2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly two metres above the ground, with a length that required between five and a half to six metres to park. It was a motorized cargo container, featuring three rows of leather seats and an array of computers. The Escalade ESV extended 38 centimetres longer than the standard version, primarily stretching the wheelbase. The Escalade, along with its Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL counterparts, was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim, masking its mass. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded with parts borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, offering a balance of SUV toughness without exaggeration. Intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim added an upscale touch. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling, with the Activ aiming for ruggedness and the RS adopting a boy-racer look. Contrasting roofs in red, black, or white added a distinctive flair. The interior of the Activ model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, giving it personality. While the cabin didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard made it distinctive.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though the standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, didn't deliver the speed its sound suggested. It excelled in gentle cruising, with cylinder deactivation improving fuel efficiency to a combined 15.0 litres per 100 kilometres. Towing capacity reached up to 3,629 kilograms with the towing package. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, with 277 hp, offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. Magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. The standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and AWD options. Our Trailblazer Activ test car featured AWD, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.3-litre engine, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, though some bouncing was noticed over road imperfections. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes were available, though differences were subtle.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. Generous headroom and legroom in every row, including the third, ensured comfort for six adults. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast interface. An optional front console refrigerator, power-retractable side steps, and an air suspension for easier loading added convenience. However, the second-row seats lacked power adjustment.

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 Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use, though flat cushions made long trips less appealing. Cargo space measured 716 litres with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded, respectable for the segment. However, towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Upfront, storage solutions included a covered bin, deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray, though a small dashboard carve-out's function was unclear.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, offering sharp and clear displays. A front camera provided a high-res road feed with navigation overlays. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a $2,875 option, offered hands-free highway driving with infrared eye-tracking cameras. Night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats added to the tech offerings.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose audio system, and wireless phone 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 conveyed information effectively, with smart touches like a pedestrian-detection icon.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Reverse emergency braking was optional but had issues with false stops.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was named a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving top scores in all crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Trailblazer a five-star overall safety rating.