Toyota RAV4 vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer marked a continuation of its aggressive styling, reminiscent of the sporty Camaro, with a refreshed design that included thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille for a more athletic appearance. Inside, the Trailblazer featured a modern dashboard with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, although the digital panel didn't fully occupy its enclosure, giving a slightly downmarket feel. The materials used were typical for non-luxury subcompact SUVs, with harder plastics but adequately padded touchpoints. The interior layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, offering a cohesive design, while the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 provided more modern and luxurious alternatives.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a tough exterior with its angular body cladding and dual exhaust outlets, though the performance didn't match the aggressive look. The TRD Off-Road trim, tested in the U.S., was discontinued in Canada, where the Limited trim topped the lineup. The RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with utility-driven features like storage shelves and easy-clean surfaces. The cabin offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it well-equipped for winter conditions. The RAV4 provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a roomy 1,059-litre cargo area that expanded to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains: a base 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, and a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The latter provided better performance, but acceleration was still sluggish, with a zero to 100 km/h time exceeding nine seconds. The Trailblazer's handling was average, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving, and it smoothed out road imperfections well. Comparatively, the Volkswagen Taos offered similar power and handling, while the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 provided different performance experiences, with the latter being the more athletic choice.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, requiring high revs to access maximum power. In Canada, AWD was standard, and the eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery. The RAV4 featured Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes and offered ground clearance between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres. The engine was powerful for its class but sounded loud and unrefined. Fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the hybrid version offering better efficiency. The RAV4's performance was complemented by its dependable engine and smooth transmission, though it lacked the refinement of some competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front space and excellent outward visibility, with features like a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and a deep storage bin. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated options available on most trims. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, accommodating adult passengers and rear-facing infant seats. The Trailblazer boasted 716 litres of cargo space, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona, and featured a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality with its utilitarian interior, featuring storage solutions and oversized control knobs. The seats were upholstered in SofTex artificial leather, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with adequate rear legroom and footroom. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded, making it competitive in its segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had a slight delay in response, and a native navigation system was absent, relying on smartphone connectivity. The base audio system was decent, with an optional Bose upgrade available. The Trailblazer's technology was user-friendly but not particularly impressive.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 included the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services like Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription and added features like cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The standard audio system was adequate, with a JBL premium option available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with standard features like frontal collision warning and lane-keep assist. The optional Confidence package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims, and all safety features functioned reliably during testing.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. While the system worked well on straight highways, it was less effective on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated model.