Compare the2023 Cadillac XT4VS 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XT4 Premium/Sport offers optional Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Trailblazer only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The XT4 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Trailblazer’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the XT4 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Trailblazer.

Both the XT4 and the Trailblazer have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and lane departure warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac XT4 is safer than the Chevrolet Trailblazer:

	XT4	Trailblazer
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	350	401
Neck Stress	131 lbs.	153 lbs.
Neck Compression	77 lbs.	82 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	73/175 lbs.	409/383 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the XT4 is 1.2% to 3.1% less likely to roll over than the Trailblazer.

Warranty

The XT4 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The Trailblazer’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the XT4 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Chevrolet covers the Trailblazer. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Trailblazer ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The XT4’s 6 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Trailblazer runs out after 100,000 miles.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the XT4’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Trailblazer’s camshafts. If the Trailblazer’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Chevrolet vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in long-term dependability. With 24 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Chevrolet is rated lower.

Engine

The XT4’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 98 more horsepower (235 vs. 137) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 162) than the Trailblazer’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The XT4’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 80 more horsepower (235 vs. 155) and 84 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 174) than the Trailblazer’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cadillac XT4 is faster than the Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder:

	XT4	Trailblazer
Zero to 60 MPH	7.4 sec	9.3 sec
Quarter Mile	15.7 sec	17 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89.8 MPH	80.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the XT4’s fuel efficiency. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The XT4 FWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Trailblazer (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XT4 AWD’s standard fuel tank has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Trailblazer (16.3 vs. 13.2 gallons).

The XT4 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XT4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Trailblazer:

	XT4	Trailblazer
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11.81 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	10.39 inches

The XT4’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Trailblazer are solid, not vented.

The XT4 stops shorter than the Trailblazer:

	XT4	Trailblazer
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	133 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XT4 has larger standard tires than the Trailblazer (235/60R18 vs. 225/60R17). The XT4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Trailblazer (245/45R20 vs. 225/60R17).

The XT4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Trailblazer’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XT4 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Trailblazer LS/LT/ACTIV. The XT4’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the Trailblazer.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Cadillac XT4 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Chevrolet Trailblazer has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The XT4 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the XT4 flat and controlled during cornering. The Trailblazer’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The XT4 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Trailblazer’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The XT4 has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT4’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the Trailblazer (109.4 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XT4 is 2.3 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the Trailblazer.

The XT4’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (58.4% to 41.6%) than the Trailblazer’s (60% to 40%). This gives the XT4 more stable handling and braking.

The XT4 Sport AWD handles at .86 G’s, while the Trailblazer RS AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XT4 Sport AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the Trailblazer RS AWD (26.3 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The XT4 has 3.2 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front hip room, 1.6 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear legroom, 4.1 inches more rear hip room and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Trailblazer.

Cargo Capacity

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XT4. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The XT4’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Trailblazer’s (2500 vs. 1000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Chevrolet Trailblazer is only 1000 pounds. The XT4 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the XT4 uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The XT4 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Trailblazer uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Chevrolet. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Chevrolet is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer a memory system.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The XT4’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Trailblazer does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XT4’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Trailblazer’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

On a hot day the XT4’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Trailblazer can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XT4 Luxury’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Trailblazer’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The XT4 Premium/Sport’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The XT4’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Trailblazer’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XT4 (except Luxury) offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The XT4’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Chevrolet only offers heated mirrors on the Trailblazer LT/ACTIV/RS.

When the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Trailblazer’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Trailblazer offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the XT4 and the Trailblazer offer available heated front seats. The XT4 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Trailblazer.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The XT4 has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Trailblazer LS doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Trailblazer.

The XT4’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the XT4 and the Trailblazer offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the XT4 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The XT4’s available GPS navigation system has a real-time traffic update feature that plots alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The Trailblazer’s available navigation system doesn’t offer real-time traffic updates.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional Automatic Park Assist can parallel park by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Trailblazer doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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