2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a compact SUV that exuded a rugged yet refined aesthetic, reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to strike a balance between SUV toughness and upscale detailing, with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim enhancing its appeal. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS boasted a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, making the Trailblazer stand out in the subcompact crossover segment. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned accents, providing a unique personality despite its predominantly black interior. Design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard added to its distinctiveness, even if it didn't scream "outdoor adventure."

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more restrained design, lacking the space-age flair of some competitors but still maintaining an attractive crossover appearance. Its chunky front end gave the impression of a smaller grille, a refreshing change in an industry dominated by aggressive fascias. The Equinox was available in four trims, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada, and standard on the RS and Premier. The interior of the Equinox, particularly in the Premier trim, featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. While the interior design felt somewhat dated compared to rivals, it was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space. The Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments and an HD surround-view camera, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft 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 FWD, while the 1.3-litre engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, although the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads but performed well on pavement, offering a composed and nimble ride despite some body roll. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to accelerate quickly at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, while older, provided a straightforward driving experience, though it contributed to the powertrain's noise. AWD was available across all trims, but like the Trailblazer, it required manual engagement. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, offering smooth and predictable braking. The suspension was well-sorted, handling bumps and potholes effectively, and the steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on the market, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that benefited passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. However, the rear seats' flat cushions made long trips less comfortable. The Trailblazer provided 716 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, respectable figures for the segment. However, its towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, the Trailblazer featured a covered storage bin, a deep tray, and cupholders, though a small dashboard carve-out's purpose remained unclear.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a larger cargo area than some competitors, with 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with them folded. Passenger space was ample, with plenty of head- and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with ample storage for smaller items. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were available. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, the 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 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 7-inch touchscreen in the LS, LT, and RS trims, and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors' systems, the Equinox's infotainment was crisp, clear, and easy to use. It offered quick response times, good voice recognition, and customizable icons for quick access to features. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim added a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was an option on the RS and Premier trims.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included 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 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on all trims except Premier. The Equinox received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.