2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, was a stylish subcompact SUV. It borrowed design elements from competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, featuring dark gray plastic trim and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and sport terrain tires. Inside, the Trailblazer impressed with its excellent interior design, offering a well-organized control layout and attractive detailing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from its appeal, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a head-turner with its aggressive styling reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus. Its wedgy profile, slim windows, and bold front end made a strong impression. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's usual utilitarian look, drawing inspiration from the Camaro. It offered various customization options, including different grille designs and packages like Redline and Midnight/Sport. However, the interior fell short, with a dark and unsatisfying cabin, lacking the quality expected at its price point. Competitors offered better interior materials and design for similar or lower prices.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. More powerful versions had a 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The Trailblazer's powertrain was adequate for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation and disconnected steering feel, and its suspension was harsh over bumps.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine choices. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, was underpowered and noisy. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, standard on higher trims, provided 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-liter V6, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, available on the RS trim. The Blazer RS featured a sport-tuned suspension and torque-vectoring rear axle, enhancing its handling. However, transmission calibration issues and a lack of paddle shifters hindered the driving experience. Fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter being standard on higher trims. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's 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 for additional cargo length. However, the climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, and rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer provided comfortable seating for four, with low-mounted seats for easy entry and exit. Visibility was a challenge due to poor sightlines, but large side mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved it. The Blazer's cargo space was similar to the Equinox, with 64 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration. The Blazer featured user-friendly controls, including temperature dials integrated into the air vents and a hands-free power tailgate. Upper trims offered additional features like a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and rear heated seats.

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, and more. The upgraded system, available on higher trims, featured an 8-inch display, wireless smartphone integration, and cloud-connected personalization. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added features like wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and onboard apps. Unique GM features allowed for cloud-based settings transfer and contactless payments. Standard driver assists included forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, though the Blazer lacked semi-automated functions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard safety features, including 10 airbags and Chevy Safety Assist. It offered forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control was inconsistent, and the lane-keeping assist system was unreliable. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." It included a driver's knee airbag but lacked rear emergency braking. Enhanced forward emergency braking was available on top trims. The Blazer's safety features were comprehensive, but some advanced options were limited to higher trims.