2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer was part of Ford's strategic lineup of SUVs, each bearing a familial resemblance with their "E" names. This approach harkened back to the 1950s, aiming to create brand loyalty as customers moved up the price ladder. The Explorer's exterior was appealing, though it could be mistaken for the Edge at a quick glance. Its sporty design, with raked belt lines and distinctive visages, set it apart from other brands. The Explorer offered six trim levels, each with varying grille designs and price points ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, it featured three rows of seating as standard, with the base model offering cloth upholstery. The dashboard was clean, with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a rotary gearshift that maximized storage space. The XLT trim was the most popular, offering better equipment and finishes, while leather upholstery was available from the mid-tier Limited trim upwards.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, with its appealing styling and well-proportioned design. It came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim. The RS trim, with AWD, started at $28,195, but options could push the price to $33,000. The Trailblazer's cabin was filled with hard plastic, though it maintained a sense of style. Despite its small size, it offered functionality, with a dashboard tray and the ability to hold items up to 8.5 feet long. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, while the rear seat, though roomy, was flat and uncomfortable. Cargo space was generous, with 25.3 cubic feet in the trunk and 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds. Its base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, outperforming the Kia Telluride's V6 engine. All trims featured a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims had a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, producing 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the Explorer ST offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A CVT was standard with FWD, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and improved rear suspension. The RS trim had 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base model seated seven, while other trims offered six seats with second-row captain's chairs. It provided 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row in use, it offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It comfortably seated four, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat was roomy but flat, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expanding to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating long items like surfboards.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Charging options included two USB ports and five 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It offered Chevrolet Connected Services, including a WiFi hotspot and Teen Driver technology. The RS trim featured Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, along with a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. It offered the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.