2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, but the Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its grandeur. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the split dash with thin horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a distinctive touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, offering a balanced SUV toughness without exaggeration. Intricate headlight and taillight elements, along with dark chrome trim, provided an upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models featured unique styling, with the Activ boasting a rugged look with a faux skid plate, roof rails, and 17-inch Hankook Sport Terrain tires, while the RS had a sportier vibe with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. Contrasting roofs in red, black, or white added a distinctive and retro flair, as seen in the Nitro Yellow paint of the Activ tester. Inside, the Activ model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, with a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim adding personality. Although the cabin didn’t scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard made it distinctive.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, which was slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions using a forward-facing camera. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and smooth freeway commute.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet 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 AWD. FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, though the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, performed well on pavement, maintaining composure and nimbleness despite some body roll. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and the Trailblazer offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode showed minimal impact.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with our tester featuring ventilated front and rear seats and the Ergo Motion driver’s seat, which used inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was optional, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The proximity key and digital key offered convenience, and the tri-zone climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The optional 21-speaker stereo system, suede headliner, and panoramic glass roof added to the luxury experience. The GV80 also boasted significant utility, with 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered substantial space. It was 3.4 inches wider and an inch taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. Cargo space was 25.3 cubic feet with the second row in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, respectable for the segment but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Up front, storage solutions included a covered bin, deep tray, cupholders, and phone storage, though a small dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control, though tactile, required cycling through icons. Handwriting detection on the dial was useful for navigation and radio searches, but the menu structure was inconsistent, presenting a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but not wireless, though wireless charging and multiple outlets ensured devices stayed powered. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed the car to maneuver in and out of parking spaces without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless charging were optional. While the Trailblazer's tech might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, the 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, with smart design touches aiding comprehension.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view without neck craning. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to offer a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.