2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover carried a legacy of luxury and ruggedness, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a symbol of opulence, combining robust 4x4 capabilities with high-end features. By 2020, the Range Rover offered a variety of trims, including the HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, each available in Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, while higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and advanced climate control.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured a stylish design with elements borrowed from competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. The Activ trim, in particular, offered a rugged appearance with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and a two-tone paint scheme. Inside, the Trailblazer boasted a well-designed interior with practical storage solutions, although it was marred by the use of hard plastics. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer provided a comfortable driving experience, though it struggled with interior climate control and noise insulation.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, generating 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim topped the range with a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, ensuring impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, featured a standard turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Higher trims, including the Activ, offered a more powerful 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine, producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Trailblazer used a 9-speed automatic transmission. While not a powerhouse, the Trailblazer provided adequate performance for everyday driving, with a focus on fuel efficiency. It averaged 26.6 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics were generally satisfactory, though it struggled with suspension harshness and road noise.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain's chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxurious interior, the Range Rover's cargo capacity was slightly below average for its class. The SUV featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, in contrast, offered a more compact interior with a focus on practicality. The rear seat was spacious for legs and feet but lacked comfort due to a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 25.3 cubic feet expanding to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo length. However, the Trailblazer's interior climate control struggled to maintain comfort, and the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and media functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, offering a unique user experience. However, the reliance on digital screens posed challenges, as the system occasionally experienced lag and bugs. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Higher trims featured an 8-inch display with wireless connectivity and cloud-based personalization. The Trailblazer also provided USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a 7-speaker Bose sound system. The infotainment interface was praised for its simplicity and intuitive design, with physical controls enhancing usability. The Bose system effectively masked road noise, improving the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with standard safety features, including low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, some competitors provided more standard features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted an extensive array of standard safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and a subscription-based collision notification service. Optional safety technologies included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. While the Trailblazer's safety systems were generally effective, some inconsistencies were noted in their performance.