2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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 look 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, came with Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was commendable, with a well-laid-out control system, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a drawback at higher price points.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant design shift for Volvo, blending traditional styling with modern touches. It retained a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. Our Inscription test car, the flashiest trim level, featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base models came with 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 featured a turbocharged 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 Activ AWD’s powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. However, it exhibited quirks like transmission hesitation in Normal mode and a firm ride with suspension impact harshness over bumps.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came with FWD, while AWD was standard on the T6 and T8. The XC90 Recharge struggled to accelerate on electric power alone, often requiring gasoline engine assistance. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth ride and keeping body roll in check. It also had a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity for most models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s interior had its pros and cons. Cloth seats were only available in lower trims, while higher trims featured leatherette, which tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially with the automatic engine stop/start system. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and lacked support, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. Cargo space was decent, with 25.3 cubic feet expanding to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo length.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

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 for Activ and RS trims featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The interface was simple and intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, tuning, and navigation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. It also included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, with a tablet-like interface. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

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. It also included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and a subscription-based automatic collision notification service. Optional features included a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were sometimes overly sensitive or slow to react, and the lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist were inconsistent.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a wide range of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering and was one of the best systems of its kind, although it struggled with highway curves and required an attentive driver.