2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It exuded a balanced SUV toughness without veering into exaggeration, thanks to its intricate headlight and taillight designs and dark chrome trim that lent it an upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model sported a more aggressive look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, making the Trailblazer stand out in the subcompact crossover segment.

Inside, the Trailblazer Activ model showcased a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned trim, adding personality to its otherwise black interior. The cabin, while not overtly adventurous, featured design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard that made it distinctive. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer managed to offer a comfortable and stylish interior, appealing to those seeking a blend of practicality and flair.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, was a testament to luxury and sophistication. Available in 2.5T and 3.5T models, it offered a range of trims, with the Prestige Signature trim standing out for its opulence. The exterior, though understated in its Matterhorn White Matte paint, was complemented by dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the GV80's Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was a showcase of luxury, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and ambient lighting. The GV80's interior was a blend of comfort and technology, with features like a 3D digital instrument cluster and a wide touchscreen display underscoring its status as a flagship SUV.

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 (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for better performance on gravel roads, although some bouncing was noted over road imperfections.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a more powerful performance with its 2.5T and 3.5T models. The 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system. The GV80 3.5T provided a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and a sporty feel. It also featured upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, enhancing its performance on various road conditions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on the market, offered decent utility and passenger space. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that benefited passenger space. The Trailblazer matched its rivals in headroom and offered more rear legroom than its Buick Encore GX platform mate. Cargo space was respectable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds, and its cargo capacity was pushed to the limit with a weekend's worth of luggage for three people.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the 3.5T Advanced trim, offered a third-row seat, although the Prestige Signature trim was limited to four passengers due to its luxurious second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's interior was a blend of comfort and technology, with features like a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were not as comfortable as expected, with the driver’s cushion becoming uncomfortable on long trips. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. While the Trailblazer's tech features were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small by current standards, and a fully digital instrument cluster was not available.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 3D appearance, and a standard navigation system. The GV80 also offered wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Genesis Connected Services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Prestige Signature trim added wireless smartphone charging in the second row. The GV80's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing graphical interface and a digital key system that allowed smartphone access to the SUV.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a range of advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's collision-avoidance tech was complemented by a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.