2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured a stylish design with dark gray plastic trim and borrowed elements from competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted an excellent design with a well-organized control layout and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its utilitarian roots into a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to reach a price tag of $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a classic design with hallmark cues and a luxurious interior. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless appeal, drawing on its heritage while offering modern amenities.

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 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, had a more powerful 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer offered decent power for everyday driving, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg, and exhibited quirks in its driving dynamics, such as suspension impact harshness and a noisy cabin.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, though it was primarily tested on well-traveled trails. It provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that filtered road harshness. The Range Rover averaged 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 20 mpg, and was best enjoyed at a leisurely pace due to its weight and tall center of gravity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a comfortable front seating experience with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with 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 8.5 feet of cargo length.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the rear seats lacked thigh support and adjustability. Despite this, the rear offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover included a button to lower the suspension for easier loading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version featuring an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose system effectively drowned out road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required some learning but was manageable for those familiar with smartphones. The system's dual 10-inch touchscreens could be distracting while driving, but the Range Rover offered a head-up display and touch-sensing steering wheel controls. The waterproof Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app added convenience and functionality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with standard safety features, including 10 airbags and Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control. The safety systems had some inconsistencies, such as overreactive adaptive cruise control and inconsistent lane-keeping assist.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which worked well, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond. The Range Rover's safety features were effective and accurate, though some advanced systems were not tested.