2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

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 roof rails, while the RS model boasted a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, reminiscent of retro designs, and the interior, though not overtly adventurous, featured a mix of materials that added personality to the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive presence with a clean, minimalist design that aligned with Volvo's pro-electrification ethos. The exterior updates for 2023 included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper, while the interior continued to offer a minimalist aesthetic with thin air vents and scalloped door elements. The XC40 shared its platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, and its interior featured standard dual-zone climate control and optional leather upholstery. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle included premium options like a panoramic moonroof and a crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

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 AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which, despite some rough shifts, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for gravel roads, although some bouncing was noted over road imperfections. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and the drive modes included Normal, Sport, and Snow, though the differences were subtle.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada were equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a range of 359 kilometres. The XC40's chassis tuning provided a calm and composed ride, though it lacked a sport driving mode. The Recharge model offered increased towing capacity compared to the gasoline-powered version.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs available, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. It provided more rear legroom than its Buick Encore GX counterpart and had a cargo capacity of 716 litres with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded. However, its towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, though the small dashboard carve-out seemed impractical for holding items securely.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space with competitive rear-seat headroom and average legroom. It provided 566 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with them folded, slightly less than some competitors. The XC40 featured a power tailgate and keyless entry, along with innovative interior storage solutions like scalloped door panels and a spacious centre console storage bin. The overall design contributed to a sense of spaciousness, making the XC40 a practical choice for daily commuting.

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, and a built-in 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 users, the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster and relatively small touchscreen might not satisfy tech-savvy buyers. The interface was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment experience was visually pleasing, though users preferring Apple products might find the Google integration less satisfying. The minimalist design meant most controls were accessed via the touchscreen, which could be less intuitive for some functions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 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 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with high marks for crash prevention and overall safety.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 continued Volvo's tradition of prioritizing safety, with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and mostly high ratings from the IIHS, though it received an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test.