2023 Ford Escape vs 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Ford Escape showcased a departure from its earlier rugged, boxy design, embracing a more European aesthetic. This model featured a refreshed front end with a traditional grille and a stylish LED light bar, giving it a more upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. The ST-Line Elite trim we tested sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, enhancing its sleek look. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat allowed for easy customization. The interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy, but the overall design was practical and durable.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer stood out with its aggressive styling and sharp body creases, reminiscent of the sporty Camaro. The 2024 model received a minor refresh, with thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille, enhancing its athletic appearance. Inside, the Trailblazer featured a modern dashboard with a digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the materials on the doors and dash were made from harder plastic, the armrest touchpoints were adequately padded, and fabric inserts in the door panels added a touch of warmth. The interior layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, with a cohesive design that was both functional and inviting.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite its impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual gear changes. However, the brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two powertrain options. The base model featured a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Activ-trim test vehicle had a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the 1.3-liter engine was adequate, it required planning for highway acceleration and passing. The Trailblazer's handling was average, with a focus on comfort rather than performance. It smoothed over road imperfections and kept road noise to a minimum, providing a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The front seats were soft and supportive, and the steering wheel was pleasant to hold. The Escape's cargo space was slightly below segment leaders, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was adequate, though rear-seat legroom was less than some competitors. However, the back seat provided good headroom, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front space and excellent outward visibility. The interior featured a wireless charging pad, medium-sized cupholders, and a deep bin under the armrest for storage. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated options available on most trims. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, accommodating adult passengers and rear-facing infant seats. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and an available hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch or optional 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its feature set and layout were impressive, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an optional wireless charging pad. While the infotainment system had a slight delay in response, it was easy to use. The Trailblazer lacked a native navigation system, relying on smartphone connectivity for navigation. The base audio system was adequate, with an optional Bose upgrade for enhanced sound quality.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in most crash tests. It came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" scores from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Confidence package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available as a standalone option.