2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned character 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 trims: 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 and engine. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, started at $28,195 and reached $33,000 with options. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, made it hard to justify the high price.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, launched in North America in 1996, evolved significantly over five generations. Initially a small alternative to large SUVs, it grew in size and sophistication, becoming a sales leader. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped U.S. SUV sales charts. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular wheel arches, crisp lines, and expressive headlights. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, a well-placed touchscreen, and distinctive design cues. Our Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased these features, making the RAV4 feel both playful and aggressive.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 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. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, but AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with AWD, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-roading required caution to avoid damaging the underside. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD models achieved 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models were slightly less efficient. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 hp and 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, with 302 hp and a larger battery, offered 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and up to 42 miles on electricity alone. Our Adventure AWD test vehicle performed well, with smooth power delivery and good handling. The RAV4's suspension and AWD system provided a comfortable and controlled ride, with fuel-saving features for AWD models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim test vehicle had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat, though roomy, had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds and could tow up to 3,500 pounds, depending on the trim. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models had different towing capacities. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with plenty of storage options. The front row had ample space, while the second row could accommodate three passengers in a pinch. The interior featured numerous cupholders, bottle holders, and storage compartments.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services with a WiFi hotspot. Our test car had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Other available technologies included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust technology suite. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured five USB ports, two 12-volt power outlets, an optional 120-volt AC power outlet, and blue ambient lighting. It also had a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard Chevy Safety Assist 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 crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also had LATCH anchors, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.