2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet robust SUV, echoing the design cues of its larger sibling, the 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 touches, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and the RS model showcasing a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, reminiscent of other subcompact crossovers.

Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of practicality and personality. The Activ model featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The interior design incorporated a variety of colours and textures, giving it a unique character. While it didn't scream "outdoor adventure," the design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard added a distinctive touch to the otherwise black interior.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, exuded luxury and sophistication, drawing styling inspiration from the G70 compact luxury sedan. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that elegantly connected it to its sedan counterpart. The interior was a testament to Genesis's commitment to luxury, with top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish. The cabin design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly rose from the dash.

The GV70's interior was equipped with a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The vehicle's luxury credentials were further enhanced by features like power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its soft, cream-coloured seats and high-contrast design, showcasing Genesis's attention to detail and commitment to providing a luxurious driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a choice between a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Trailblazer's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models had a continuously variable transmission.

The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, delivered a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic transmission, however, exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, provided a comfortable ride on pavement, though some bouncing was noticeable over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike many competitors' automatic systems. It also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though the differences between them were subtle.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note.

The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth and confident acceleration, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 383 kilometres and supported DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, leaning slightly towards comfort, and it emitted an external "engine noise" as required by regulations.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on the market, offered a substantial presence. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer provided decent utility compared to its rivals, matching the Kia Seltos in headroom and offering more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. However, the rear seats' flat cushions made long trips less comfortable.

The Trailblazer's cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres available with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded. While it fell behind the Kia Seltos in cargo capacity, it outperformed the Honda HR-V in some aspects. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, the Trailblazer offered clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin, a deep tray, and cupholders, though a small dashboard carve-out's purpose remained unclear.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience. The GV70's front seats were comfortable and easily adjustable, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench offered a reclining feature for added comfort.

The GV70's interior included decently large cupholders in the centre console, though the in-door cupholders couldn't accommodate larger water bottles. A helpful tray with a retractable lid and a centre console bin provided additional storage options. Overall, the GV70's interior design and functionality catered to luxury SUV buyers seeking a comfortable and well-appointed cabin.

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 built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most buyers, tech-savvy consumers might find the optional touchscreen small by current standards.

The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large, easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, aided by smart design touches like a person-shaped icon for pedestrian detection and an engine start/stop indicator.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was easy to use, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis also provided helpful buttons in the centre console and a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the vehicle's rotary shifter could cause confusion.

The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key. Overall, the GV70's technology offerings catered to luxury SUV buyers seeking a high-tech and user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 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 with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 also provided a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and highway driving assist with lane-keeping assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.