2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, with a focus on Parametric Pixel elements that gave it a concept car vibe. The interior was a stark contrast, offering a serene "Living Space" with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver. The Ioniq 5's design was both fascinating and frustrating, with its extensive use of pixelated lighting and aerodynamic wheels.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer aimed for a more rugged and upscale appearance, resembling a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a faux skid plate and chunky tires, while the RS had blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The interior of the Trailblazer was a mix of leatherette upholstery and various plastic trims, offering a distinctive yet somewhat disjointed look. The Trailblazer's design was practical and appealing, especially with its contrasting roof options.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range had a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range models featured a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 303 miles of range. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total power of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes and paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative properties. It was quiet and composed, thanks to its noise-reducing features.

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. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be had with either FWD or AWD. The AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models had a CVT. The Trailblazer offered decent performance, with good throttle response and a pleasing exhaust note. It had selectable AWD and three drive modes, but the Sport mode didn't make a significant difference.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. It had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cu-ft. The Ioniq 5's interior was comfortable and practical, with a moveable center console and supportive leatherette seats. It offered more passenger space than its competitors, though its cargo space was slightly less.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It had generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, with 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Trailblazer's interior had smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray. However, its rear seats were not ideal for long trips, and its cargo capacity was limited compared to traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 also featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, they might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers. The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, and the combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges was effective.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. It also had Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, though official ratings were not yet available.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer had standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.