2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, was a stylish subcompact SUV. It borrowed design elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, with its stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint options. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior was thoughtfully designed, featuring a control layout and displays that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from the overall quality, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a groundbreaking entry into the EV market, marking a new era for Hyundai's Ioniq brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a futuristic concept car vibe. The interior embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a serene and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The Ioniq 5's cabin was spacious, thanks to its long wheelbase, and featured innovative elements like a moveable center console and a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat. The overall design was both modern and practical, catering to the needs of passengers and drivers alike.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options: a standard 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a more powerful 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. The latter was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission in AWD models, providing smooth gear changes and decent power delivery. Despite its modest power, the Trailblazer managed to handle most driving conditions adequately, though it struggled on steep inclines. Fuel economy was slightly below the EPA rating, averaging 26.6 mpg. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics were marred by quirks such as disconnected steering feel and suspension impact harshness, making it less suitable for rapid driving or off-road adventures.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, offered a choice between RWD and AWD configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 168-horsepower motor, while the extended-range variants boasted 225 horsepower and a range of 303 miles. The AWD version delivered 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced driving excitement. Regenerative braking could be adjusted using paddle shifters, adding an interactive element to the driving experience. The Ioniq 5 excelled in noise reduction, thanks to acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior offered a mix of leatherette and cloth materials, with the latter limited to lower trims. The automatic climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, especially with the engine stop/start system engaged. The front seats were adjustable and supportive, but the rear seats were less comfortable due to their flat cushions and lack of air conditioning vents. Cargo space was competitive, with 25.3 cubic feet expanding to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the front passenger seat could fold down for additional cargo length.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform, maximized interior space with its long wheelbase. It offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, featuring soft touchpoints and a moveable center console. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of body types. The interior design was practical, with ample storage and innovative features like a retro front bench seat for easy access.

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 premium sound system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose sound system effectively masked road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 offered a digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating, ensuring clear visibility. The Ioniq 5 also provided unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through a partnership with Electrify America.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were inconsistent, affecting overall safety performance. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high safety standards.