2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Volvo XC90

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars and wagons of the past decades. The brand maintained its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale, nearing the luxury class. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms from scratch, leading to today's lineup of sedans and crossover SUVs. The original XC90, launched in 2003, received updates until 2015. The 2016 model introduced the current XC90, Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

The 2022 XC90 had a striking stance and sleek profile, with a body that seemed ready to launch forward. Its long roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the snub nose and upright grille paid homage to the classic 245 wagon. The interior, described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featured natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo offered both Nappa leather and a "tailored wool blend" upholstery, with our test car featuring leather seats, which proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance. Details like intricate headlight and taillight elements and dark chrome trim added to its appeal. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS sporting blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. Both models offered contrasting roofs in red, black, or white, depending on the exterior color.

Our Activ test car had 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. The Trailblazer's cabin, while not screaming "outdoor adventure," had distinctive design touches like grab handles around the center console and a creased dashboard. Despite its small size, the Trailblazer offered a substantial feel, with a wider and taller stance than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of that engine, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor. The T5 produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 combined for 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90 engines required Premium (91-octane) gasoline. The EPA estimated T5 FWD models to achieve 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, and T5 AWD models at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. T6 AWD models were rated at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 had a 27 mpg combined rating on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant had a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. Charging the battery from empty to full took about five hours at 240 volts (Level 2).

The XC90 handled superbly, with minimal body roll and controlled dynamics. Our test vehicle, a top-of-the-line T8 Inscription extended range, offered spirited acceleration, with the electric motor providing early torque and smoothing out power delivery. The XC90 was not a hot rod but had enough performance to be enjoyable to drive.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be had with either FWD or AWD. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our Trailblazer Activ test car had AWD, the nine-speed automatic, and the 1.3-liter engine. The throttle response was better in the Trailblazer than in the Buick Encore GX, providing decent power and a pleasing exhaust note. However, the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, with the Trailblazer feeling composed and nimble despite some body roll. Ride quality was generally good, though some bouncing over road imperfections was noted.

The Trailblazer had a selectable AWD system, requiring the driver to press a button to switch from FWD to AWD. This manual system was less convenient than competitors' automatic systems. The Trailblazer also had Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode did not significantly change steering effort or shifting. The Activ model's chunkier tires and off-road styling were better suited for dirt roads than rougher terrain.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with captain's chairs or three-across seating in the second row. The third row was accessible with a one-handed slide and fold of the second row, suitable for kids but not adults due to limited legroom and thigh support. The XC90 could carry up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on configuration and powertrain.

The XC90's interior space was well-utilized, with ample storage options and a spacious, airy cabin enhanced by the standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable sanctuary from the weather.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase benefiting passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom, with mid-pack legroom. It offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX and slightly more headroom in both rows. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use but less so for long road trips due to flat cushions.

The Trailblazer had 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the 60/40-split folding second row folded. These figures were respectable but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's cargo capacity was limited for a weekend's worth of luggage for three people, and it had a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds.

The Trailblazer's front storage options included a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. A small carve-out above the dashboard was of uncertain function, as items placed there could fly into the front passenger's face during hard braking.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, the system was glitchy and slow to respond, working better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with an optional head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner in the $1,650 Advanced package. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, known for its surround sound staging.

The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot with a complimentary trial subscription, and the Volvo Care smartphone app with remote lock/unlock and other vehicle controls.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a built-in 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 phone charging.

The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the Trailblazer's dashboard, with large, easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information. Smart touches included a person-shaped icon for the pedestrian-detection system and an indicator for the engine start/stop system in the tachometer.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, 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. The Trailblazer received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.