2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came across as a miniaturized version of its midsize sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. This was a favorable comparison as it meant the Trailblazer boasted the right mix of SUV ruggedness without going overboard. Intricate headlight and taillight designs, along with carefully placed dark chrome trim, elevated the Trailblazer's aesthetic above many similarly priced competitors. The Activ and RS models stood out with distinct styling cues—while the Activ opted for a rugged look complete with a faux skid plate and distinctive 17-inch tires, the RS went for a sportier vibe, highlighted by blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. Additionally, both trims offered contrasting roof colors, which, in combination with unique exterior paints like Nitro Yellow, lent the Trailblazer a distinctive and somewhat retro charm.

Inside, the Trailblazer's Activ model presented a mix of leather-wrapped elements, leatherette upholstery, and diverse plastic trims—combining copper tones and sparkly black finishes. These touches added a pop of personality to an otherwise black interior. Features like the grab handles around the center console and the sculpted dashboard and air vents further accentuated the SUV's distinctiveness.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trims, from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the luxurious RAV4 Limited, with off-road-focused variants like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road nestled in between. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressively styled grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding around the wheel arches. However, its rugged appearance was more show than substance. Inside, the Adventure trim injected some brightness with orange accents on the seats and center console.

The RAV4's interior was a blend of practicality and subtle enhancements. The frameless rearview mirror added a touch of sophistication, while various trim levels offered different upholstery options ranging from fabric to synthetic leather (SofTex) and included amenities like heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and engines with the Buick Encore GX. It offered two engine choices: a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The smaller engine was available exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the larger one offered both FWD and all-wheel drive (AWD) options.

Interestingly, the transmission varied with the drivetrain. FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD variants came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle, the Trailblazer Activ, had the 1.3-liter engine coupled with AWD and the nine-speed transmission. This setup felt better in the Trailblazer than in the Buick counterpart, providing a decent amount of power and a satisfying exhaust note. However, the transmission's lack of refinement was noticeable during rough shifts.

The Activ trim's suspension, tuned for gravel roads, performed commendably on pavement. Although body roll was present while cornering, the Trailblazer maintained a composed and nimble demeanor. The ride quality was generally good, although some bouncing was evident over specific road imperfections. The Trailblazer had a selectable AWD system, which required manual activation via a button, unlike competitors that offered automatic system engagement. Drive modes included Normal, Sport, and Snow, though the differences were subtle.

For the 2023 Toyota RAV4, the standard engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While this engine provided reliable performance, it fell short of delivering excitement. The Adventure trim, which came standard with AWD, included Snow Mode and additional off-road enhancements like beefier tires.

The TRD Off-Road model took it up a notch with 18-inch wheels, Falken All-Terrain tires, a TRD-tuned suspension, and unique components like specialized shocks and jounce bumpers. Although the RAV4's performance was competent, it leaned towards a more utilitarian and rugged experience, lacking the zippiness of some competitors.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on the market, was remarkably substantial. Compared to the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, the Trailblazer was 3.4 inches wider and about an inch taller, though nearly 10 inches shorter in overall length. However, it boasted a longer wheelbase, translating to better passenger space.

In terms of utility, the Trailblazer competed well against its rivals. It matched the Kia Seltos in front and rear headroom, though legroom was average. It offered more rear legroom than its platform sibling, the Buick Encore GX. The rear seats provided sufficient comfort for short trips, but the flat cushions could become uncomfortable on longer journeys. Cargo capacity stood at 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, respectable but not class-leading figures. For instance, the Honda HR-V offered slightly more space with the rear seats folded.

Storage solutions in the Trailblazer's cabin were thoughtfully designed, featuring a covered storage bin, a deep tray, and ample space for larger phones. There was even a small nook above the dashboard, though its practical use was debatable.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 continued to seat five passengers across two rows, offering 37.7 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof. This meant less headroom for front passengers compared to the Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester, but more for those in the rear seats. Front legroom measured 41 inches and rear legroom 37.8 inches, with front legroom comparable to the CR-V but trailing both the CR-V and Forester for rear passengers. The RAV4's back seat was also narrower compared to these competitors.

Storage options in the RAV4 were plentiful, with a convenient shelf above the glove compartment and spacious door pockets. The front-row center cupholders and lever-style gear shifter added to the vehicle’s overall practicality. Regarding cargo space, the RAV4 offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This positioned it in the middle of the pack, ahead of the Mazda CX-5 but behind the Honda CR-V.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system came with a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional upgrades 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.

Though the Trailblazer's tech features were sufficient for most users, tech enthusiasts might have found them lacking. The optional touchscreen, while reasonably sized for the dashboard, was smaller compared to many current offerings. However, the user interface was intuitive, with large graphics and simple menus. The instrument cluster combined analog gauges with a smaller digital screen to effectively convey necessary information without the need for a fully digital setup.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 brought significant tech upgrades, including a new infotainment system supporting over-the-air updates. Standard tech featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while Limited and TRD Off-Road trims came with a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, accompanied by voice command functionality. The RAV4 Adventure we tested came with a $3,490 tech package upgrade, which included the 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. The driver-information display was a 7-inch standard screen, with a larger 12.3-inch version available for Limited and optional on TRD Off-Road trims.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included several standard safety features, such as 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's safety performance was commendable, earning a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It scored top marks in all crash tests and for front-crash prevention tech, although its standard halogen headlights were rated "Average."

Similarly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a comprehensive safety suite, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were available from the base LE model onwards.

The updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, allowing adaptive cruise control to operate below 20 mph. This RAV4 generation earned top crash-test scores from the IIHS and a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2023, thanks to solid performance in most safety tests, despite only earning average marks in updated side and moderate overlap front crash tests.