2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique touches such as an Ice Edge roof, matte black wheels, and red interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured large rubberized knobs and door handles, adding to its rugged theme. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and more durable than leather, but real leather wasn't available even on the top-tier Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior offered functional touches that distinguished it from other Toyota models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while small, boasted an appealing design with well-proportioned character lines and details. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. 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 level. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, started at $28,195 and reached $33,000 with options.

Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was filled with hard plastic, but it had a sense of style. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty driving experience. However, the Trailblazer's suspension struggled with speed bumps and off-road terrain. On the highway, it offered a bouncy ride and some head toss due to its tall center of gravity and short wheelbase. Despite its small engine, it achieved 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making for a less engaging driving experience. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and better fuel economy.

On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride, but its off-road capabilities were limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, their off-road performance was hindered by limited suspension articulation and shallow approach, departure, and breakover angles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The latter engine made the Trailblazer feel sprightly, especially with AWD, which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim, with 18-inch wheels and a light curb weight, 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.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the center-console storage was limited.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, and the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test car had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Additional technologies included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard safety features included 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.