2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Honda Passport

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was often described as a miniature version of the larger Chevrolet Blazer. This was seen as a positive by many, as the Trailblazer boasted a balanced combination of rugged SUV aesthetics without appearing exaggerated. Notable design elements included intricate headlight and taillight designs, and splashes of dark chrome trim, lending an upscale appearance uncommon in vehicles of its price range.

The Activ and RS models each presented unique styling cues. The Activ model, with its specific front fascia and faux skid plate, standard roof rails, and chunky 17-inch tires, aimed to project a rugged image. Conversely, the RS model was more sport-oriented, featuring blacked-out exterior trim, a mesh grille, dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips, and the option for a panoramic sunroof.

Both the RS and Activ models showcased standard contrasting roofs in colors like red, black, or white. The combination of a white roof and Nitro Yellow paint on the Trailblazer Activ we tested gave it a distinct, retro vibe. This, however, was not exclusive to Chevy, as other subcompact crossovers like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks offered similar contrasting roof options.

Inside, our Activ test vehicle had a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat (though there wasn't a power front passenger seat). A mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim with gray seat inserts created an interior that was distinctive in its own right.

On the other hand, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its previous design despite Honda's updated design language seen in recent models like the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Pilot. Tweaks made in 2022, such as a more upright grille and squared-off corners, were subtle. The overall look hearkened back to Honda’s previous-generation designs, keeping it simple with three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition.

We tested the mid-level TrailSport trim, which aimed to offer a rugged demeanor. It came with General Grabber A/T sport tires, certified for snowy surfaces, standard roof rails, and LED fog lights. However, the rugged look was somewhat superficial, as critical off-road features like metal skid plates and recovery points were absent.

Inside, the Passport featured physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The family touches were evident in the black leather upholstery with orange contrast stitching and headrest-emblazoned TrailSport emblems. The material quality was a mix of durable plastics and softer, more upscale materials. The design was utilitarian with a focus on functionality, featuring ample storage space.

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 that produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, a 1.3-liter turbo-three engine was available, upping the power to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque.

The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), whereas the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). Interestingly, the transmission varied with the drivetrain: FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Testing the AWD Activ model, which featured the 1.3-liter engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, we found it more enjoyable than its Buick sibling. The throttle was responsive, offering satisfactory acceleration and a pleasant exhaust note. The ride was composed and nimble despite some rough shifts from the nine-speed automatic. The handling exhibited typical body roll, and ride quality was generally good, but there were moments of uncomfortable bouncing over certain road imperfections.

Customizing the driving experience, the Trailblazer offered selectable AWD, requiring manual engagement via a button, unlike many competitors that did so automatically. The vehicle also featured Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though differences between these modes were minimal. Even with the Activ model's off-road styling and chunkier tires, the Trailblazer remained best suited for gentler routes like dirt roads.

Contrarily, the 2024 Honda Passport eschewed trendy powertrain updates. Instead, it featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport delivered competent acceleration without erratic gear changes. Higher RPMs were required to tap into the V6's power, and the undisturbed shifting from the nine-speed automatic contributed to a smooth driving experience.

The TrailSport trim added some mechanical tweaks for off-roading, including slightly wider front and rear tracks, 18-inch wheels with A/T tires, and a suspension tuned for better articulation. The entire Passport lineup included Honda’s torque-vectoring iVTM4 AWD system and a traction-management system with settings for normal, snow, sand, and mud.

While driving the Passport, we noted some road and wind noise at highway speeds, which quieted in city driving. The steering proved precise and well-balanced, unusual for vehicles of this size. The Passport's towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds, surpassing the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Hyundai Santa Fe but falling short of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs on the market, managed to provide substantial utility. It was 3.4 inches wider and an inch taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, though almost 10 inches shorter in length. Interestingly, the Trailblazer’s wheelbase was about three inches longer than its predecessor, highlighting the efficiency of modern SUV design.

Comparatively, the Trailblazer offered decent headroom in the front and rear, compared to rivals like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona. Rear legroom was respectable, surpassing its Buick Encore GX platform mate. However, the relatively flat rear seat cushions made long road trips less comfortable.

Cargo space was another strong point. The Trailblazer offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, standing competitive within its segment. However, adjusting expectations was necessary for those accustomed to traditional SUVs. For example, a weekend’s worth of luggage for three people edged close to the Trailblazer’s capacity. It was worth noting that the Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds.

In the 2024 Honda Passport, cargo capacity reigned supreme among two-row midsize crossovers. It offered 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, along with additional underfloor storage. This considerably exceeded the cargo capacities of competitors like the Subaru Outback (32.6 cubic feet), Hyundai Santa Fe (36.4), Jeep Grand Cherokee (37.7), and Ford Edge (39.2). With the 60/40-split rear seats folded, the Passport's cargo space expanded to 77.7 cubic feet, with the benefit of a flat trunk floor for easier loading of long items.

The Passport comfortably accommodated five adults, though rear-seat legroom was slightly tighter than in the Hyundai Santa Fe but better than in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Cupholders were abundant, with six available in the rear seat alone. A significant change for 2024 was the transformation of the center console bin to a deeper, more versatile storage unit, sacrificing a bit of open space but adding utility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a standard infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 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.

Even when fully equipped, the Trailblazer might not have satisfied the most tech-savvy drivers. The optional 8-inch touchscreen felt appropriately sized and user-friendly, with easily accessible graphics and logical menus. The combination of a small instrument cluster screen and analog gauges efficiently conveyed necessary information without a fully digital setup.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport came only with an 8-inch display, which seemed undersized relative to its spacious interior. This was especially notable because other vehicles in its class featured significantly larger screens. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a wireless charging pad. While the display was sharp and responsive, some usability issues emerged, such as the persistence of turn-by-turn directions on the driver's information display when using navigation apps.

The upgraded 10-speaker audio system was available only on the Black Edition trim, while our TrailSport test vehicle had a seven-speaker system that left audiophiles wanting more. Comparatively, other vehicles offered higher-quality sound systems, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee with McIntosh, Subaru Outback with Harmon Kardon, or Honda Pilot with Bose.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and Teenage Driver system as standard safety measures. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Every 2024 Honda Passport came equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These comprehensive features under the "Honda Sensing" umbrella provided significant peace of mind.