2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Acura MDX

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 test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle was a Type S Advance with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle styling modifications and 21-inch wheels. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use some controls. Despite these nit-picks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

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. The latter made the Trailblazer feel sprightly, especially with AWD, which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport driving mode, making it fun to drive around town. However, it was loud on freeways and struggled with speed bumps. Off-roading required caution to avoid damaging the underside. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. However, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg. Despite its performance upgrades, it fell short of being a true driver's SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. 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 shaped like a park bench, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating larger items like a surfboard.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats and a cargo area with ample floor space. Our test vehicle had 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row seat could be configured for two or three seating positions and slid forward for easier third-row access. However, the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space, with limited room under the front center armrest. The cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

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 car 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. However, aside from remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system, there weren't many other advanced technologies.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI design took up valuable center console space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. Our test vehicle had the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came 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 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.