2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Honda Passport

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 appearance 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 vehicle, priced at $30,580, included Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was excellent, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic inside was less acceptable at higher price points.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot three-row SUV, making it a shorter, two-row version of the Pilot with different styling. The Passport's new nose design aimed to give it a tougher look, and it was available in three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. The TrailSport trim, new for 2022, targeted off-road enthusiasts with standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes. Prices ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, with our test vehicle priced at $44,095. The TrailSport trim featured unique 18-inch wheels, a roof rack, simulated skid plates, and other design modifications. Inside, the Passport offered one of the largest interiors in the two-row midsize SUV segment, with quality materials and careful assembly. The TrailSport trim added orange contrast stitching, amber ambient lighting, and rubber all-season floor mats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base front-wheel-drive models featured 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). Other versions, including the Activ AWD, had a more powerful turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Activ AWD's powertrain was agreeable, with torque kicking in at a low 1,600 rpm and available up to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. However, the driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation in Normal mode and suspension impact harshness over bumps. The Trailblazer Activ was best suited for gravel roads rather than off-roading, and it was loud inside on the freeway.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered front-wheel drive (FWD) for the EX-L trim and all-wheel drive (AWD) for the TrailSport and Elite trims. The i-VTM4 AWD system featured mechanical torque vectoring, delivering up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed. The Passport averaged 21.3 mpg in combined driving, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg for AWD models. The Passport excelled on streets, roads, and freeways, with satisfying acceleration, a firm and communicative ride, and athletic handling. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate during mountain descents, affecting confidence. The Passport's 5,000-pound towing capacity was notable, but the brakes' behavior under low-load conditions was a concern.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats only in the L and LS trims, limiting options for those who preferred cloth. The leatherette seats in higher trims tended to trap sweat, and the automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and an oddly reclined backrest. Rear passengers also lacked air conditioning vents. The cargo space was practical, expanding from 25.3 cubic feet to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat could also fold down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo-toting length.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy entry and exit, with large, comfortable front seats featuring inboard adjustable armrests and good thigh support. Leather upholstery and heated front seats were standard, with the Elite trim adding ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The triple-zone automatic climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers, with separate controls for rear passengers in the Elite trim. The rear seats provided ample room and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows creating an open and airy feel. The Passport offered plenty of storage, including a massive center console storage bin, door panel shelving, and cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

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 satellite radio, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization functions. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for power, volume, tuning, and navigation.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added a navigation system, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The system had shortcut buttons for the Home menu, Back, screen brightness, and volume/power, but lacked a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay and Siri were preferred over the clunky navigation system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's technology was not particularly advanced, which might be a blessing for some.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. It also featured a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and an automatic collision notification service. Optional safety 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 systems were sometimes over- or under-reactive, and the lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist were inconsistent.

The 2022 Honda Passport included Honda Sensing, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and a seatbelt reminder system. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist functions were intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control was not smooth in maintaining following distances. The blind-spot monitoring warning light was poorly positioned. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories but earned four stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings in most respects, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.