2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer borrowed its stylish looks from the larger Chevrolet Blazer, sporting a combination of SUV ruggedness and upscale touches such as intricate lighting designs and dark chrome trim. The specific Activ variant, which our testers examined, featured off-road aesthetics including a faux skid plate and roof rails, while the RS trim boasted a sportier appearance with its blacked-out elements and dual exhaust. Its interior, highlighted by a mix of leatherette upholstery and distinctive trim touches, added personality, though it skewed more towards urban chic than outdoor readiness.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its functional, boxy silhouette, focusing on utility over fashion. The Touring trim's satin chrome trim and rugged roof rails complemented its practical design. Inside, the Forester offered a classic Subaru layout with quality materials like Saddle Brown leather and a straightforward infotainment setup, designed with usability in mind. The overall aesthetic of the Forester was utilitarian, aimed at providing a comfortable and functional interior environment, although not as visually striking as the Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer featured a choice of turbocharged engines, with our Activ model equipped with the more potent 1.3-liter engine and all-wheel drive, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered respectable performance on various terrains, although the vehicle was better suited to lighter off-road conditions. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, which could be seen as a drawback compared to automatic systems.

Subaru’s Forester continued with its reliable 2.5-liter engine, providing adequate power and enhanced off-road capabilities, especially in the Wilderness trim. The CVT included simulated gears for a more traditional driving feel, and with the addition of the SI-Drive system, response times were improved in Sport mode. During inclement weather and rough terrain, the Forester showcased its strength, confidently handling challenging conditions that might unnerve other vehicles.

The Trailblazer's interior boasted impressive packaging efficiencies for its size, offering reasonable passenger and cargo space that belied its compact dimensions. With up to 54.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded, it provided functional utility, though it fell slightly behind competitors like the Kia Seltos in maximum cargo capacity.

The Forester, true to Subaru's tradition, emphasized functional interior design with ample visibility and spacious seating arrangements. It featured up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded in the Base trim, positioning it as a more capable carrier than the Trailblazer, especially for families or those requiring substantial cargo hauling capability.

Technology in the Trailblazer included a standard 7-inch touchscreen with a boost to an 8-inch screen available, inclusive of modern connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades added enhanced audio and navigation features, though some tech enthusiasts might find the offerings a bit restrained.

The Forester's technology, while appearing outdated, was actually well-suited for users preferring simplicity and effectiveness, featuring robust physical controls and a functional layout. The Base trim started with a 6.5-inch screen, with an 8-inch option available, along with connected services and quality audio systems. Unfortunately, its dated voice recognition system proved less reliable, pushing users towards smartphone integration for navigation tasks.

Chevrolet equipped the Trailblazer with an admirable suite of standard safety features and achieved commendable safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ designation by the IIHS for the prior year model and a solid NHTSA rating.

Subaru also offered an extensive array of safety features in the Forester, with the upgraded EyeSight system enhancing preventative capabilities. Despite some issues with the new technology possibly interfering with driving dynamics, the Forester remained a strong contender in safety, though it saw a slight downgrade in the latest IIHS ratings.