2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E with its sporty and svelte design. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners, giving the body a hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below the bumper. The wedgy profile, with its angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, added to its blade-sharp look. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet car-first aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had a more traditional yet appealing design. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, making the Trailblazer look good even in its base L trim. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its appeal. The RS trim test vehicle featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty stance. Inside, the Trailblazer offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a comfortable, albeit flat, rear seat. The cargo space was impressive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the seats and 54.4 cubic feet when folded, plus the ability to hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, was a powerhouse. It could zip to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handled corners like a getaway car. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light, with its 58 kWh battery and 167 hp motor, was less impressive. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, and its regenerative braking system provided more than eight settings for deceleration control. However, the driving range in cold weather was disappointing, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the charging stations' output.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured 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. The RS trim, with its 18-inch wheels and Sport driving mode, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps and off-road terrain. The fuel economy was also underwhelming, with our test vehicle averaging 26.1 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with just 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality despite its small size. It offered plenty of room for four people, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a comfortable front passenger seat. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The cargo space was impressive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the seats and 54.4 cubic feet when folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to hold items up to 8.5 feet long.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras were standard. The head-up display (HUD) used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

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 test vehicle included Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for volume and tuning. Remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system were available, but other advanced technologies were limited.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. However, there were no published test results from any government or independent agency in the U.S.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).