Chevrolet Subcompact Comparison: Trax vs Trailblazer
Chevrolet has nine current crossover/SUV models, with another soon to come. Two models are in the subcompact category. Both the Trax and Trailblazer have a small footprint, seat four in reasonable comfort, and seat five in a pinch. They have about the same interior space, are both powered by small-displacement turbocharged engines, and get similar fuel mileage. If you are interested in a small crossover, we understand it may take time to determine which model is suitable for you. The Dieffenbach GM Superstore offers this quick comparison to help you.
The Most Obvious Differences:
These are the three most immediately identifiable differences between these two models:
- The Trax is front-wheel drive (FWD) only, while the Trailblazer is available with both FWD and all-wheel drive (AWD).
- They have different styling, particularly in profile.
- The Trax is less expensive, with a base MSRP of $21,495, compared to the Trailblazer’s $23,395 starting MSRP.
Sizing them Up
The Trax is the larger of the two with a two-inch longer wheelbase, four more inches of overall length, and an inch more width. On paper, the Trax is also slightly larger inside, with 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to 98.2 for the Trailblazer. However, when it comes to specific interior measurements, there are few significant differences. Without a sunroof, the Trailblazer has slightly more headroom, add the sunroof, and it has slightly less. The Trailblazer shows one more inch of rear legroom and a surprising five more inches of rear hip room. Most of the other passenger specs are fractions of an inch from each other.
Both vehicles can seat three in the rear seat, but it will be tight. Four total passengers can sit comfortably. The cargo space measurements with the rear seatbacks up and down are too close to amount to any real difference. Another minimal difference is ground clearance, which is 7.3 inches for the Trax and 7.5 inches for the Trailblazer, including AWD models.
Drivetrain Choices
Turbocharged small-displacement 3-cylinder engines operate both of these models. All Trax models and lower-level FWD Trailblazers are powered by the same 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3, which produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While the engines are the same, the transmissions differ. The Trax uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Trailblazer uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). According to the EPA, they both get the same 30 combined mpg but vary slightly on city vs. highway mpg. City/highway mpg estimates for Trax are 28/32, while the Trailblazer LS and LT FWD models with this same engine are rated 29/31.
A 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine is standard on all AWD Trailblazers and the FWD Trailblazer ACTIV and RS trims. Power is raised to 155 hp @ 5600 rpm and 174 lb-ft torque @ 1,600 rpm. This engine is paired with a 9-speed transmission on all models. The fuel economy for the FWD models with this engine is actually better than that of the smaller engine: 29 city / 33 highway / 31 combined. It is a little lower with AWD, at 26 / 29 / 27.
Design Differences
Both models have their own version of the Chevrolet crossover front end with an upper grille just tall enough to match the slit-like daytime running lights flanking either side and a deep lower grille with LED headlights on either side. The Trax appears long and low from the side, with a classic wagon shape and a greenhouse, including a quarter window stretching to a relatively thin body color D-pillar. By contrast, the Trailblazer’s side windows stop at the rear door, followed by a sizable C-pillar, giving it a hatchback shape. Two-tone exteriors with a white roof are available on the Trailblazer, while Trax stays with single exterior colors.
The Trailblazer adopted the Trax dash layout for 2024, though the cabins feature differing shapes and surface contours around the rest of the cabin. The two lower Trax trim levels have an 8-inch center touchscreen and analog gauges flanking a digital information display for the driver. The upper three trim levels feature an 11-inch center touchscreen and an all-digital information center. The bigger screen and digital driver display are standard on all Trailblazers. Both models feature standard wireless smartphone compatibility and available wireless charging.
Value
For the price of the base FWD Trailblazer, you can bump up two levels on the Trax to the LT, which matches much of the Trailblazer’s upgraded cabin features like the large center touchscreen and digital driver’s display as well as automatic climate control. The Trax LT also features upgraded audio and seat cloth. Again, every Trax is FWD. Every Trailblazer trim has standard FWD with AWD as a $2,000 option.
With its FWD-only platform, The Trax can be seen more as a long-low subcompact wagon, while the Trailblazer sports a shorter, chunkier hatchback/crossover appearance. Of course, the comparison is moot if you wish for the AWD’s wet weather and off-pavement traction advantages.
Each model provides its own version of economical but versatile transportation, and only you can say which style works best for you. Visit the Dieffenbach GM Superstore and check out both models side-by-side. You can’t lose either way.
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