The main advantage of the Trailblazer though is what lies underneath the squared-off hood and ladder-on-frame chassis.  The Vortec 4.2-liter inline-6 delivers a noteworthy punch of 275 horses and 373 Nm of torque—figures equaling the Ford’s 4.6-liter V8!  The way the power is delivered is immensely smooth and refined too, no hints of putter and roughness anywhere.  Mash the right pedal though, and it’s easy to know why this modern American muscle of an engine made it into Ward’s list of Best Engines in the world.  It’s a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde case with the creamy smoothness turning into an addictive growl that’s not out of place in a BMW!  The Trailblazer’s slush box may lack a forward gear versus the Explorer, but don’t be fooled: the Chevy has a more refined shifter.  The shift points are more transparent and relaxed, especially given that the Explorer suffers from a rather “tug-filled” sensation between first and second gears.  The Trailblazer’s electronic four-wheel drive system is more advanced too.  It has the Ford’s 4WD auto, high and low modes but adds a full two-wheel drive mode—perfect for those gunning for better fuel economy.

But before writing off the Ford Explorer has a has-been in the realm of full-sized SUVs, it still has the advantage in terms of equipment levels.  It enjoys a full-leather interior, wood grain paneling, a moon roof, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 6 speakers, dual climate control and electronically adjustable front seats and pedals.  On the flipside, the Trailblazer doesn’t even get the luxury of leather seats and CD changer, while only enjoying a price advantage of 100,000 pesos.  Split that amount over a period of 12 months, and the difference gets even smaller.  The addition of the value-oriented Explorer XLT makes the Trailblazer’s specs a harder proposition to swallow since even the base Ford has everything that the single Trailblazer variant has.  The Chevy does have the odd integrated voice recorder—perfect for recording directions, spying in on passengers or perhaps even playing Captain Kirk.

And so, these two American SUVs have left buyers with a difficult choice: a bigger SUV with more refined mechanicals, or a smaller SUV with a ho-hum engine but better specifications?  It depends on who’s making the decision.  Family men will be enthralled with the Trailblazer’s performance, refinement and excellent size, but the bachelors will certainly like the Explorer’s more manageable size and the Blue oval’s brand prestige.  Being a bachelor myself, I’m awarding my two million pesos to the Ford.  However, the Explorer’s advantage isn’t as large or dominating as it may seem.  In fact, I don’t consider the Trailblazer to have lost here.  The fact that I’ve begun considering a full-sized SUV besides a Ford is proof enough that Chevrolet is beginning to press the right buttons.  Their products are increasingly becoming competitive, and that alone should act as a wake-up call for Ford if they plan to continue their market domination.

Cabin takes time to get used to. Buttons and positions are somewhat different from the norm. Fit and finish is on the good side given the Trailblazer's truck origins.
The Chevy has an advanced four-wheel drive system that has more modes than most. Aside from the usual 4WD auto, high and low modes, you can opt to select a fully rear-wheel drive mode for the Trailblazer. This equates to better mileage.
Seats are finished in plush fabrics and there's no lack of space too. 3rd row occupants get good headroom. If you don't need the seats, all row fold in various proportions (60/40 on the 2nd row, and 50/50 on the 3rd).

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