2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a distinct elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton truck. It shared its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition but stood apart with unique design elements, including a body-color grille, sweeping LED running lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes, layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the panel gaps were tight, making the interior feel luxurious and well-crafted.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a small SUV with appealing styling and well-executed proportions. It came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695. The RS trim, tested at $33,000, featured AWD, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a sporty driving mode. Despite its hard plastic interior, the Trailblazer offered a sense of style and functionality. The cabin was roomy, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a flat-folding rear seat for increased cargo space. The Trailblazer's trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel sprightly despite its size. It offered a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the smoothness of the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power were impressive, especially on highways.

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 models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The RS trim, with its 18-inch wheels and Sport driving mode, offered a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps and off-road terrain. Despite these drawbacks, the Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, with seating for six adults and a total cargo capacity of 103 cubic feet. The second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining, and a bench seat was optional. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate control system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with separate thigh extensions, bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though smaller, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed and offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RS trim had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and the rear seat provided ample legroom but was less comfortable. The front passenger seat also folded flat, enhancing cargo versatility.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer models, but the software was intuitive and easy to use. It included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connections. However, the Navigator lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was only decent.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 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. Additional features included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. 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.