2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in several trims, including 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. Most trims featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the RS trim boasted a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for enhanced traction. The Blazer underwent minor updates for 2022, with the Premier trim receiving revised bumper and bodyside trim, and new wheel designs. A new Enhanced Convenience Package and Trailering Package were introduced, and two-tone paint options became available for the LT and RS trims. The Blazer's pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The RS test vehicle, equipped with optional AWD and additional packages, totaled $49,000. The Blazer's design drew inspiration from the Camaro, featuring a sporty appearance with 20-inch wheels, though some found the rear styling awkward. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro elements with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls, though it was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the Blazer, offering a rugged yet upscale appearance with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling, with the Activ model sporting a rugged look and the RS model showcasing a sportier design. Both models offered contrasting roof colors, adding a distinctive touch. The Activ test car included leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a mix of copper-toned and black plastic trim, providing a unique interior aesthetic. While the Trailblazer's cabin didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard added character.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, and remote engine starting. The RS trim featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS provided firm and sporty handling, though the V6 engine was noted for its loudness. The SUV's suspension and steering were less impressive on winding roads, and the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift. The Blazer's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, but the test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It offered a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine offered both FWD and AWD options. FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic was less refined, with occasional rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads but performed well on pavement. The Trailblazer exhibited body roll typical of high-riding vehicles but remained composed and nimble. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. The Trailblazer offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode showed minimal differences.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, lending a sporty appearance. The steering wheel was adjustable and heated, while the front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The seats were accommodating for larger individuals but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The Blazer's back seat was spacious, with sliding functionality for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered substantial space. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space. The Trailblazer provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, surpassing the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX in rear legroom. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips but less so for long journeys. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, competitive for the segment but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Interior storage included a covered bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray, though a small dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-resolution graphics and user-friendly controls. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgraded version offering satellite radio and connected navigation. Connected services like OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were available, though trial periods were short. The infotainment system was easy to use, with separate stereo and climate controls. Enhanced voice recognition and navigation systems were responsive. The Blazer also offered wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety features included rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the optional touchscreen was small by current standards, it was well-suited to the Trailblazer's dashboard. The instrument cluster combined a smaller screen with analog gauges, effectively conveying information. Smart design touches included a person-shaped icon for pedestrian detection and an engine start/stop indicator.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems were effective and user-friendly, though the IIHS did not award it a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to headlight performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the Trailblazer a five-star overall safety rating, with high marks in frontal and side crash tests.