2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge gave it a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The switchgear was solid, and the aluminum speaker covers and white stitching added some flair, but overall, it lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, patterned after the larger Blazer, was a handsome subcompact SUV. It featured traditional cues like dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter and borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior design was excellent, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and stylish detailing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic was a drawback, especially as the price climbed past $30,000. A matte finish would have been more appropriate.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis, providing a balanced and dynamic driving experience. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth, uninterrupted power and impressive handling. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, and a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 hp. Towing capacity varied from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine. The Explorer's seven drive modes catered to various driving conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The standard was a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, available with a 9-speed automatic transmission when equipped with AWD. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. Fuel economy averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation and suspension impact harshness, but it handled well on gravel roads.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space and practicality. On a road trip to Maine, it provided ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was spacious enough for adults on short journeys. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's physical knobs and switches made it user-friendly, though the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mixed bag in terms of comfort and practicality. The leatherette seats were prone to trapping sweat, and the automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and lacked air conditioning vents. Cargo space was decent, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo length. However, the trunk measurement included space under the cargo floor, which could be misleading.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though not particularly innovative. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was available but had room for improvement. The keyless entry keypad was a standout feature, offering convenience for active users.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a 7-speaker Bose sound system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer had a passenger front knee airbag and received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side. The NHTSA had not yet tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. Additional features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and automatic collision notification. Optional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's safety systems had some inconsistencies, but overall, it was well-equipped.