2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's exterior was a masterclass in automotive design, with its sleek, sporty silhouette that borrowed elements from the larger Range Rover. The pop-out door handles and trapezoidal roof were standout features, although they raised concerns about reliability. The Velar's interior, while not as opulent as previous models, still offered high-quality materials and a polished black center stack that defined its cabin. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, provided sharp graphics and a sophisticated user experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented a more rugged yet upscale appearance, reminiscent of a mini Chevrolet Blazer. Its intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, added a touch of elegance to its tough SUV persona. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model boasted a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned trim, providing a distinctive yet practical interior. The Trailblazer's design touches, such as grab handles and a creased dashboard, added character to its otherwise straightforward interior.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the turbo-four provided average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered more power, with up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque in the R-Dynamic HSE trim. The Velar's Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control added versatility, although its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It offered a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Trailblazer's drivetrain options included front-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission or all-wheel drive with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Activ model, with its AWD and 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, although it exhibited some body roll and bouncing over road imperfections. Its selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors' automatic systems.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, and the new shifter design interfered with other controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility and interior space. It matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The Trailblazer's cargo space was respectable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. The Trailblazer's interior featured smart storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, although its overall space was limited compared to larger SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its reliability and user-friendly interface. It featured a simplified layout with customizable options and useful features like voice activation and a PM2.5 air filter. The Velar's navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions, and the 360-degree cameras provided a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster was not available. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in the European NCAP, scoring five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the Trailblazer a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.