2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, offering a large, American-made SUV that harkened back to the brand's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, standing out with its impressive design and luxurious Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained simplicity in its design, except for its electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a small SUV that combined appealing styling with practicality. It offered five trim levels, with the RS trim providing a sporty appearance and AWD capability. The Trailblazer's interior, while filled with hard plastics, was stylish and functional, featuring a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a spacious rear seat. The cargo area was versatile, with a two-position load floor and the ability to accommodate long items with the front passenger seat folded flat. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer was a practical choice for those seeking a nimble and affordable SUV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both FWD and AWD options, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and its ride quality was enhanced by the Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Trailblazer offered a CVT with FWD and a nine-speed automatic with AWD, the latter providing improved ride and handling. The RS trim came with 18-inch wheels and a Sport driving mode, making it fun to drive. However, the Trailblazer's ride could be bouncy, and it was noisy on highways. It averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. It featured a quiet and comfortable cabin with standard Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Enclave provided ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a roomy rear seat. The cargo area offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry long items with ease.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked advanced features like smart home integration and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a premium sound system, but the technology fell short compared to competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The RS trim included Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls and a voice recognition system. Additional features included remote engine start and a keyless entry keypad.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had a four-star frontal-impact rating. The IIHS rated it highly, except for its Marginal headlight performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came standard with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's ADAS performed well during testing, and it received top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.