Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, including destination charges and fees. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, while the U.S. offered a front-wheel drive version. The Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD came with a Special Edition package, and the Limited trim allowed for a Platinum package upgrade. The Bronze Edition for the XLE sold out quickly. Our test vehicle was the top Limited trim with the Platinum package, priced at $61,800 in Canada. The 2023 model saw minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and lack of quality, though it was notably quiet on the road.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer, reintroduced in 2021, marked a departure from its predecessor with a shorter length and aggressive styling reminiscent of the Camaro. The 2024 model year featured a minor styling refresh, with thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille for a more athletic look. Inside, the dashboard received a makeover with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch touchscreen. While the materials appeared decent, they were made from harder plastic, common in non-luxury subcompact SUVs. The Trailblazer's interior was compared to the Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai Kona, with the Mazda CX-30 offering a more luxurious feel. Overall, the Trailblazer's design was sporty and modern, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard AWD. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, but the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though it struggled with power and brake performance in mountainous conditions. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for city and suburban driving, offering a compliant ride and quiet highway performance, but lacked engaging driving dynamics.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains: a base 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with 155 horsepower. The latter was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The 1.3-litre engine provided adequate performance, but acceleration was slow, with a 0-100 km/h time exceeding nine seconds. Braking was predictable, and the Trailblazer offered average handling, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The Trailblazer smoothed over road imperfections and maintained a quiet cabin at highway speeds. Compared to rivals, the Trailblazer's performance was similar to the Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai Kona, while the Mazda CX-30 offered more power and sharper handling.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and the SUV was better suited as a two-row model. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional amenities in the Platinum package. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. Storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered ample front space and good visibility, with a wireless charging pad and convenient storage options. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel standard on most trims. The rear seats provided generous legroom and headroom, accommodating adult passengers and rear-facing infant seats. The Trailblazer boasted 716 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona and surpassing the Mazda CX-30. The available hands-free power liftgate added convenience, making the Trailblazer a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Remote Connect allowed remote access to vehicle functions, while the Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The infotainment platform was user-friendly, though graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's response time was slightly delayed, but the display was well-placed for reduced distraction. A native navigation system was not offered, relying on smartphone connectivity for navigation. The base audio system performed well, with an optional Bose upgrade available. Overall, the Trailblazer's technology was average for the class, offering essential features with ease of use.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the ADAS occasionally struggled with lane navigation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received five-star ratings 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 parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims. The Trailblazer's safety features functioned reliably, though some rivals offered more standard safety equipment.