2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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. Buyers had five trims to choose from: 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 and engine.

Our test vehicle was an RS trim with AWD, starting at $28,195 and totaling $33,000 with options. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, made it hard to justify the high price. Despite its stylish design, the cabin materials left much to be desired.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. Its purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights showcased Volvo's evolution. The XC90's dimensions and shape retained a rectilinear feel but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth.

Inside, the XC90's elegant design impressed with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean look, though it lacked ample cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and the third row was cramped. Cargo space was decent but fell short compared to competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured 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 preferable, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience, though it was loud on freeways and bouncy on uneven surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, like the T6, used a supercharger and turbo with mild-hybrid tech, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but didn't offer full-hybrid benefits. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission, solid brakes, and minimal road noise contributed to an enjoyable driving experience. However, the XC90 lacked customizable driving dynamics, focusing on simplicity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality despite its small size. It offered ample room for four people, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat was roomy but uncomfortable due to its flat cushions. The trunk provided 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, accommodating long items like surfboards.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats were peaceful and pleasant, but the minimalist design led to storage frustrations. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and the center console bin was small. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and the third row was cramped. Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, falling short of competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, thanks to its compact dimensions.

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 audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional tech included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also featured Google Maps. Natural-language recognition made the system user-friendly, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, making some features less intuitive.

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

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and lane position. These technologies worked seamlessly, providing a safe and confident driving experience.