2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet robust SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to strike a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim enhancing its upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model boasted a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof colours added a distinctive touch, making the Trailblazer stand out among its peers. Inside, the Activ model's interior combined leatherette upholstery with copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, creating a unique yet somewhat eclectic aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S aimed for a more subtle luxury with its design. The Type S badge marked the first appearance on an Acura SUV, and the vehicle featured chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels for a commanding presence. The interior of the Type S Ultra trim was adorned with quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard, exuding a sense of luxury. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S maintained an overall attractive appearance, though it occasionally appeared to have a dented look due to its body tapering.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three engine 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. The 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 vehicle's dampers were tuned for gravel roads, but it performed well on pavement, exhibiting typical body roll for a high-riding vehicle. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, resulting in an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S struggled with fuel economy, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, and its performance enhancements didn't create a cohesive driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs available, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, surpassing some competitors in rear legroom. Its cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres available with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded. However, the Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, the designers maximized space with a covered storage bin, deep tray, and cupholders, though the small dashboard carve-out's function remained unclear.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The MDX's second-row seat could be adjusted for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The cabin prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the front centre armrest. The cargo area, accessible via a power liftgate, offered ample space for luggage and included hooks for grocery bags. The MDX's cargo capacity was 461 litres behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 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 were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster wasn't available. The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. Despite these drawbacks, the MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 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.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. In Canada, the MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Some trims added parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.