2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

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 offered 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, but options pushed the price to $33,000, which seemed excessive given the hard plastic-filled cabin, despite its stylish interior.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a conservative design approach, ensuring it appealed to a broad audience. It featured proper proportions and chiseled styling, with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with the Premium package, AWD, and several other upgrades, reached a staggering $43,100. This price point overlapped with entry-level luxury vehicles, but the Platinum trim offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, meeting the quality standards of the compact SUV segment.

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, providing a sprightly feel. 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, making it nimble and fun to drive. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, caution was needed to avoid damaging the underside. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue introduced a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. The CVT included paddle shifters, and AWD was optional. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Off-Road and Snow modes. The VC-Turbo powertrain was preferred over the previous engine, though it lacked highway passing power. The engine's character was unusual, with some vibration and noise. The Rogue averaged 28.9 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. It featured Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control for improved handling, though the steering felt lifeless. The Rogue handled speed humps well but exhibited more body motion on undulating roads.

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 test vehicle featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, providing a comfortable driving position. The rear seat was roomy but uncomfortable, with flat cushions likely designed for a flat load floor. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a family car replacement, accommodating four people comfortably, with room for a fifth if needed. The Platinum test vehicle included a triple-zone climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, and premium leather seats. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, offering comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Visibility was good, but the key fob design was frustrating. The rear doors opened wide, and the back seat was roomy but uncomfortable. The Rogue offered ample storage, though most areas were unlined. The cargo area provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

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, with Chevrolet Connected Services available. Our test car had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, along with a keyless entry keypad and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system. Alexa Built-in was standard in the Rogue Platinum, though it struggled with voice recognition. The test vehicle also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

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

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some specific tests.