2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. Our test model, priced at $30,580, included Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was commendable, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a drawback at higher price points.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a revised exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, were available. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the interior was designed with comfort and practicality in mind, making it a solidly premium vehicle in the top trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base models featured a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher trims, including the AWD versions, had a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Activ AWD’s powertrain was responsive, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, the Trailblazer struggled on tight curves and uphill sections, and its fuel economy averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation in Normal mode and a firm ride that required careful handling over bumps.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for the AWD version.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s interior had its pros and cons. While the leatherette seats were decent, they tended to trap 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, making them less inviting. The cargo space was practical, expanding from 25.3 cubic feet to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and the front passenger seat could also fold down for additional cargo length. However, the trunk measurement included space under the cargo floor, which could be misleading.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a handy under-stack area for storage. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, Stow ’n Go seats, and a spacious cargo area. The second- and third-row seats offered plenty of legroom, and the Stow ’n Go seats tumbled into the floor for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

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, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services with a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system, available for Activ and RS trims, featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization functions. The Trailblazer also had USB-A and USB-C charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the navigation system was easy to use. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert with 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 a subscription-based automatic collision notification service. Optional safety features, depending on the trim level, included a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were found to be inconsistent.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lockout, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet rated the model at the time of publication.