2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured a stylish design with dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul's design elements. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage options, although it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastics, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered a modern retro aesthetic that echoed the larger Bronco's rugged appeal. Its design was tailored for both urban and off-road environments, with short front and rear overhangs and tall fender wells for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's interior was tastefully rugged, featuring a unified design with unique HVAC vent shapes and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The vehicle's exterior and interior design elements were complemented by practical features like a flip-up rear glass and a variety of wheel options across different trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base models featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. More powerful versions had a 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with AWD and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged a fuel economy of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more robust 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase and independent suspension, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seating options, with the latter being less comfortable due to its tendency to trap sweat. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less accommodating, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, expanding from 716 litres to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and offering over 2.5 metres of cargo length with the front passenger seat down.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like a cargo area designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear and had a roof rated to hold up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and optional features like a slide-out work table. The front cabin provided ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's towing capacity varied between 907 and 997 kilograms, depending on the engine.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the base offering a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system included an 8-inch display with wireless connectivity options. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It offered FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Additional tech features included intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. It also offered optional features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport's AWD and terrain management system contributed to its safety. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.