GMC Yukon vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking presence on the road, especially for those with a penchant for chrome. Even the base SLE model exuded a premium aura, thanks to its shiny accents. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome elements became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized, multi-dimensional grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, was flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights, giving the vehicle a commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint, while the off-road-oriented AT4 trim offered a unique look with its dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks.

Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin, with standard seating for eight and the option for second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven but easing access to the third row. The Denali trim offered exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale colour combo, adding layers and textures for a premium feel. The AT4 trim featured a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details, providing a custom look. All three rows were comfortable, even for taller passengers, and the Denali's interior options added a touch of luxury.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, presented itself as a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance. The intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, contributed to its sophisticated look. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling elements, with the Activ aiming for a rugged appearance and the RS adopting a sportier look. The contrasting roofs available on these models added a distinctive and retro touch, with our Activ test car featuring a white roof and Nitro Yellow paint.

Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of practicality and personality. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, while the copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim added a touch of flair. Although the interior didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard made it distinctive. The Trailblazer's cabin was well-suited for everyday use, with a focus on practicality and style.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, catering to different performance needs. The standard 5.3-litre V8 engine, available on all trims except the Denali, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a more powerful 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines employed direct injection and cylinder-deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, affectionately known as the "Baby Duramax," was available on all trims except the AT4, offering 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque. This diesel engine provided excellent fuel consumption, allowing the Yukon to travel over 1,000 kilometres on a single tank.

All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on the SLE and SLT trims, and four-wheel drive standard on the AT4 and Denali. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, achievable with the 5.3-litre engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, had a tow rating of 3,629 kilograms. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, although some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced the ride, especially on highways.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. The standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Front-wheel drive models featured a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel drive models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with the 1.3-litre engine and all-wheel drive, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, performed well on pavement, although some body roll and bouncing were noted. The Trailblazer's selectable all-wheel drive system required manual engagement, unlike competitor systems that switch automatically. The Trailblazer also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, although the differences between modes were subtle.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, with its three-row seating, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The recent redesign addressed previous issues with third-row accessibility and legroom, increasing third-row legroom by over 25 centimetres to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 722 litres, thanks to a longer wheelbase and the move to an independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. Our test vehicle featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats, enhancing convenience.

A standout feature of the Yukon was the power-sliding centre console, which revealed additional storage space and a hidden storage drawer. The Denali trim also included power-retractable, illuminated assist steps, making entry and exit easier. The pushbutton transmission controls, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but became second nature with use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on the market, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that benefited passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom, although legroom was mid-pack. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use, but the flat cushions made long trips less appealing. Cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres behind the second row and 1,540 litres with the seats folded, although it lagged behind the Kia Seltos.

The Trailblazer's interior featured smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. A small carve-out above the dashboard was present, but its function was unclear. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms, reflecting its subcompact SUV status.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-colour head-up display, the largest in its class, offering driving speed, safety aids, and off-road inclinometer information. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. The Denali's Bose 14-speaker audio system, while adequate, didn't meet expectations for sound quality. The rear-seat media system, part of the Denali Ultimate Package, featured dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens compatible with various media formats.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, aided by smart design touches.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features such as 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 earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the Trailblazer a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.