2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the midsize Chevrolet Blazer, capturing a blend of SUV toughness without appearing exaggerated. Its intricate headlight and taillight designs, complemented by splashes of dark chrome trim, gave it a more upscale appearance than many competitors within its price range. The Activ and RS variants introduced additional styling elements: the Activ with a faux skid plate enhancing ground clearance and standard roof rails with rugged Hankook Sport Terrain 17-inch tires, while the RS favored a sportier vibe with blacked-out trim, a mesh grille, and dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips.

The two models, Activ and RS, also came with contrasting roof color options, dependent on the exterior paint. This gave the Trailblazer a distinctive look, though this wasn't unique to Chevrolet as other brands like Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks offered similar features. Inside, the Activ variant presented a mix of luxury and functionality with leather-wrapped steering, leatherette upholstery, and a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim. The interior design, while a bit eclectic in color and texture, offered distinct personality with touches such as grab handles around the center console and a creased dashboard design, making the cabin stand out despite not screaming "outdoor adventure."

On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 tried hard to present a tough exterior, perpetually wearing a look of grim determination. Its body displayed aggressive angularity with gray lower body cladding and dual exhaust outlets that suggested performance. Upper trims included fake skid plates, and both off-road variants, including the TRD Off-Road, offered robust roof racks.

The TRD Off-Road model in Army Green exemplified ruggedness but at a higher price point of $41,925, including options. RAV4 models ranged from $28,675 to $38,295 for the gas engines, with hybrids adding a bit more cost but offering better fuel efficiency and power. Inside, the TRD Off-Road conveyed functionality and utility, boasting oversized rubberized controls and easy-clean surfaces. The interior was grounded in practicality with full-width storage shelves, robust door handles, and more. High-end trims offered contrast-color interiors for a more upscale look.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and engines with the Buick Encore GX. The standard engine was a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder escalated these figures to 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only in front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter could be coupled with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). Notably, FWD variants utilized a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Activ model tested came with AWD, a 1.3-liter engine, and the nine-speed automatic. Compared to the Buick Encore GX, the Trailblazer felt nimbler and provided a decent shove without excessive throttle patience. However, the nine-speed automatic presented occasional rough shifts. The Activ’s off-road-tuned dampers performed reasonably well on pavement, with good ride quality but some bounce over road imperfections.

Chevrolet's selectable AWD system required manual activation, unlike competitors’ automatic setups, complicating situations that needed instant traction. The Trailblazer also included Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though no substantial difference was noted in Sport mode. The Trailblazer, even in Activ guise, wasn't advisable for more than basic off-road paths.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine churning out 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque at high revs, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4’s TRD Off-Road trim came with standard AWD, off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels.

Multi-Terrain Select offered Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt modes, although the TRD Off-Road’s ground clearance and approach/departure angles were similar to other RAV4 models. The vehicle’s off-road suspension excelled in absorbing speed humps and rough pavement, making daily commutes comfortable despite the occasional scraping of terrain elements.

At freeway speeds, the RAV4 was noisy but performed well with decent fuel efficiency, averaging 26.6 mpg against its 28 mpg EPA rating. The 2.5-liter engine was powerful for the class but loud and slightly unrefined, with dependable eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, although one of the smallest SUVs, was notably substantial. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 S-10 Blazer while having a longer wheelbase for more passenger space. The Trailblazer offered excellent headroom, comparable legroom with competitors, but a bit more rear legroom than its Buick Encore GX sibling. Cargo space stood at 25.3 cubic feet with all seats in place and expanded to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—decent but behind some like the Kia Seltos.

The Trailblazer’s interior included practical storage solutions like a deep tray, covered storage bin, phone storage tray, and an odd dashboard carve-out. The rear seats, although spacious, did not promise comfort for long travels due to flat cushions. With a towing capacity limited to 1,000 pounds, traditional SUV users might need to adjust their expectations.

In comparison, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality and utility. The TRD Off-Road variant featured SofTex artificial leather, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and optional Weather package inclusions like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. The driver’s seat was comfortable with excellent outward visibility, aided by an optional camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The RAV4’s spaciousness allowed four adults to travel comfortably, with adequate legroom and footroom, though rear seats lacked support. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents, charging ports, and cupholders. The cargo area was a capacious 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded, competitive within the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s standard infotainment boasted a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and 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, Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging.

Despite modern features, the Trailblazer’s technology might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, given its relatively small touchscreens and the absence of a fully digital instrument cluster. However, the interfaces were user-friendly, with large graphics and intuitive menus, making it technologically sufficient for most users.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 incorporated the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected services plans, some complimentary for a limited period.

Services like Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Drive Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect enhanced functionality, featuring cloud-based navigation, digital voice assistant, and more. Criticisms included no multi-panel Home screen, difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay, and a delicate font challenging to read in daylight. Despite minor flaws, the system was robust and sophisticated.

The RAV4’s optional digital rear-view mirror and the available JBL premium audio system heightened convenience and audio experience, though the standard speakers were average.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 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 was awarded the 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, scoring “Good” in crash tests and high for front-crash prevention, although standard halogen headlights were rated “Average.” NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), offering a broad range of driver-assistance systems. However, the base trim lacked essential blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, emphasizing TSS 2.5’s adequacy but not excellence. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist performed well on highways but required improvements on curvier roads.

The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, reflecting its aging design and “Marginal” and “Acceptable” ratings in newer crash tests.