2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, blending traditional elements with modern touches. While maintaining its boxy profile and rectangular grille, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, stood out as the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and unique options such as wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though compact, boasted an appealing design with well-proportioned lines and the option for a contrasting black- or white-painted roof. Available in five trims—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer ranged in price from $20,195 to $26,695, with AWD available on all but the base L trim. Our RS trim test vehicle, priced at $33,000 with options, featured AWD and a more powerful engine. Despite its stylish exterior, the Trailblazer's interior was marred by hard plastic, though it did offer a sense of style and functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with FWD, while AWD was standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops and required the gasoline engine's assistance at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-liter engine produced 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, while AWD models received a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with its 18-inch aluminum wheels and Sport driving mode, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer's cabin was noisy at freeway speeds, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps and off-road terrain. Despite these drawbacks, the Trailblazer achieved a combined fuel economy of 26.1 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could hold items up to 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 Trailblazer provided 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only the second-row had USB-C ports.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, 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 satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The infotainment system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Additional features included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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 earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS.