2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, reached an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its top-trim status, the King Ranch's visual distinctions were subtle, with emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin's material quality varied, reflecting its diverse model lineup.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, exuding SUV toughness without exaggeration. Its intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim added an upscale touch. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling, with the Activ offering a rugged look and the RS embracing a sporty aesthetic. The RS and Activ models also had contrasting roofs, enhancing their distinctive appearance. The Activ test car included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, with a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim. While the Trailblazer's cabin didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard added character.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came with a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was FWD only, while the 1.3-liter offered FWD or AWD. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The Activ test car, with AWD and the 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, though the nine-speed automatic had some rough shifts. The Activ's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, offering good ride quality despite some body roll. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. It featured Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode showed minimal difference.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat accommodating five occasionally. However, its third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. Massaging front seats were standard, with 14-way power adjustment for drivers and eight-way for front passengers. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage, with limited center console space and few pockets or shelves. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and surpassed the Hyundai Kona in legroom. The Trailblazer's rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. It provided 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up and 54.4 cubic feet with it folded, trailing the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Up front, it featured a covered storage bin, deep tray, cupholders, and phone storage, with a small dashboard carve-out of uncertain function.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. The smaller screen integrated well, while the larger one seemed like an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than Sync 4, struggling with navigation and music requests. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless charging. The 8-inch screen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA except for a four-star rollover rating. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.