2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact version of the Chevrolet Blazer, exuding a balanced SUV toughness without veering into exaggeration. Its intricate headlight and taillight designs, along with dark chrome trim, lent it an upscale appearance uncommon in its price range. 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 interior of the Trailblazer Activ model was characterized by a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned accents, providing a distinctive yet somewhat eclectic cabin feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, each offering a different powertrain configuration. The Recharge T8 model, in particular, combined a supercharged and turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive performance and efficiency. The XC90's exterior was marked by a subdued and earthy color palette, with chrome and polished metal accents that contrasted with the trend of blacked-out designs. Inside, the XC90's interior was luxurious, featuring options like wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim, although its design was considered somewhat dated. The Ultimate trim level added premium features such as massaging front seats and a high-end audio system, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

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 lb-ft of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three engine 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 could be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer Activ model, equipped with the 1.3-liter engine and AWD, featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's performance was characterized by a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, although the transmission exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers were tuned for gravel roads, providing a composed and nimble ride, albeit with some body roll and occasional bouncing over road imperfections.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV's performance was lively, with a five-second sprint to 60 mph in Power mode. However, the XC90's handling was more luxury-oriented than sporty, with a firm ride and some cabin noise. The vehicle's adaptive air suspension provided up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance in Off-Road mode, but the steering lacked sharpness and communication.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs available, offered substantial interior space. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, surpassing some rivals like the Hyundai Kona. Its 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. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, although some design elements, like a small dashboard carve-out, were puzzling.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The Ultimate trim added luxurious touches such as massaging front seats and upgraded interior lighting. The XC90's seating configuration allowed for seven passengers, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 65.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, interior storage was adequate rather than abundant, and the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in hot conditions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system were available. While the Trailblazer's tech features were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster was not offered. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, providing access to Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 offered a choice between a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons for convenience. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, although its controls were not always intuitive.

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 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain road conditions during testing. Despite this, the XC90's safety features worked smoothly overall.