Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer marked a notable evolution from its predecessors, showcasing a more compact and aggressive design. Its sporty aesthetic was further enhanced by a minor styling refresh, featuring thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille that suggested a need for more air intake. The interior received a modern update with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, although the digital panel's incomplete fit within its enclosure was a minor drawback. The materials used were typical for its class, with harder plastics but adequately padded touchpoints, and the available fabric inserts added a touch of warmth to the cabin.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid embraced a conservative design reminiscent of the popular RAV4, offering a spacious interior with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The Platinum trim added a layer of luxury with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a smart Portobello interior. However, the unlined storage areas could contribute to noise and vibration. The Grand Highlander provided a comfortable ride, though the rear doors' design posed challenges for families with small children. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Grand Highlander offered a practical and upscale experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrain options, starting with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, paired with a CVT that delivered sluggish performance. The more robust 1.3-litre engine in the Activ trim generated 155 horsepower and was coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive capabilities. Despite its sporty appearance, the Trailblazer's performance was average, with a zero to 100 km/h time exceeding nine seconds. It handled road imperfections well, offering a comfortable ride with minimal road and wind noise.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, particularly in the Hybrid Max configuration, focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and electronic full-time AWD, delivering an impressive 362 horsepower. This setup allowed for quick acceleration and confident maneuvering, aided by electric motors that eliminated turbo lag. The Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, achieving 8.8 L/100 km combined, but offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The ride quality was smooth, though handling was secure only up to a modest point, with early tire squeal and nose push in curves.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front space and excellent visibility, with a well-designed interior featuring a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and a deep storage bin. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated options available on most trims. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and adequate headroom, making it suitable for families. The Trailblazer offered 716 litres of cargo space, nearly matching its competitors, with a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating across three rows and over 2,700 litres of maximum cargo capacity. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials and supportive seats with heating and ventilation. However, the rear doors' design posed challenges for families with small children. The Grand Highlander provided 586 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,761 litres with the second row folded, making it ideal for extended family trips.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though responses were slightly delayed. A native navigation system was absent, relying on smartphone connectivity for directions. The base audio system was adequate, with an optional Bose upgrade for enhanced sound quality.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system was easy to use, though the font could be difficult to read. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with standard features like frontal collision warning and lane-keep assist. Optional packages added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, all functioning reliably during testing.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While the system operated accurately, the Proactive Driving Assist was found to be irritating. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but fell short of IIHS's Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.