2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, included luxurious features like perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and improved seating materials, making it a more upscale minivan option.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted an appealing design with well-proportioned character lines and the option for a contrasting roof color. It was available in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The RS trim, tested at $33,000, featured AWD, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a sporty appearance. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer offered a stylish interior with hard plastics, but it lacked the premium feel of the Odyssey. The Trailblazer's design was more about practicality and style, making it a popular choice for those seeking a small SUV with a modern look.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. It offered driving modes like Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth power delivery and featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the lack of AWD put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, struggled under heavy use, especially in hot conditions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It offered a CVT with FWD and a nine-speed automatic with AWD, the latter providing better ride and handling. The Trailblazer's light weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in RS trim with 18-inch wheels. It featured a Sport mode for a more engaging driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and functional interior with logical controls and ample storage. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its compact size, offered impressive functionality. It accommodated four passengers comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom. The Trailblazer's cargo area held 25.3 cubic feet, expanding to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items like surfboards. The Trailblazer's interior was practical, with a dashboard tray and adjustable load floor.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio starting from the EX trim. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk systems. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, though comprehensive, lacked a touchscreen, disappointing younger passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included Chevrolet Connected Services, a WiFi hotspot, and Teen Driver technology. The RS trim featured Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls and intuitive operation. It also offered remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing ADAS, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. It earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be abrupt, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's ADAS performed smoothly and accurately, earning top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.