2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned character 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, which seemed steep given the hard plastic-filled cabin, despite its stylish interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to its appeal. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring raised suspensions, unique grille designs, and exclusive wheels. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, giving it a modern feel. Minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and functional center console modifications rounded out the updates. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with prices starting at $35,690 and going up to $52,785, plus a $1,335 destination charge.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured 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. A CVT came with both engines for FWD models, but AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD powertrain also included a more sophisticated rear suspension for better ride and handling. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD models featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the X-Line model averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10mm, with improved ground clearance and traction control for better off-road performance. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth, quiet ride, though the off-road tires made it feel a bit squishier in turns.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat, though roomy, had flat cushions that were less comfortable for passengers. The trunk provided 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row offered manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than in many competitors. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. A “smart” power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function added convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. 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 user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, and a keyless entry keypad system and hands-free power tailgate were optional.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn’t adjust the climate control. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Telluride had six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, digital-key technology, a Full Display Mirror, and a head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when the car ahead started moving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, 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 IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Safe Exit Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 were standard, with Highway Drive Assist 2.0 available on higher trims. The Telluride SX added front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors was also standard. Crash-test ratings for the 2023 Telluride were not available at the time of review.