2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to strike a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, with intricate headlight and taillight designs and dark chrome trim that elevated its appearance. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ featuring a rugged front fascia and the RS boasting 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 otherwise black interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three trims: LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being a new addition aimed at moderate off-roading. The Traverse was not designed for extreme off-road adventures but could handle rugged terrain. It was competitively priced against rivals like the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer. The Z71 model, which we tested, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and an Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior had Jet Black upholstery with Torch Red accents, and while synthetic leather was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable. The Traverse's design focused on practicality and comfort, with features like Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row enhancing its functionality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering 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 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 could be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Our Trailblazer Activ test car featured the 1.3-litre engine, AWD, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was commendable, with a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission occasionally exhibited rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads but performed well on pavement, providing a composed and nimble ride.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than its predecessor. All-wheel drive was standard on every trim in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse's acceleration and passing power were satisfactory for its size, and the exhaust had a pleasant growl. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's length was noticeable. The ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates were 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. Cargo space was 716 litres with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded, though it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Interior storage included a covered bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS model had second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and the power-folding third row was standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row had limited views. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. While the Trailblazer's tech features were adequate, the optional touchscreen was relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster was unavailable. The 8-inch unit 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 conveyed information effectively.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a significant upgrade with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all models. The system was responsive, with simple menus and Google-based software. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information. The Traverse included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions. However, the headlight functions were buried in the infotainment system. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which expanded its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 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 received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse also featured a surround-view parking camera and traffic-sign recognition.