2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to balance SUV ruggedness with a touch of sophistication, thanks to its intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ embracing a rugged aesthetic and the RS showcasing a sportier look. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, making the Trailblazer stand out in the subcompact crossover segment. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin featured a mix of materials and colors, providing a unique personality, although it didn't scream "outdoor adventure." Design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard added to its distinctiveness.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder front-end design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new LED accent lights and recessed headlights contributed to its polarizing appearance, with the oversized kidney grille remaining a point of contention. While the front-end changes were divisive, the sides and rear retained their previous design. The interior received a refresh, featuring a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The use of high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and Sensafin synthetic substitutes, added to the premium feel. Despite some criticisms of the new front-end styling, the interior revisions gave the X7 a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with AWD and the 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. However, the nine-speed automatic exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, offering good ride quality despite some bouncing over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. It also featured Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode didn't noticeably change steering effort or shifting.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled its mass well, with the V8 providing potent acceleration. The base six-cylinder engine was adequate for most drivers, though not as smooth. The X7's handling was limited by its weight and ride height but remained composed and confidence-inspiring. Ride comfort was generally good, though slightly firmer compared to some luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs available, offered decent utility. It was 3.4 inches wider and about an inch taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos in front and rear headroom, with mid-pack legroom. It offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX and slightly more headroom in both rows. The rear seats were comfortable for normal use, but flat cushions made long trips less appealing. Cargo space measured 25.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, respectable for the segment but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Up front, storage options included a covered bin, deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray, though a small dashboard carve-out's function remained unclear.

The 2023 BMW X7, as a large SUV, offered ample space. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers, with a large sunroof and windows enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required time as the power-operated middle row moved, but it provided a large opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Behind the third row, cargo space measured 12.8 cubic feet, enough for several suitcases. Folding the third row increased capacity to 48.6 cubic feet, and folding the middle seats expanded it to 90.4 cubic feet. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage, including a large covered bin with a wireless charging pad and well-sized cupholders.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the optional touchscreen was relatively small, it was well-suited to the Trailblazer's dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, aided by smart design touches like a person-shaped icon for pedestrian detection.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had drawbacks. Many physical buttons were eliminated, with functions moved to the infotainment screen. Basic functions like temperature adjustments were easy, but more complex tasks required navigating through menus. Voice commands offered a solution, but they interrupted audio and took time to process. While voice controls were useful for navigation and texting, more physical buttons and intuitive menus would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS, common for luxury vehicles. However, it offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably without false alarms.