providing unique styling touches. The Activ model aimed for a rugged look with a faux skid plate and chunky tires, while the RS model sported a more aggressive appearance with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The Trailblazer's interior combined leatherette upholstery with copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, offering a mix of colours and textures that added personality to the cabin.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, starting with the T5's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model enhanced this with a supercharged and turbocharged version, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering 8.8 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The XC90 excelled in driving dynamics, offering minimal body roll and a smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX, featuring a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-litre engine increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The 1.2-litre engine was paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and AWD options, the latter with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ model, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent driving experience with a pleasing exhaust note, though the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for gravel roads, but it exhibited some body roll and bouncing over road imperfections.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures. The interior featured ample storage, a spacious cabin, and a panoramic moonroof, with effective climate control for all seasons.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though compact, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. It provided 716 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded. While it couldn't match the towing capacity of larger SUVs, it offered practical storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray. The Trailblazer's interior was comfortable for short trips, but the flat rear seat cushions made long journeys less appealing.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with pinch, pull, and swipe gestures. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally lagged, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims. USB ports were available for both front and rear passengers.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system were available. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, they might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers. The 8-inch touchscreen provided clear graphics and logical menus, and the combination of analog gauges and a smaller instrument cluster screen conveyed information effectively.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.