2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a small SUV that managed to impress with its appealing design. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and details, making it attractive even in its base L trim. The option for a contrasting black or white-painted roof added to its charm. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer offered a range of trims from L to RS, with prices starting at $20,195 and reaching up to $26,695, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The RS trim, which we tested, came with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a starting price of $28,195, but options pushed the total to $33,000. However, the interior was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was a midsize SUV that offered a more aggressive and sporty design, inspired by the Camaro. Available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims, the Blazer featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the RS trim boasting a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system. The Blazer's pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. Our RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and several packages, totaled $49,000. Inside, the Blazer's design echoed the Camaro, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. However, the interior also suffered from hard plastic, particularly on the upper door panels, which was disappointing given its price.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was powered by turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The latter engine, paired with AWD, provided a more engaging driving experience thanks to a nine-speed automatic transmission and improved rear suspension. The Trailblazer RS, with its 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, was nimble and fun to drive, especially in Sport mode. However, it was noisy on highways and struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The RS trim featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Blazer RS felt sporty and firm, with decent grip from its 20-inch wheels. However, the V6 engine was loud, and the suspension struggled on winding roads. The Blazer's steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, and the nine-speed automatic was slow to downshift. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom. The Trailblazer's cargo space was notable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 8.5 feet long.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was comfortable and practical, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though they lacked thigh support. The Blazer featured dual-zone climate control and rear air vents. The rear seat was spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage options included a large glove compartment, center bin, and door panel shelves.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test vehicle had the larger screen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. Additional tech included a keyless entry keypad and optional hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen and high-resolution graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for satellite radio and connected navigation. The system was easy to use, with separate controls for volume and climate. Our test vehicle had wireless charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and advanced safety features like a 360-degree camera and rear camera mirror.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer also came with Chevy Safety Assist, providing similar safety features as the Trailblazer. It included a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Available upgrades included a Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning. However, the Blazer's headlights did not earn high ratings from IIHS. Our test vehicle's safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance.