They’re both small Chevy SUVs. They’re both affordable. They both look great in the driveway. So when folks come in asking whether they want the Trax or the Trailblazer, the honest answer is: it depends on how you drive. Let’s sort it out.
Start with price. The Trax is the value leader, starting around $21,700. The Trailblazer starts a little higher, around $23,300. That’s a modest gap, and where it goes is important — because the extra money on the Trailblazer buys you options the Trax simply doesn’t offer.
The biggest one is all-wheel drive. The Trax is front-wheel drive only. The Trailblazer offers available all-wheel drive across the lineup. For a lot of Bloomington drivers that’s the whole decision right there. If you’ve got a steep driveway, a gravel road, or you just want extra grip when the snow flies, the Trailblazer is your answer. If your driving is mostly pavement and mild winters don’t scare you, the front-wheel-drive Trax will serve you well and save you money.
Power is close, with a twist. The Trax uses a 1.2-liter turbo with 137 horsepower. The Trailblazer starts with that same engine but offers an available 1.3-liter turbo with 155 horsepower on the ACTIV and RS trims — a nice bump if you want a little more pep for merging and passing.
Fuel economy is excellent on both. The Trax earns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The Trailblazer, with the 1.3-liter and front-wheel drive, is rated up to 31 mpg combined. Either way, you’re not spending much at the pump.
Space and tech are similar. Both seat five, both come standard with an 11-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevy Safety Assist. Both give you well over 50 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats folded. You’re not giving up much in either direction.
So here’s the simple version. Choose the Trax if you want the lowest price and mostly drive on pavement. Choose the Trailblazer if you want all-wheel drive, a bit more power, and a touch more capability. Neither is a wrong answer — they’re just built for slightly different lives.
Not sure which one is yours? That’s what we’re here for. Come drive them back to back and let the road decide.