2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 the Trailblazer 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 five trim levels: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $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 it to $33,000. However, the interior was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its value proposition.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. Its design was a nod to the larger Range Rover, with a sporty, lowered profile that retained the brand's signature proportions. The Velar's exterior featured a sloping roof, wide shoulder creases, and flush door handles, creating a sleek, streamlined appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sophisticated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The base Velar S trim, which we tested, included a Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch black wheels, enhancing its visual appeal.

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, but the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferable, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The Trailblazer RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, providing a nimble and fun driving experience. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The Velar's optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride and could raise the body for additional clearance. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft with an electric supercharger. This powertrain, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered high performance while reducing emissions.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its design. It offered limited headroom and visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design also introduced ergonomic challenges, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control and a bulky shifter that obstructed climate controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

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 Android Auto, along with Chevrolet Connected Services and a WiFi hotspot. Our test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional tech options included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its reliability and user-friendly design. It featured a simplified layout with customizable options and a voice assistant activated by "Hey Land Rover." The system included a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. The instrument panel was versatile, displaying full-width maps and reconfigurable gauges.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering 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.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in the European NCAP, scoring five stars and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.