2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic presence. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer embraced a sporty and aggressive design, reminiscent of the Camaro. The refreshed styling included thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille, giving it a more athletic appearance. The interior received a modern update with a cohesive digital instrument panel and an 11-inch touchscreen. Despite the use of harder plastics, the Trailblazer's interior offered decent materials and padded touchpoints. The design was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Trailblazer's interior was inviting, with fabric inserts in the door panels and a layout that prioritized functionality over luxury.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a new B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This powertrain delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with minimal body roll and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and the vehicle maintained a quiet cabin thanks to effective insulation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains: a base 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a more powerful 1.3-litre engine producing 155 horsepower. The latter was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the 1.3-litre engine was adequate, it required effort to achieve highway speeds, and the transmission's slow response hindered performance. The Trailblazer's handling was average, prioritizing comfort over sportiness. It smoothed over road imperfections and kept road noise at bay, but its acceleration was slower compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The lack of a dedicated phone space and small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third row in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front-seat space and excellent visibility. It featured a wireless charging pad, medium-sized cupholders, and a deep bin with an organizer tray. The rear seats accommodated adult passengers comfortably, with sufficient legroom and headroom. The Trailblazer excelled in cargo space, offering 716 litres behind the rear seats, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona. The available hands-free power liftgate added convenience, making it a practical choice for those needing versatile storage options.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered advanced natural-language recognition, it relied heavily on the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional. The XC90's tech required an adjustment period, but its integration with Google Home devices was a notable advantage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trims. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by an optional wireless charging pad. The digital instrument panel was easy to read, though the lack of a native navigation system was a drawback. The base audio system performed well, with an optional Bose upgrade available. The Trailblazer's technology was user-friendly, though not particularly impressive compared to competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist and Pilot Assist technology provided additional safety support, making the XC90 a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer also received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "good" scores from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Confidence package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the Trailblazer offered a solid suite of safety features, some rivals provided more standard equipment.