2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. Our test vehicle, priced at $30,580, included Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was excellent, with a well-laid-out control system, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a drawback at higher price points.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, was a practical and efficient vehicle for transporting up to seven people. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather, triple-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage. However, the styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs, and the driving experience was somewhat dull, despite the impressive powertrain.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base models featured a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher trims, including the Activ AWD, had a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Activ AWD's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. However, the driving dynamics had quirks, such as transmission hesitation in Normal mode and a firm ride with suspension impact harshness over bumps.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The electric drive system's torque was immediately available, and the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even with a full load. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The powertrain operated seamlessly, with the transition between electric and gasoline power nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, occasionally grabby regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior had some drawbacks. Cloth seats were only available in lower trims, and the leatherette seats in higher trims tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially when the engine stop/start system activated. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and lacked air conditioning vents. Cargo space was decent, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo length.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility. It offered three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage was impressive, with numerous compartments and a large floor tray. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not fold into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space expanded to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services with a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system, available in higher trims, featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C charging ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment interface was simple and intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It included simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The system allowed for five user profiles and included the FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. The voice recognition technology had some limitations, but the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system provided good sound quality after adjusting the tone settings. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, although teenagers preferred using their own devices.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. It also had a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and a subscription-based automatic collision notification service. Optional features included a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems had some inconsistencies.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features and driving-assistance systems. It included a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and moderate speed when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.