2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned lines and small details, made it stand out. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer came in five versions: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, started at $28,195, but options pushed the price to $33,000. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, made it hard to justify the high price.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique package. It was the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with a base price of $49,095 for the Touring L trim, $54,095 for the Limited trim, and $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. Our Limited-trim test vehicle, with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior featured quality black Nappa leather, but the rounded, flowing styling made it appear soft and dated. Unlike the stylish Kia Carnival, Chrysler didn't try to hide the Pacifica's minivan nature. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's efficiency and practicality made it a compelling choice for those needing to transport people or cargo over short distances.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, but the larger 1.3-liter engine was better, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, while AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and our test vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and efficient, but the driving experience was dull, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a sometimes unnatural ride quality. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain impressed with its effortless efficiency.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed and offered plenty of room for four people. The RS trim had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating larger items like a surfboard.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility. It offered three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Limited trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Other available technologies included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. Our test vehicle had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which required some adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but might be unnecessary if passengers have their own devices. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including 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 the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.