2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips. The EV6's headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sharp appearance. The interior was equally striking, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer adopted a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer's design, offering a balance of SUV toughness and upscale details like intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models added unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS embracing a sportier aesthetic. The Trailblazer's interior included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, providing a distinctive yet comfortable cabin. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer managed to offer a substantial presence with its wider and taller dimensions compared to its predecessors.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was available in various powertrains, with the GT-Line e-AWD model boasting 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick torque delivery and seamless power distribution, making it a thrilling drive. However, its range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower than claimed.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options: a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three producing 155 hp. The Trailblazer's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a decent driving experience with a pleasing exhaust note. While not designed for sporty driving, the Trailblazer's Activ model had dampers tuned for gravel roads, offering a composed and nimble ride on pavement. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and the drive modes offered limited noticeable differences in performance.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. Its cargo space was 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet when folded, slightly behind competitors like the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's interior included smart storage solutions, but its towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds, reflecting its subcompact SUV status.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a 360-degree surround-view camera. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The EV6's tech included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen and Bose audio system were available. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, they might not satisfy tech-savvy buyers due to the relatively small touchscreen and lack of a fully digital instrument cluster.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety test results but offered impressive standard safety features, including lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like forward collision warning and lane keep assist, with optional features such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.