2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 for a small SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, was stately and elegant, especially in the Prestige trim with 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the matte Brunswick Green paint job added a touch of elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel created a luxurious atmosphere, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place atop the dash.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine offering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, making it feel lively. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive (AWD) models received a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer, especially in RS trim, was nimble and fun to drive, though it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, available only in AWD, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick or nimble, the GV80 excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and smooth ride.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat and bench-like, provided ample legroom. The Trailblazer 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, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 8.5 feet long.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats and an Ergo Motion driver’s seat in the Prestige trim. The GV80 offered a third-row option, though legroom was limited. It featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the luxury experience. The GV80 boasted 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and a useful voice recognition system. The Trailblazer also offered a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though neither was wireless. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist system, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It featured a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.