2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup through signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist yet premium interior, featuring real metal trim and a blend of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was cohesive, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents integrating harmoniously, offering a sophisticated feel uncommon in this segment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, meanwhile, was celebrated for its appealing design, with Chevrolet nailing the proportions, character lines, and details. The option for a black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Available in five trims—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer's pricing ranged from $20,195 to $26,695, with AWD available on all but the base L trim. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, started at $28,195, but options pushed the price to $33,000, which seemed excessive given the interior's hard plastic materials. Despite this, the Trailblazer's cabin had a sense of style, and its functionality was impressive, with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a spacious rear seat, albeit with flat cushions for a flat load floor. The cargo area was versatile, offering 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. Gasoline variants featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 achieved the same in 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort over performance, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer utilized turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine being the preferred choice, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A CVT was standard with FWD, while AWD models received a more engaging nine-speed automatic transmission and an enhanced rear suspension for improved handling. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-season tires, contributing to its nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, the Activ trim offered some capability with off-road suspension tuning and sport-terrain tires. Despite its small engine, the Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and electric versions, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins, partially compensated for the lack of space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, freeing up door space, and a wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality despite its small size. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom and folded down to create a flat load floor. The Trailblazer's cargo area offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. Gasoline models retained the previous system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Recharge models lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for activation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, Alexa Built-in, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, and a keyless entry keypad system allowed for convenient access.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist provided a suite 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 both the NHTSA and IIHS.