Head to Head

Looking for a car that can cater to your family's adventure essentials? This week we put on the spotlight two of the best options for a midsize SUV that can provide you exactly what you're looking for. Watch this.

First things first: let's look at what's under the hood of our featured SUVs, before we take a closer look at everything else.

The Ford Everest runs on a five-cylinder 3.2-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel with 200 ps of power and 470 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is equipped with 2.8-L Duramax diesel engine that produces 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, giving the car the ability to speed through every journey.

Now let's check out what brings out the comfortable ride of these 2 midsize SUVs. The Everest rides on a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rigid axle setup with coil springs for the rear. On the other hand, the Trailblazer takes pride in its signature soft-ride suspension that uses Double Wishbone Independent Suspension with coil over twin tube shock absorber in front and 5 link with rear coil spring in the rear.

Next up: let's dig deeper by looking into their safety features. For the Everest, aside from the usual Anti-lock Breaking System and a host of airbags, mid-spec to top of the line models get stability control and traction control, Roll Stability Control, trailer sway control, hill descent control, front and rear park assist and rear-view cameras. In the Premium models, the Everest also has Lane Keep Assist, Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and active park assist.

Meanwhile, the Trailblazer doesn't compromise safety and security as well. It comes with an impressive array of Active Driving Aids which include Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Front and Rear Park Assist with Reverse camera. Moreover, the ability to start the engine and control power windows remotely is no doubt useful in cooling down the cabin during hot days.

As for the infotainment, the Everest is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that boasts Sync 3. Ford designed the Sync not to only handle entertainment functions such as Bluetooth, auxiliary and CD, but also to store and save information from your mobile device, a voice command feature, a compass and climate control options. On the other hand, there's also no need to worry when it comes to the Trailblazer's infotainment system. It is equipped with the Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System where you can play music. It also has a wide, 8-inch touchscreen and is smartphone compatible so passengers can connect via Bluetooth and can use Siri Eyes Free.

After the technical bits, let's now step inside this tandem of midsize SUVs. Inside the Everest, one of the first things that you would notice is the premium yet utilitarian interior design. All models get a multifunction steering wheel, as well as a multi-information display to relay information to the driver. Entry-level models get manual climate control while the mid to top-spec models get automatic climate control as standard, along with power seats.

Climbing inside the Trailblazer which is next, it would also be hard not to notice the sleek dashboard that ensures controls and systems are always within reach and within your sights. Additionally, the Trailblazer has a fully customizable spacious interior that can sit up to 7 passengers. For added comfort, the 2nd and 3rd rows can be folded up to 16 different configurations to accommodate a family's storage transport needs.

From their interiors, we move on to their exteriors, starting with the Everest. It primarily gets its looks from the Ranger, particularly at the front fascia. It is fitted with a three-bar hexagonal grill that is paired with headlights that comes with either halogen or High Intensity Discharge lamps with LED daytime running lights. The Trailbrazer's design doesn't fall short in showcasing a family-friendly yet tough appearance. Its front fascia carries the brand's new signature dual-port grille which is matched with its iconic bowtie badge, with LED Daytime Running Lights framing the activating headlamps. Also, the 18-inch gunmetal wheels enhance the Trailblazer's sturdy good looks.

It's a tough decision but whether you choose the Ford Everest or the Chevrolet Trailblazer, rest assured that at the end of the day you are braving the roads with a midsize SUV that is perfect for your family's trips.