2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the classic Bronco, offering a modern retro aesthetic that appealed to both urban and adventurous drivers. Its design featured a short front overhang for optimal approach angles and a rear overhang that was almost as effective. The tall fender wells and tucked-in body sides were crafted for trail driving, minimizing the risk of snagging on obstacles. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold white lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford blue oval on the tailgate. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior boasted a rugged yet tasteful design with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was praised for its appealing styling and well-executed proportions. Available in five trims, the Trailblazer offered a range of options, including a black- or white-painted roof for added flair. The RS trim, in particular, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty appearance. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer provided a roomy interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a flat-folding rear seat for increased cargo capacity. The cabin, however, was criticized for its hard plastic materials, which detracted from the overall quality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, featuring a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, providing a more spirited driving experience. A CVT was standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive models received a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The Trailblazer was nimble and fun to drive, especially in RS trim, but it struggled with noise and ride quality on highways and rough terrain.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds. The interior offered ample storage compartments, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four passengers comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a flat-folding rear seat for cargo. The trunk provided 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for the transport of long items.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system on higher trims and a 360-degree camera for off-road use. The terrain management system included multiple drive modes, and trail control technology was available for off-roading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Chevrolet Connected Services. The RS trim included Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models had AWD and a terrain management system, though crash-test ratings were not available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.