2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Acura MDX

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 around its lower perimeter, reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona’s stacked triple front lights and the Kia Soul’s two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged appearance with front and rear 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 useful storage, although it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was a three-row luxury crossover SUV that underwent significant design enhancements. Built on a new dedicated platform, it featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, giving it a sportier and more assertive look. The MDX showcased Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to its modern exterior design. Inside, the MDX offered a spacious cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard was layered to emphasize cabin width, and the center console housed a unique gear selection system, adding to the vehicle's modern and luxurious feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base model featured 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 Activ AWD, were equipped with 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's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on uphill sections and was not designed for rapid acceleration. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth gear changes. The MDX featured Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of practicality and comfort. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were less inviting, with 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. The front passenger seat could also fold down, offering 8.5 feet of cargo length. However, the automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured comfortable seating for the first two rows, with a removable center section in the second row for added flexibility. The second row could slide and recline, providing ample legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access functions, enhancing convenience. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

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 SiriusXM satellite radio. The upgraded system featured 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 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa was built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The MDX also featured a head-up display, CabinTalk interior PA system, and a WiFi hotspot. The software could be updated over the air, ensuring the latest features and improvements.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. However, the adaptive cruise control was inconsistent, and the lane-keeping assist system occasionally allowed the vehicle to wander.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. It also featured a low-speed braking control system and collision mitigation throttle control, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.