2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer immediately stood out with its appealing and well-proportioned design. Chevrolet hit the mark with its character lines and small details. The option for a black- or white-painted roof added an extra touch of sophistication, making the small SUV even more attractive. Impressively, the Trailblazer maintained a good appearance even in its base L trim, which is a rarity for entry-level models.

Available in five trim levels—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer's price ranged from $20,195 to $26,695. The add-on for AWD was specific to each trim, making AWD available for $2,000 on the LS and LT trims due to the inclusion of a larger engine and different transmission. The Activ and RS trims included the more powerful engine as standard, lowering the AWD cost to $1,500.

Our test vehicle was an RS trim with AWD, starting at $28,195. Options increased the price to $33,000, which felt excessive given the hard plastic dominating the cabin. However, the interior design maintained a sense of style despite the material choices.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue's history of solid sales performance was not just due to its practicality but also its palpable sense of maturity. The 2022 Rogue retained the updated, grown-up look introduced in the 2021 redesign, showcasing several exterior design features similar to those seen in other current-generation Nissan models, including the new Pathfinder.

The new Rogue sported a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and daytime running lights. SL and Platinum trims incorporated LED fog lamps for better visibility. Enhanced aerodynamic features, such as active grille shutters and an “air curtain,” improved airflow around the vehicle. The floating roof illusion added a sleek effect, and the subtly bulging liftgate completed the refined exterior look.

Inside, the Rogue's layered dashboard design delivered a sophisticated and detailed appearance. Different trims featured varying materials and contrasting colors for a stylish touch. The console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector that freed up space, and practical storage solutions like a wireless charging pad, ample cupholders, and a large storage cubby under the center armrest. The dashboard display ranged from a 7-inch in lower trims to a full 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims.

Both models had appealing exterior designs, but the Rogue edged out slightly with its mature, high-tech finish and clever use of interior space.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines, and while the 1.2-liter version delivered 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, it was outclassed by its 1.3-liter sibling, which produced 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. This larger engine made the Trailblazer feel sprightly, especially since its peak torque arrived at just 1,600 rpm.

All Trailblazer models with FWD utilized a CVT, but opting for AWD introduced a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the AWD model benefitted from a more sophisticated rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling. Equipped with RS trim and 18-inch aluminum wheels, the Trailblazer felt nimble and fun to drive, particularly on winding roads. Despite its enjoyable driving dynamics, the Trailblazer was noisy on freeways and struggled with speed bumps and off-road conditions.

Fuel economy for the Trailblazer was decent, averaging 26.1 mpg in combined driving during testing, slightly short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered improved performance thanks to its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine. This Variable Compression technology allowed the engine to switch between power and efficiency modes seamlessly. The engine's 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque were significant upgrades from the previous year's 2.5-liter inline-four, providing 11% more horsepower and 24% more torque.

The Rogue's new CVT covered a broader range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness in passing situations. Combined with the refined chassis and suspension, the Rogue delivered a smooth and controlled ride with less body roll. Fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

While the Trailblazer brought fun and agility to the table, the Rogue offered superior power, fuel efficiency, and overall refinement in its driving experience.

Despite its small stature, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality. It comfortably seated four people and featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in the RS trim, allowing for optimal driving positions. Although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it remained comfortable. The rear bench seat was spacious but lacked ergonomic design for longer journeys.

Cargo capacity was a strong suit for the Trailblazer. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded down, it expanded to 54.4 cubic feet. The front passenger seat could also fold flat, accommodating items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed.

On the other side, the 2022 Nissan Rogue provided ample storage solutions and interior space. The Rogue excelled with multiple storage compartments, including bottle holders in the doors, a large glove compartment, and cubbies throughout the dash and center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed similar conveniences with storage options and charging ports.

The Rogue's cargo capacity ranged from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet depending on the configuration. With the second row folded flat, the available space expanded to a generous 74.1 cubic feet, making it ideal for larger cargo.

The Trailblazer offered practical solutions for its size, but the Rogue's superior cargo capacity and innovative storage options made it the more functional vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a robust infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test model with the larger touchscreen also boasted Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was an available option, enhancing convenience.

Physical controls for easy use complemented the appealing graphics and user-friendly interface. The system's design was straightforward, with a Home button, Back button, and volume knob flanked by tuning buttons.

The Trailblazer’s technological offerings were solid, but limited advanced features like the hands-free power tailgate or the keyless entry keypad system added functional value.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade from the previous year with significant enhancements. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 9-inch center touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay on upper trims, ensured seamless connectivity.

ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s advanced driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key feature added practicality by allowing rear door unlocking with just a tap on the handle.

Overall, the Rogue offered a more comprehensive and advanced suite of technology features compared to the Trailblazer.

Safety was paramount for both models, but the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer ensured high standards with its 10 airbags and rear-seat reminder system. The Teen Driver technology added extra reassurance for families with young drivers. The Chevy Safety Assist package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

Similarly, the 2022 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360 as standard across all trims. This suite included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional safety features were Nissan’s Intelligent Driver Alertness and rear door alert. Optional enhancements included blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2021 model, indicating strong safety credentials.