2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen’s gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while not just about good looks, certainly benefited from its appealing styling. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, with options for a black- or white-painted roof adding 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 test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and reached $33,000 with options. Despite its high price, the Trailblazer’s cabin was filled with hard plastic, though it maintained a sense of style.

At launch, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, with a second electric motor powering the front wheels, arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. The AWD version offered more power and better traction, making it quick around town and on highways. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn’t offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes for a familiar driving experience.

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 offered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with AWD, rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels and provided a zippy and nimble driving experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 felt like a crossover compared to other EVs, but not gasoline models. It offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 provided more rear headroom and legroom, but the ID.4 had more front headroom. Cargo space was 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than several EV competitors but less than the CR-V and RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility and substandard rear visibility due to thick rear pillars. The console was narrow, with limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in cold weather.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed and had plenty of room for four people. 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 space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating long items like surfboards.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services, including a WiFi hotspot. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for essential functions. Additional technologies included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new standard features for 2021, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came 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.