Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. The cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. However, newer Volkswagen interiors began to catch up, making the Q3's interior feel less special over time.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, boasted appealing styling with well-proportioned character lines and small details. Even the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with pricing ranging from $20,195 to $26,695. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble and engaging, with a comfortable ride quality, making it a well-rounded performer.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. The AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension design. The Trailblazer RS trim, with its 18-inch aluminum wheels and Sport driving mode, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on undulating surfaces.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for the class, the Q3 made up for it with comfortable front seats and impressive rear headroom and legroom. It could seat five, but four passengers could take a road trip in comfort if they packed light.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed and had plenty of room for four people. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded down. The Trailblazer offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. The system also supported Chevrolet Connected Services, including a WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The Trailblazer's infotainment technology was easy to use, with physical controls for added convenience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.