SECOND OPINION

Chris Lorigan, Editor

I’d really struggle to choose between these two. Both are true offroaders in that they’re 4WDS with low range gearing, and I can imagine throwing some mud terrain tyres on them and getting way out into the NZ back-country. I can see rural and urban families liking them for their versatility, comfort, space and seven seats.

In essence, these are utes without the tray. And utes are exceedingly popular right now. But if you don’t need to haul gravel, tools, motorbikes or sheep, then these offer a station wagon ride, a boot and two extra seats. They’re big, bold and powerful, and boats will be hauled, launched and retrieved off the beach with ease.

I feel as though the Trailblazer is more utelike, the Fortuner more Suv-like. But that’s just my opinion. The Fortuner I drove was a slightly higher spec, while the Trailblazer had a more responsive engine/transmission set-up – the Holden has more power and torque, although the trade-off is that the Holden uses a bit more fuel than the Toyota (9.2 litres per 100km vs. 8.6).

If I had to choose I’d go with my gut and drive away with the Holden because of its more spirited engine. Check them both out, though – they’re a lot of vehicle for the money.