2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

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 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai’s largest SUV, received a styling update that gave it an even more commanding presence. The new front fascia, with bolder strokes and new headlights, made the SUV look stronger. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, and LED taillights were standard on SEL and up. The new squared-off grille added to its imposing look. The top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim had a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels. The Calligraphy trim also introduced a new color, Robust Emerald, replacing Rainforest. The interior of the Calligraphy-trim tester was stylish, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof. The Palisade offered various seating configurations, with heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows for Limited and Calligraphy models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, but the larger 1.3-liter engine was better, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Both engines came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive (FWD), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD powertrain also featured a more sophisticated rear suspension design. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, making it zippy and nimble. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a single powertrain option: a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than several competitors, including the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be manipulated with paddle shifters, and AWD was a $1,900 option. The Palisade’s HTRAC AWD system performed well on a muddy off-road course. It offered a comfortable ride and could tow up to 5,000 pounds. FWD models achieved 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models got 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 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 was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was large enough to comfortably seat seven or eight passengers. It offered 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet. The second-row seats had a one-touch slide feature for easy access to the third row. Cargo space totaled 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with all but the front-row seats folded flat. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base SE trim. The Palisade also had HVAC vents in all three rows and provided two cupholders per person.

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. The system was ready for Chevrolet Connected Services, including a WiFi hotspot. Our test car had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Other available technologies included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade upped the ante on technology. It became the first Hyundai to offer WiFi hotspot capability, standard on every trim. A new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system was also standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a color head-up display in higher trims. An in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode were available. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard on all trims, with enhancements for 2023. The Palisade also introduced Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. It also featured Teen Driver technology. 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 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model. The 2023 model added new active and passive safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite was standard, featuring forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. All trims had navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, intelligent speed limit assist, and Highway Driving Assist I. Highway Driving Assist II was available on SEL and standard on Limited and Calligraphy. Safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert were also standard.