Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Isuzu mu-X - Which is the better pick?

When it comes to big brawny SUVs, both the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Isuzu mu-X have been quite successful models for their respective companies. Sharing the same platform, it is pretty evident that both the SUVs share a lot in common. While the previous generation models of both the SUVs were almost similar, the only major difference was of frontal look, the current generation of both the SUVs have brought a lot of changes to the table, both in and out. In the process, both of them have lifted up their appeal as more premium vehicles, but with the roots of being big, imposing and ultra large SUVs still intact.

Exterior

Both the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Isuzu mu-X are based on the same platform and body style, which is quite assuring for the fact that the basic silhouette of both the SUVs is very similar. However, apart from the visual appeal of both the SUVs from the C-pillar and glass adjoining them, both the Trailblazer and mu-X have been heavily redesigned, especially at the front.

In the process of redesigning, the Chevrolet Trailblazer looks a bit more intimidating and premium from the front, with its redesigned front chrome grille and headlamps with LED DRLs. However, it is the revamped grille with more chrome and headlamps with LED inserts and projector unit in the mu-X which is the more bolder looking of the two. From the sides, both the SUVs look very similar to each other, however, at the rear, it is the Trailblazer which looks a bit plain-jane in comparison, as the tail lamps of the mu-X are bigger and have a better layout with LED inserts here as well.

Interior

While the previous generation models of both the Trailblazer and mu-X had identical dashboard and interior layouts, the story isn’t the same anymore. With the Trailblazer getting an all-new dashboard and mu-X carrying forward the same layout as before, the former appeals to be a more premium SUV on the inside.

The only similarity between both the SUVs now in the inside happens to be the steering wheel design. Apart from that, the Trailblazer gets an all-new center console with a new touchscreen infotainment system, soft touch dashboard, redesigned automatic climate controls, AC vents and dashboard layouts. On the other hand, the new mu-X retains the dashboard and center console of the previous generation model, thus in the process, the infotainment system and AC controls of the mu-X look dated and odd in comparison to those of the Trailblazer.

However, in terms of features, both the SUVs match equally, with goodies like keyless entry and go, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System and Leather Upholstery on board.

Dimensions

Though both the SUVs share the same platform, it is the Trailblazer which trails ahead when it comes to visual appeal and dimensions. The Chevrolet SUV is clearly bigger of the two with bigger length, width and height over those of the mu-X. The ground clearance, however, is more or less the same.

Powertrain and performance

Given the fact that both these SUVs are huge, both of them do require powerful hearts, and both the Trailblazer and mu-X are blessed with them too. While the mu-X gets a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine (177 PS of maximum power, 380 Nm of peak torque) as the only option, the Trailblazer gets two engine options – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel (165 PS of maximum power and 380 Nm of peak torque) and a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel (202 PS of maximum power and 500 Nm of peak torque).

Out of all these options, it is obviously, the 2.8-litre engine option of the Trailblazer which impresses you the most with its healthy dose of torque across the rev range. The mu-X comes with the 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. On the other hand, while the 2.5-litre variant of the Trailblazer comes with only a 6-speed manual, the 2.8-litre variant misses out on the manual and comes with 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Both the SUVs come with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 variants, which offer equal levels of performance on both on and off roads.

Conclusion

While the new versions of both the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Isuzu mu-X are one step ahead of their respective predecessors, it is the Trailblazer which feels more updated and premium with more imposing front design and better laid out interiors. Also, with bigger dimensions and more powerful set of engines, the Trailblazer again feels the gutsier of the two, and hence, is our choice of the two SUVs.