2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with an MSRP of $42,083, was a fully-loaded model that included almost every option. Despite its high price, it looked like a standard RAV4, similar to those found at rental car lots. The trim level deserved larger wheels, and an Adventure trim would have been a welcome addition. The RAV4 Hybrid had a tough appearance for a compact SUV, but it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though the quality was inconsistent, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate was a minor annoyance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had appealing styling, with well-proportioned character lines and small details. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was impressive. The Trailblazer came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim. Our RS trim test vehicle, priced at $33,000, had a cabin filled with hard plastic, though it had a sense of style.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided standard AWD and generated 219 horsepower, 16 hp more than the standard RAV4 engine. The front electric motor produced 149 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor generated 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, making it feel lively when accelerating. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and our test averaged 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid handled well, though the tires lacked grip. It had a flat cornering stance and was agreeable to drive on winding roads. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, it handled off-road terrain well at slow speeds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. Our RS trim test vehicle had 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. Off-road, it required careful handling to avoid damage.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats provided decent legroom and foot space, with a reclining backrest and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-arranged, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats increased cargo space to 69.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was small but functional. It had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a comfortable front passenger seat. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, with a two-position load floor and additional storage slots. Folding the back seat increased cargo space to 54.4 cubic feet, and the front passenger seat also folded flat for longer items.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Our test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was easy to use, with shortcut buttons and a home screen showing multiple functions. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test vehicle had Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was easy to use, with physical controls and a useful voice recognition system. Additional features included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights and a road-sign recognition system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were available on all but the Hybrid LE trim, and rear automatic braking was exclusive to the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist included 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’s ADAS worked smoothly and accurately during testing. It earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS.