2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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 its intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ leaning towards a rugged aesthetic and the RS embracing a sportier look. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, especially when paired with vibrant exterior colours. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin featured a mix of materials and colours, providing a unique personality, although it didn't quite evoke an outdoor adventure vibe.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its reputation for luxury and toughness, extending the classic Grand Cherokee design with a longer wheelbase. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package showcased a bold appearance with blacked-out elements and dark grey wheels. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L, especially in upper trims, exuded luxury with high-quality materials and thoughtful design touches. Despite some hard plastics, the overall feel was upscale, with features like a polished black dash and diamond-patterned stitching adding to its allure. The Grand Cherokee L's design was both modern and timeless, ensuring its appeal for years to come.

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 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. However, 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.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was considered its weakest element. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better performance, especially for towing. The V8's towing capacity reached 3,265 kilograms, compared to 2,810 kg with the V6. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension enhancing cornering and ride comfort. The steering, though, required more corrections on tighter roads. The Grand Cherokee L offered three 4WD systems, each with permanent 4WD engagement, and the air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee L's off-road capabilities were impressive, rivalled only by Land Rover.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched rivals like the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. However, the rear seats' flat cushions made long trips less comfortable. Cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres behind the second row and 1,540 litres with seats folded, though it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Upfront, storage solutions included a covered bin, deep tray, and cupholders, though a small dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured good visibility, though some infotainment graphics were hard to read. The power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof added convenience and luxury.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, 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 Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most, the optional touchscreen was smaller than some competitors. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, with smart design touches aiding comprehension.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation on higher trims. All systems ran Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, while good, lacked surround imaging. Night vision and Active Driving Assist were notable features, with the latter providing semi-automated control on highways. The passenger screen, active only when a passenger was seated, allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance. The Grand Cherokee L's tech features were extensive, surpassing many competitors.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, following frame reinforcements. It scored five stars in most NHTSA tests, except for rollover, where it received four stars. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.