2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. Its design was appealing, featuring dark gray plastic trim around the lower perimeter and borrowing styling cues from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, despite its high price tag, maintained a modest appearance that belied its fully-loaded status. It lacked the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart and missed out on an Adventure trim level. However, the RAV4 Hybrid exuded a tough demeanor, with a stylish and functional interior. The quality of materials was mixed, with some impressive elements alongside glossy hard plastics. A notable issue was a rattle from the license plate, but overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a practical and comfortable cabin experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base models came with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. More powerful versions, like the Activ AWD, featured a 1.3-liter turbocharged 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 most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 28 mpg rating. The driving experience was marred by quirks such as disconnected steering feel and suspension impact harshness.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard AWD and offered multiple driving modes, including EV mode. The RAV4 Hybrid felt lively due to instant electric-motor torque, though the engine's sound was unpleasant at high revs. It achieved an impressive 39.7 mpg, close to the EPA's 40 mpg estimate. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was well-calibrated. While the RAV4 Hybrid's tires lacked grip, its overall driving dynamics were favorable, making it a comfortable daily driver.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior offered leatherette seats, which were comfortable but tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control struggled to maintain a cool cabin, especially with the engine stop/start system. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats were less comfortable due to a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer provided 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and offered a flat cargo floor.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid excelled in comfort, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and air conditioning vents. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment. The RAV4 Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the premium sound system's subwoofer took up some space.

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

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a top-tier infotainment system with an 8-inch display, JBL premium audio, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The display was mounted like a tablet, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy access. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and the RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were inconsistent, and crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The system was generally effective, though the lane-centering assist was overly assertive. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.