2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer, presented a stylish and appealing design. It featured dark gray plastic trim and borrowed elements from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged look with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and sport terrain tires. Despite its attractive interior design, the Trailblazer had some hard plastic surfaces that seemed less justified at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had a distinctive design that required some getting used to. Its bold front end and floating roof design gave it a unique appearance, though the flared quarter panels could overwhelm the overall look. The Highlander Hybrid offered a range of trims, with the Limited trim providing a more upscale interior with leather upholstery and a large touchscreen. However, some interior elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, paired with a CVT. More powerful versions featured a 1.3-liter engine with 155 hp and a 9-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The Trailblazer offered decent power for everyday driving, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating, and had a firm ride with some suspension harshness.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 243 hp with improved fuel efficiency of 36 mpg combined. While it offered better mileage, the driving experience was less engaging, with a strained engine sound during acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid handled well on smooth roads but struggled with body movement on uneven surfaces. It excelled in urban settings with its electric motor torque and quiet freeway cruising.

Inside the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, the front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The cargo space was practical, expanding from 25.3 to 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered spacious and supportive front seats with power adjustments. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity but felt cramped for three adults. The third row was uncomfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 84.3 cubic feet, though some storage areas were less practical.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version offering an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The intuitive interface and physical controls made it user-friendly. The Bose premium sound system effectively masked road noise.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with a comprehensive infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio system. The controls were well-organized, though the sound system's performance varied. Features like Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, offering features like forward-collision alert and lane-keeping assist. However, some systems were inconsistent, and crash-test ratings were pending.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with advanced features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. While effective, some systems felt overly sensitive. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.