2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, presented a charming and compact design. It borrowed styling elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona’s stacked triple front lights and the Kia Soul’s two-tone paint schemes, making it instantly appealing. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged touch with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and all-terrain-style tires. The interior was well-designed, featuring a practical control layout and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with brand identity. It shared design elements with the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The GV80's interior was luxurious, with a sleek dashboard and high-quality materials like real wood and leather. The center console was a blend of technology and design, with a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The GV80's cabin was spacious and comfortable, offering power-adjustable second-row seats and an optional third row for increased passenger capacity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model came with a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the AWD models, featured a more powerful 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for everyday driving, with a torque range from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on steep inclines and had a firm ride, averaging 26.6 mpg in fuel economy, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with AWD, while the four-cylinder models had RWD with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its electronically-controlled suspension and active noise cancellation. The 2.5T model was lively, while the 3.5T provided a more refined and powerful experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior offered a mix of comfort and practicality. The front seats were supportive, with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were less comfortable due to a flat cushion and lack of air conditioning vents. The Trailblazer provided 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, allowing for longer cargo items.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a showcase of luxury and technology. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a knurled metal finish. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power-adjustable seats and window shades. The GV80 offered a third row on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The interior was filled with high-quality materials and advanced features, making it a standout in its class.

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 a Bose premium sound system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a technological marvel, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with split-screen displays, cloud connectivity, and over-the-air updates. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 came with Genesis Connected Services, offering a range of remote and safety features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were inconsistent in their performance. At the time of review, crash-test ratings were not available.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came with an extensive list of safety features, including 10 airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered advanced features like highway-driving assist and remote smart parking assist. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.