2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had more to offer than just its good looks, but its appealing styling certainly helped. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, primary character lines, and small details, with the available black- or white-painted roof adding 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 pricing ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge from its South Korean factory.

AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. The RS trim, which we tested, started at $28,195, but options raised the price to $33,000. This seemed excessive given the cabin's hard plastic materials, despite its stylish interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lit up, were also introduced. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, didn’t look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance of traditional SUVs. However, it shared this trait with many current EVs.

The ID.4’s interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, including a minimalist design and a sense of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model, aside from a manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like much of a downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used 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, making the Trailblazer feel sprightly. A CVT came with both engines for FWD, but AWD models featured a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission and 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, it 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 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models upped output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s AWD version had impressive acceleration but allowed too much body roll for truly entertaining handling. The regenerative braking system didn’t support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed and had plenty of room for four people. The RS trim featured 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 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 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more legroom and headroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available.

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. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, and a keyless entry keypad system and hands-free power tailgate were optional.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard on all models, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, though the voice recognition system mitigated this issue. The ID.Light feature provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. 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 IIHS.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4’s standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.