2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once a rugged workhorse, it now boasted features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade old, remained timeless with its sleek lines and hallmark design cues. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the infotainment system, though advanced, was not as intuitive as newer models, requiring some patience to master.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a small SUV that impressed with its appealing styling and practical design. It offered five trim levels, with the RS trim providing a sporty look and feel. The Trailblazer's interior, while filled with hard plastics, was stylish and functional, offering ample room for four passengers. The rear seat, though flat and bench-like, contributed to a flat load floor when folded down. The Trailblazer's cargo space was versatile, with a trunk capacity of 25.3 cubic feet and the ability to accommodate longer items with ease.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its 4WD system, coupled with Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road prowess. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity led to some body roll. Fuel economy was modest, with an average of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, enhancing ride and handling. The Trailblazer was nimble and fun to drive, especially in RS trim with its 18-inch wheels. However, it was noisy on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Despite these drawbacks, the Trailblazer achieved an average fuel economy of 26.1 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension offered a kneel mode for easier access, but the second-row seats lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and a cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but luggage space was less than expected for a vehicle of its size.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality, with a dashboard tray and the ability to hold items up to 8.5 feet long. It provided ample room for four passengers, with a power-adjustable driver seat and a comfortable front passenger seat. The rear seat, though flat, contributed to a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer offered 54.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, and the front passenger seat could also fold flat for longer items.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while advanced, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls and a useful voice recognition system. The Trailblazer also offered a keyless entry keypad system and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist provided a core set of ADAS, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, and its ADAS performed smoothly during testing.