2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Overall, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling, with the Activ boasting a rugged look and the RS offering a sportier design. Contrasting roofs in red, black, or white added a distinctive touch, as seen in the Nitro Yellow paint and white roof of the Activ tester. Inside, the Trailblazer Activ featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The interior, while not screaming "outdoor adventure," had distinctive design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard. The mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim with grey seat inserts added personality to the otherwise black interior.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and smooth highway experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It offered a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-litre engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic, though, exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, performed well on pavement, offering good ride quality despite some body roll and occasional bouncing over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike most competitors' automatic systems. It also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode showed little noticeable difference.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester featured ventilated front and rear seats with extensive adjustability and an Ergo driver’s seat designed to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 offered Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though 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 Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. However, the rear seats' flat cushions made long trips less comfortable. The Trailblazer provided 716 litres of cargo space with the second-row seats in place and 1,540 litres with them folded, respectable for the segment but behind the Kia Seltos. It had a towing capacity of 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds). Up front, the Trailblazer featured a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray, though a small dashboard carve-out's function was unclear.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the standard head-up display projected information into the driver’s field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control, though tactile, was cumbersome. The dial's top could detect handwriting for navigation and radio searches. The system's menu structure was inconsistent, with a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but not wireless. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the car to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging were optional. Despite the smaller optional touchscreen, it was well-sized for the dashboard, with large graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information. Smart design touches included a person-shaped icon for pedestrian detection and an engine start/stop indicator in the tachometer.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. The Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer was named a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.