2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance. Intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, added a touch of sophistication. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling elements, with the Activ boasting a rugged look and the RS adopting a sportier appearance. Contrasting roofs in various colors further enhanced the Trailblazer's distinctive and retro look.

Inside, the Trailblazer Activ model showcased a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim with gray seat inserts added personality to the otherwise black interior. Design touches like grab handles around the center console and a creased dashboard and air vents made the cabin distinctive, even if it didn’t scream “outdoor adventure.”

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a more rugged and substantial appearance. The new model was larger in every dimension compared to its predecessor, fitting perfectly with the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model. This trim gained legitimate off-road parts, including a taller ride height, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates.

The interior of the Pilot took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional. Materials quality met class expectations, and the overall design emphasized function over form. The new Pilot's tidy and utilitarian aesthetic was preferred over the previous generation, making it a practical choice for families.

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 of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured 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 decent, and the exhaust note was pleasing. However, the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, providing a composed and nimble ride despite some body roll. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike most competitors' automatic systems. The Trailblazer also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode didn’t make a noticeable difference.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. Initial acceleration was quick, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum when pushed. The brake pedal was soft but easy to modulate, providing smooth stops.

The Pilot handled well for a three-row SUV, with noticeable but manageable body roll. It was tuned for comfort rather than performance, making it a suitable family SUV. The TrailSport trim added an inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, which introduced a subtle vibration on pavement but enhanced off-road capability. Despite its off-road features, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile choice for families seeking adventure.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs on the market, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos in front and rear headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips but less so for long journeys due to flat cushions. Cargo space was 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, respectable but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer’s towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds.

Up front, the Trailblazer featured a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray. A small carve-out above the dashboard was of uncertain function, likely causing items to fly into the passenger’s face during hard braking.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen, though adequate, seemed small for the available space. Primary controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, and a large rubberized shelf accommodated two max-sized phones, with a wireless charging pad for one. The center console bin could hold a full-sized tablet.

The Pilot's standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, which could be removed to provide a center pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo space was 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded and 114.3 cubic feet at maximum capacity, significantly more than the Kia Telluride.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came standard with 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, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. Despite these options, the Trailblazer's tech offerings might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, as the optional touchscreen was still relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster was unavailable.

The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, with large, easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information without the need for an all-digital setup. Smart touches like a person-shaped icon for the pedestrian-detection system and an indicator for the engine start/stop system aided comprehension.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims also received a multi-view camera system, with the top Elite trim adding a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment touchscreen was responsive, with a logical layout and large on-screen buttons. The graphics were not particularly modern, but functionality was prioritized.

Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a PA system for rear-seat passengers, and a navigation system, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot on the Touring and Elite trims. The TrailSport and Elite trims also featured the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-road awareness.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came standard with 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 with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. The Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, and surround-view and multi-view camera systems.