2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, presented a charming and compact design. It borrowed styling elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona’s stacked triple front lights and the Kia Soul’s two-tone paint schemes, making it instantly appealing. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged touch with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with a well-organized control layout and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. Its design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, maintaining the iconic proportions and sleek lines. The Velar’s exterior featured a sloping roof, flush door handles, and distinctive taillight lenses, contributing to its elegant appearance. Inside, the Velar offered a high-quality cabin with a polished black center stack and attractive seat patterns, although it lacked some of the premium materials found in previous models. The Velar’s design choices, such as the absence of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes puzzling, but the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options: a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The latter was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission in all-wheel-drive models, providing smooth gear changes and decent responsiveness in Sport mode. While not a powerhouse, the Trailblazer delivered adequate performance for everyday driving, though it struggled on steep inclines and was noisy on the freeway. Its fuel economy averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar offered a smoother ride with its optional air suspension and adaptive dampers. For those seeking more power, the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. While the Velar excelled on the road, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided a practical interior with a flat cargo floor when the rear seats were folded, expanding cargo space from 25.3 cubic feet to 54.4 cubic feet. However, the rear seats were uncomfortable, with a flat cushion and lack of air conditioning vents. The front seats offered good support, but the automatic climate control struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature, especially with the engine stop/start system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar sacrificed interior space for its stylish design, resulting in limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet when folded. The Velar’s interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, but the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience. The Velar’s interior was high-quality, with a focus on aesthetics, but some design decisions compromised functionality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version featuring 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 Bose sound system effectively drowned out road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar’s Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system provided useful features, such as traffic detours and off-road measurements. The Velar’s instrument panel offered customizable displays, but the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control was inconsistent, and the lane-keeping assist system occasionally allowed the vehicle to drift. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.