2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Ford Escape

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 it attractive even in the base L trim. The option for a black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer offered a range of trims from L to RS, with prices starting at $20,195 and going up to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The RS trim, which we tested, came with 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 at that price point.

The 2023 Ford Escape, in contrast, embraced a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. Available in trims like Active, ST-Line, and Platinum, the Escape ST-Line Elite we tested sported 19-inch wheels and a sleek design. Inside, it boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat made long drives pleasant. Despite some plastic elements, the Escape's interior was well-designed and durable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. However, the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferred, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, making the Trailblazer feel lively. The AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, providing a nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Ford Escape stood out with multiple powertrain options. The 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivered 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD. While not a performance crossover, the Escape offered a soft suspension and well-weighted steering, making it comfortable on rough roads. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering avoided the twitchiness common in some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat, provided ample legroom. The Trailblazer's cargo space was notable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items like surfboards.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great, and the armrests were well-positioned. However, it fell short in cargo space compared to segment leaders, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with it folded. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than competitors, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

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. Our test car had the larger screen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad were available.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology. Lower trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the ST-Line Elite featured a 13.2-inch screen. Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between apps. However, it was slightly slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, the system's features and layout were impressive.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS side-impact test. Standard safety features included Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology for a semi-autonomous driving experience.