Chevrolet Equinox vs. Trailblazer: Which is Best for You?

Affordability is on everyone’s mind these days, which is why McFarland Chevrolet is grateful that Chevrolet offers at least three new SUVs starting under $30K. Two of these, the Trailblazer and Equinox, offer all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. If you’re searching for a new SUV that won’t break the bank, one of these two might suit your needs.  

The 2026 Trailblazer has a starting MSRP of $23,200, with the AWD model priced at $24,400. The 2026 Equinox begins at $28,700, with the AWD model starting at $30,700. Both vehicles seat five, feature turbocharged inline-4 engines, and have attractive front-end styling inspired by the Camaro.  

The main reason for the roughly $5,500 difference is size, along with all that comes with it. The Equinox falls into the compact crossover class, the most popular vehicle segment in the U.S. As a sub-compact crossover. The Trailblazer is one size smaller than the Equinox. Specifically, it is about nine inches shorter, has a 3.5-inch shorter wheelbase, and is about three inches narrower, resulting in a 2-inch narrower cabin.  

Both vehicles seat five, and while both offer the same front legroom, surprisingly, the Trailblazer has just 0.9 inches less rear legroom than the Equinox, which offers a generous 39.9 inches of rear legroom. The bigger differences are in cargo volume behind the seats, where the Trailblazer has 25.3 cubic feet compared to 29.8 cubic feet for the Equinox. The gap widens when the rear seats are folded down, with the Trailblazer able to hold 54.4 cubic feet of cargo, while the Equinox can accommodate 63.5 cubic feet. 

Both models are equipped with efficient turbocharged engines, but as expected, the Equinox’s engine is larger and more powerful. The Trailblazer starts with a 1.2-liter turbo inline-3 that delivers 137 horsepower. Higher trim levels and all AWD models upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-3, increasing power to 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque available at a very accessible 1,600 rpm. Notably, the larger engine with FWD actually has better highway fuel economy than the smaller engine. FWD city/highway/combined ratings for the 1.3-liter engine are 29/33/31, compared to 30/31/30 for the smaller engine. The AWD model is rated at 26/29/27. 

All Equinox models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, peaking at 2,000 rpm. It has fuel economy ratings of 26/29/27 mpg with FWD and nearly identical ratings of 25/29/26 mpg with AWD. When comparing the FWD Equinox to the FWD Trailblazer equipped with the larger engine, their power-to-weight ratios are nearly the same. Both vehicles pair their engines with a continuously variable transmission, which helps improve efficiency. The Equinox features a front and rear independent suspension, while the Trailblazer has a torsion beam rear suspension for FWD models and a semi-independent Watts linkage for AWD models.  

The Trailblazer’s dash features a large 11.0-inch touchscreen. The Equinox’s screen is only slightly larger at 11.3 inches. Both are operated by the Google Built-in operating system, which features wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to size, the Equinox offers a few additional standard features for an extra $5,500. This includes:  

• Adaptive cruise control 
• Blind spot alert 
• Heated front seats and steering wheel 
• Rear armrest with cupholders 
• Variable speed control power steering 
• Pandora & Stitcher internet radio apps 
• Waze navigation app with real-time traffic 
• Speed-sensitive volume control 
• Chrome interior accents 
• Remote engine start 
• Illuminated visor vanity mirrors 

Many of the above features are available options on the Trailblazer, and of course, there are many more options for both models.  

Ultimately, if the Trailblazer has enough space for your needs, it will cost less upfront, to operate, and probably to insure. If you prefer more space, a smoother highway ride (due to the longer wheelbase and rear suspension), and more creature comforts, the Equinox could be your choice. McFarland Chevrolet invites you to check out and test drive both of these feature-rich, affordable models to see which one suits you best.