2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

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, reminiscent of traditional SUV cues, and borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. Our test model, the Activ trim, boasted 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. The interior design was commendable, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from its appeal at higher price points.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated styling. It shared several design features with other current-generation Nissan vehicles, including the V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof illusion. The interior followed a layered dash design trend, offering a sophisticated and detailed look. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage space, and a 9-inch center infotainment display. The Rogue's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row provided comfort and space for passengers, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base models came with a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher trims, including the Activ AWD, featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Activ AWD's powertrain was agreeable, with torque kicking in at a low 1,600 rpm and available up to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. However, the Trailblazer's performance was not exhilarating, and it struggled on uphill sections and during freeway climbs. The fuel economy averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg combined. The Trailblazer exhibited quirks in driving dynamics, such as transmission hesitation and disconnected steering feel, and the suspension impact harshness was notable over bumps and holes.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, allowing it to adjust the compression ratio for improved power and efficiency. The new engine delivered a lively performance, with an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power well, providing a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet was a plus.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior had its pros and cons. While the leatherette seats were acceptable, they tended to trap sweat, and the automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were less inviting, with a flat cushion and an oddly reclined backrest. The lack of rear air conditioning vents added to the discomfort. On the positive side, the Trailblazer offered decent cargo space, 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-toting length.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and cubbies in the dash. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space with the second row up and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system featured a 7-inch touchscreen display, 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 on Activ and RS trims, included an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization functions. 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 user-friendly, with physical controls for power, volume, tuning, and navigation.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade from the 2021 model. Upper trim levels featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze for navigation, with voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system used navigation data to adjust speed proactively, enhancing safety and convenience. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came loaded with standard safety features, including 10 airbags and Chevy Safety Assist, which encompassed forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. Additional features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and a subscription-based automatic collision notification service. Depending on the trim level, buyers could opt for 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 were inconsistent in performance. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trim levels. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. Available safety features included blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition. ProPilot Assist, available on upper trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for enhanced safety and convenience. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.