2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, though its appealing styling certainly added to its charm. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, with the option of a black- or white-painted roof enhancing its allure. Even in its base L trim, the Trailblazer managed to look good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer was available 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 an option for all trims except the L, with varying costs depending on the trim. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195, but options pushed the price to $33,000. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, making it hard to justify the high price tag.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its naming convention, drew stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, especially above the belt-line. From the split-bar headlights to the strong chrome line curving from behind the rear window, the GV70 visually connected to its sedan counterpart. The chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The gas-powered GV70 was available in two trims, 2.5T and 3.5T, while the Electrified GV70 offered Advance and Prestige trims. Each trim level came with a host of luxury features, making the GV70 a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

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, making the Trailblazer feel lively. A CVT was standard with FWD, while AWD models received a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, providing a nimble and fun driving experience. Despite its small engine, the Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, balancing comfort and handling. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, leaning slightly towards comfort.

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 roomy, was shaped like a park bench, prioritizing a flat load floor over passenger comfort. The Trailblazer's cargo space was notable, with 25.3 cubic feet available and 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 8.5 feet long.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, which was above average for its class. The GV70 came standard with a hands-free power liftgate. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined, offering some comfort adjustments for passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, 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. Additional tech included a keyless entry keypad and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interface was intuitive, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available features. The rotary dial for infotainment control was located near the vehicle's rotary shifter, which could cause confusion.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, 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 the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a full suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.