2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with more upscale features like wood panels and chrome available on higher trims. Despite its modern look, the CR-V's design did not stand out against competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had a more appealing and distinctive design. Chevrolet got the proportions, character lines, and small details right, making the Trailblazer attractive even in its base L trim. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its appeal. The Trailblazer came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with pricing ranging from $20,195 to $26,695. The RS trim, in particular, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty look. Despite its stylish exterior, the Trailblazer's interior was filled with hard plastic, though it had a sense of style and functionality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its acceleration or handling prowess. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth but uninspiring acceleration. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more engaging driving experiences with conventional transmissions and sport modes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine providing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer's CVT was paired with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive models received a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD models also had a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The RS trim featured 18-inch wheels and a Sport driving mode, making it fun to drive around town. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was practical and spacious, making it a good choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and the rear seat offered plenty of legroom but was flat and uncomfortable. The Trailblazer's trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space. The Trailblazer's interior was practical, with useful storage solutions and a high seating position for easy entry and exit.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system ranged from a 180-watt system with six speakers in the Special Edition and EX trims to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the Touring trim. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services with a WiFi hotspot. 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 operation. The Trailblazer also offered remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer also prioritized safety, with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including 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 earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.