2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to balance SUV ruggedness with a touch of sophistication, thanks to intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. 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 sported a more aggressive look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, especially when paired with vibrant exterior colours like Nitro Yellow. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned accents, providing a unique personality despite its predominantly black interior.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, emerging with a more robust and substantial appearance. Its increased dimensions contributed to its commanding presence, aligning well with the all-terrain TrailSport model, which boasted off-road enhancements like a taller ride height and skid plates. The interior, while more conventional, was functional and versatile, with quality materials and standard heated front seats in Canada. The Pilot emphasized practicality, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic that prioritized function without sacrificing appeal.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, featuring a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 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 front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. FWD models came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, delivered a decent performance with a pleasing exhaust note, although 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 typical body roll for a high-riding vehicle. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and the drive modes—Normal, Sport, and Snow—offered limited noticeable differences.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 AWD system was standard. The Pilot's acceleration was quick and responsive, with a pleasant engine hum. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and the Pilot cornered confidently, though it wasn't designed for sporty driving. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Pilot maintained on-road comfort and composure, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs). The steering was light, ideal for tight spaces but somewhat vague on highways.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs available, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. However, its flat rear seat cushions made long trips less comfortable. Cargo space was 716 litres with the second-row seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, respectable but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kg (1,000 lbs). Up front, storage was maximized with a covered bin, deep tray, and cupholders, though a small dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim, equivalent to the U.S. model, offered a touchscreen that seemed small for the space but was adequate. Climate and drive mode controls were logically placed, with a large rubberized shelf for phones and a wireless charging pad. The Pilot excelled in storage, with clever features like a stowable second-row centre seat, providing a centre pass-through for third-row access. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting for long trips. Cargo capacity was 635 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,219 litres with seats folded. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

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. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging. While the optional touchscreen was small by modern standards, it was well-suited to the Trailblazer's dashboard, with 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 pedestrian-detection icon.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was responsive, with a logical layout and large buttons, prioritizing functionality over modern graphics. Features like Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, and Bose premium audio were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured standard safety equipment, 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, 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, with high marks for crash prevention and LED headlights.

The 2023 Honda Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned well, with no false alarms, and adaptive cruise control maintained smooth acceleration and braking.