Chevrolet Trailblazer vs GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. GMC added a steel skid plate under the front end to protect vital mechanical components, anticipating that some owners might test its off-road capabilities. The test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. Despite the high price, the quality of materials and execution of details did not fully meet expectations, with some features like the head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls feeling less intuitive and practical.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a mini version of the Chevrolet Blazer, with SUV toughness and upscale details like intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS offering a sportier appearance. The test car had a distinctive Nitro Yellow paint with a white roof, leatherette upholstery, and a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim. While the interior design did not scream "outdoor adventure," it had distinctive touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard. The Trailblazer's cabin offered a mix of colors and textures, giving it personality.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which provided better acceleration and towing capacity, was no longer offered. The 1.5-liter engine could handle a trailer weighing up to 1,500 pounds. The nine-speed automatic transmission did a decent job of keeping the Terrain in the torque band, but the vehicle lacked rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 had a selectable AWD system, four-wheel independent suspension, and 17-inch wheels with 225/65 tires, offering 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The ride quality was good on pavement, but the vehicle struggled off-road, with the front end scraping on rough terrain. The Terrain AT4's powertrain met fuel economy expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It came with a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter turbo-three with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car had the 1.3-liter engine and AWD, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The vehicle exhibited body roll typical of high-riding vehicles but felt composed and nimble. The Trailblazer had a selectable AWD system and Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, but the Sport mode did not make a noticeable difference.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with numerous comfort-enhancing features and storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air-conditioning vents. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and foot room, and the AT4 had a rear USB charging port. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded down for longer items. Despite some storage tray design flaws, the Terrain provided ample storage slots and spots.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility compared to its rivals. It matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use but less so for long road trips. The Trailblazer had 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the Kia Seltos but comparable to the Honda HR-V. The vehicle included a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray, making the most of limited space.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen came with connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Tech Package option added a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine starting system were also useful features.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the optional touchscreen was relatively small, it was well-sized for the dashboard and easy to use. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information. The Trailblazer's tech features were adequate for most buyers, though not the most advanced.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of the review.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard safety features included 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 with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave the Trailblazer a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.