2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner

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 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 colours added a distinctive flair, making the Trailblazer stand out among its peers. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of leatherette upholstery and various textures, providing a unique personality, although it didn't scream "outdoor adventure."

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback to an earlier era, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a robust and stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this rugged persona with skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age, with analog instruments and an outdated infotainment system. Despite this, the 4Runner offered excellent visibility and practical features like sturdy handles and spacious seating. The interior materials leaned towards durability, with hard plastics and vinyl-like upholstery, common in off-road vehicles.

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 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 transmission lacked refinement, with some rough shifts. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, though it exhibited body roll typical of high-riding vehicles. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its power specs were comparable to rivals like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came standard with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, excelling in off-road conditions. On pavement, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The engine and exhaust were loud, and the soft suspension resulted in body roll and floatiness. However, the 4Runner remained composed under hard braking and handled larger road imperfections well.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. It surpassed the Hyundai Kona in rear legroom and provided more space than its Buick Encore GX sibling. The Trailblazer's cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres behind the second row and 1,540 litres with the seats folded. However, its towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a covered bin, deep tray, and cupholders, though the small dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, while outdated, was practical with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. It offered ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo capacity reached 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with them stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers were unique features, and the 4Runner's towing capacity was a robust 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most, the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster and relatively small touchscreen might not satisfy tech-savvy buyers. However, the intuitive interface and smart design touches, like the pedestrian-detection icon, enhanced usability.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems offered off-road capabilities, while the braking and locking differentials maximized traction.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. The IIHS gave it "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though its alerts were often oversensitive.