2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet robust SUV, echoing the design cues of its larger sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to strike a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim enhancing its upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models offered distinct styling, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model embraced a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a touch of retro flair, making the Trailblazer stand out in the subcompact crossover segment. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was characterized by a mix of materials and colors, providing a unique personality, although it didn't quite evoke the outdoor adventure vibe of some competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive presence with a clean, minimalist design that aligned with Volvo's pro-electrification ethos. The exterior updates included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper, while the interior continued to showcase a minimalist aesthetic with thin air vents and scalloped door elements. The XC40 shared its platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, offering a choice between gasoline and electric powertrains. The interior featured dual-zone climate control and optional leather upholstery, with the Ultimate trim adding luxurious touches like a panoramic moonroof and crystal shift knob. Despite its entry-level status, the XC40's fit and finish were commendable, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 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, while the 1.3-liter engine offered both FWD and AWD options. The Trailblazer Activ test car featured AWD, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.3-liter engine, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads but performed well on pavement, offering a composed and nimble ride. However, the selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined this system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 model offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B5 test car delivered reasonable acceleration, though the accelerator pedal required extra initial pressure. The XC40's high level of refinement stood out, with a calm and composed ride. The XC40 Recharge, with its electric motors, offered impressive performance, achieving 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, and a 223-mile range.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that benefited passenger space. The Trailblazer matched rivals like the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. However, the flat rear seat cushions made long trips less comfortable. Cargo space was respectable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Interior storage was well-utilized, with a covered storage bin, deep tray, and cupholders, though the dashboard carve-out's function remained unclear.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It tied with the BMW X1 for rear-seat headroom and provided ample shoulder room, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Cargo space measured 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard on higher trims. Interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels creating flexible storage options. The center console storage bin and phone tray were also generously sized, considering the XC40's dimensions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 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 by modern standards, and a fully digital instrument cluster was unavailable. The 8-inch touchscreen provided clear graphics and logical menus, and the combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen with analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system, utilizing Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with the Ultimate trim adding a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment experience was similar to other Volvo models with the Android system, offering pleasing graphics but potentially less satisfaction for Apple users. The minimalist design meant a lack of analog controls, with most functions controlled via the touchscreen. While the system was generally intuitive, some functions, like seat heaters and driver-assist features, could have benefited from physical buttons.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 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 earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard features like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate trim included side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests but dropped to "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating, though the XC40 Recharge hadn't been rated.