2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 styling cues reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage options, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch exuded a more traditional SUV aesthetic with its long hood, short front overhang, and athletic stance. The King Ranch trim added exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding, though the interior materials were a mix of quality and questionable choices. The Explorer's design was more about subtlety, with its rear-drive platform allowing for a sleek roofline and floating roof effect. While the King Ranch trim offered a luxurious feel, it shared many visual similarities with other Explorer models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a choice between two turbocharged 3-cylinder engines. The base engine was a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, available with AWD and 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 rating of 28 mpg. The driving experience was marred by quirks like disconnected steering feel and suspension harshness over bumps.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid option combined a 3.3-liter V6 with electric power for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier engine was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer King Ranch, equipped with the V6, averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and it offered a more engaging driving experience than typical midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior offered a mix of comfort and practicality. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were less accommodating, 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 lack of rear air conditioning vents and the climate control system's inconsistent performance detracted from overall comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch excelled in providing comfort for families, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, while the third-row seat was best suited for children. The Explorer's cargo space measured 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the interior lacked practical storage solutions, and the third-row access was challenging for adults.

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 7-speaker Bose sound system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose system effectively masked road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less reliable, and the larger screen felt like an afterthought. The Explorer also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0 for added convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, offering features like forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were inconsistent in their performance. As of the review, crash-test ratings were pending.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.