Trailblazer vs. Trax: A Tale of Two Chevys

While searching for a Chevy Trailblazer for sale, you may have noticed another SUV that shares space with the Trailblazer on the smaller end of Chevy’s compact SUV lineup: the Chevy Trax. Both vehicles share similarities but serve different roles in the Chevy SUV family. The Trax is a more budget-oriented SUV, available with a tremendous amount of standard and optional equipment for its price class, but in front-wheel drive only. The Trailblazer offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it a step higher on Chevy’s SUV ladder in terms of capability.

Just to clarify the Trailblazer’s position in the lineup further, it’s smaller than the similarly named, more expensive Blazer. With pricing starting at $23,100, the Trailblazer features sporty styling with a refreshed front fascia, new headlights, and new color options for 2024.^[a] It offers a choice of turbocharged engines and a spacious interior. Despite its smaller size, it provides ample cargo space and a high driving position.

The Trax is all-new for 2024 and features a larger size and more interior space than in preceding model years. At a starting price of $20,400, it’s Chevy’s least expensive SUV.^[a] As such, it appeals to cost-conscious shoppers, and yet it delivers a stylish exterior and an interior that’s several notches above what you would expect for this price class. Its dimensions, both inside and out, are comparable to the Trailblazer. As a newly redesigned model, it’s very tech-forward. Yet, as previously mentioned, it doesn’t come with AWD.

So, aside from AWD, how do these two sharp-looking small SUVs compare? Which one is better suited to your needs? Let’s take a thorough look at both vehicles.

Engine and Drivetrain Choices

The Trailblazer’s base engine is the EcoTec 1.2L Turbo, which is good for 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This is the efficiency-oriented choice, available only in front-wheel-drive models and only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It achieves 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

The Trailblazer is also available with the EcoTec 1.3L Turbo engine, which produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. In FWD models it’s mated to the CVT, while in AWD editions it combines with a nine-speed automatic. Fuel economy is 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. 

The selectable AWD system in the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer lets you activate all-wheel drive based on driving conditions. This system enhances control in low-traction situations by constantly monitoring all four wheels and making adjustments to optimize traction.

The Trax borrows the EcoTec 1.2L Turbo from the Trailblazer, with no option for the 1.3L. Horsepower and torque are the same in the Trax at 137 hp and 155 lb-ft. However, fuel efficiency differs somewhat from what the same engine gets in the Trailblazer, at 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission choice in the Trax. Its suspension is tuned for a perfect blend of a smooth ride and sporty handling.

The Trailblazer offers an additional capability that you won’t find on the Trax: trailering wiring. It offers a four-wire electrical harness for wiring a trailer’s lights to the Trailblazer. However, at a tow rating of 1,000 pounds, the Trailblazer doesn’t offer a tremendous amount of towing grunt. Still, that’s enough for bringing a snowmobile or jet ski on your weekend getaway.

Size and Cargo Space

Both vehicles are five-passenger crossover SUVs with folding rear seats to increase cargo area. The overall dimensions of both vehicles are very similar, with the newer design of the Trax actually beating the Trailblazer in some areas. For instance, the Trax is slightly longer at 178.6 inches versus the Trailblazer’s 174 inches. The Trax’s wheelbase also edges out the Trailblazer’s, although just barely so at 106 inches versus 104 inches. These larger dimensions give the Trax more passenger volume, although again the difference is barely noticeable at 99.8 cu.ft. versus 98.2 cu.ft. We find similar numbers with the cargo volume: 25.6 cu.ft. with all seats in their upright position for the Trax and 54.1 cu.ft. with the rear seat down. The Trailblazer provides 25.3 cu.ft. at max passenger capacity and 54.4 cu.ft. with the rear seats down.

The Trailblazer has a noticeable advantage in ground clearance at 8.0 inches against the Trax’s 7.3 inches. This is in keeping with the Trailblazer’s AWD, go-anywhere drivetrain. We wouldn’t do any serious trail-busting in it, but it does offer off-road suspension tuning in the ACTIV trim level. Between that, the optional AWD, and the higher ground clearance, the Trailblazer absolutely has an advantage in snow or on muddy tracks leading to your camp.

Feature Comparisons

Both of these SUVs are very well equipped with the latest generation of safety and convenience features. Chevy Safety Assist is standard on both, offering Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane-Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alerts, a Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Both offer keyless start, antilock disc brakes on all four wheels, and engine air filter monitoring. Both vehicles provide modern connectivity, too. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability come standard even in base trim levels.

After that, we begin to see some differences. An 11-inch diagonal display screen is optional in the Trax, but standard in the Trailblazer. Base editions of the Trax get an eight-inch display screen instead. A premium Bose seven-speaker audio system is optional in the Trailblazer but unavailable in its sibling. It is worth noting that regardless of the audio system, both SUVs come with a standard three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.

Differences between the two vehicles become apparent on the standard, base-level exterior features, too. While the Trax has a newer, more modern and sinuous style, the Trailblazer comes standard with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels versus the Trax’s standard 17-inch steel wheels. A power liftgate is available on certain trims of the Trailblazer but completely unavailable on the Trax. Standard upper active aero shutters in the front fascia of the Trailblazer help to improve its aerodynamics. This is a feature available on the Trax for an extra cost. Additionally, the Trailblazer comes standard with an 8-inch diagonal color driver’s information center, compared with the 3.5-inch version on the Trax.

The Trailblazer is Meant for More

We think you’d be happy with either of these two featherweight champion SUVs. The Trax has a tremendous amount going for it, including an astounding level of standard equipment for a vehicle with a base price that’s just above twenty grand. However, as a Trailblazer shopper, you may find that its premium levels of standard equipment and greater capabilities suit your needs better. The Trailblazer offers higher levels of standard equipment, including an available 11-inch display screen and optional premium Bose audio system, compared to the Trax. It features all-wheel drive (AWD), trailering ability, and off-road capabilities with higher ground clearance and available off-road suspension tuning.  

The Trax, although budget-oriented and newly redesigned with a modern style, lacks AWD and trailering features, making the Trailblazer better suited for challenging driving conditions and outdoor adventures. With its higher versatility and capabilities, The Trailblazer is the obvious choice when you need a subcompact SUV that can be great for city driving as well as light off-roading.

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^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

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