2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It struck 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 cues, 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 touch, making the Trailblazer stand out among its peers. Inside, the Activ model's interior combined leatherette upholstery with copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, creating a unique yet somewhat eclectic cabin atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a tough exterior appearance, with aggressive body cladding and dual exhaust outlets hinting at performance. The TRD Off-Road trim, although discontinued in Canada, showcased a more rugged look with utility-style roof racks. The RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs emphasizing utility. The SofTex artificial leather upholstery and heated front seats added comfort, while the spacious cabin accommodated four adults comfortably. The RAV4's cargo space was generous, with a power liftgate revealing a roomy area for storage, making it a practical choice for recreational activities.

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 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. The vehicle's ride quality was generally good, although some rough shifts and body roll were noticeable. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, AWD was standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 offered Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes, enhancing its versatility. While the engine was powerful for its class, it required high revs to access maximum power, resulting in a loud and unrefined sound. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the hybrid model offering better efficiency. The RAV4's performance was complemented by its dependable eight-speed automatic transmission, although the engine's noise detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched rivals like the Kia Seltos in headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 716 litres with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, although it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, but the cargo capacity was limited for larger loads. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was modest, rated at 454 kilograms.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality and utility, with a well-designed interior featuring storage shelves, trays, and oversized control knobs. The SofTex artificial leather upholstery and heated front seats added comfort, while the spacious cabin accommodated four adults comfortably. The RAV4's cargo space was generous, with a power liftgate revealing a roomy 1,059-litre area, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for recreational activities, offering ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, the optional touchscreen was relatively small by modern standards, and a fully digital instrument cluster was unavailable. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasted the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with a standard 8-inch and available 10.5-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were included for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, adding cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated, although it lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues. The RAV4 also offered a digital rear-view mirror and an available JBL premium audio system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with 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 a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. While the TSS 2.5 system performed adequately, it had some limitations, such as excessive braking in certain situations. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to updated testing criteria, receiving a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.