2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX, a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, continued to impress with its refined exterior and spacious interior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, more assertive design. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized cabin with authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The layered dashboard and unique gear selection controls added to the vehicle's sophisticated feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer stood out with its appealing styling and practical design. Available in five trims—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer offered a range of options to suit different budgets. The RS trim, in particular, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty appearance. Despite its small size, the Trailblazer provided ample room for four passengers and a functional interior with a useful tray embedded in the dashboard. The rear seat, though flat and bench-like, contributed to a flat load floor when folded down, enhancing cargo capacity.

The 2022 Acura MDX came equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX offered smooth power delivery to either the front wheels or all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system featured torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension upgrades, including a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, improved ride quality and sporty handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity, combined with the new transmission, provided a solid and confident driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options. The base 1.2-liter engine delivered 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine produced 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Trailblazer's AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a more satisfying driving experience compared to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) in FWD models. The RS trim, with its 18-inch wheels and Sport driving mode, offered a zippy and nimble ride, though the vehicle's tall center of gravity and short wheelbase resulted in a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for second- and third-row passengers. The third row, while best suited for pre-teens, added valuable seating capacity. The MDX's cargo space ranged from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab 'N Go" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom and contributed to a flat load floor when folded down. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the vehicle to accommodate long items like surfboards.

The 2022 Acura MDX was packed with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard across all trims. The MDX also featured Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and a head-up display on the Advance package. The CabinTalk feature and over-the-air software updates added to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services with a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls and a useful voice recognition system. Remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system were also available.

The 2022 Acura MDX was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for collision protection. The front end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safe operation in heavy traffic and city driving. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard on all MDX models, including features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-jam assist.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. The standard Chevy Safety Assist package 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 earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.