Trax vs Trailblazer: Which Is Best For You?

There are many options in the modern crossover SUV segment, and deciding on the right one for your lifestyle can be challenging. Chevrolet has a number of fantastic vehicles for buyers. Whether it’s your first car out of college or your new vehicle as an empty-nester, the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer are two of the best options. However, which one is perfect for you, and why?

2024 Chevrolet Trax Price, Engine, & Technology

The base MSRP of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax LS is just $21,495, and features a 1.2-liter inline-3 engine that punches above its weight with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. It is faster and more fuel efficient than the 4-cylinder engine it replaced in the previous generation Trax. The EPA estimates the Trax will get 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, respectively. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display is standard, while some trims are available with an 11-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, as is a WiFi hotspot. The top Activ trim will only run buyers $24,995. 

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Price, Engines, & Technology

For only $23,100, the 2024 Trailblazer is available with two different engine choices: a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3 producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both engines help the Trailblazer to be nimble on its feet and fuel efficient. The EPA estimates that the 1.2-liter models will get 28 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the 1.3-liter can get 29 city and 33 highway miles per gallon. The LS and LT models come standard with the 1.2 and front-wheel drive. However, they can be optioned with the 1.3 and all-wheel drive, which is standard on the RS and ACTIV trim levels. With all-wheel drive, the EPA estimates fuel economy to be 26 in the city and 30 on the highway. The top-of-the-line RS and Activ trims with all-wheel drive start from $29,995. Like the Trax, the Trailblazer also has a WiFi Hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™, all as standard. However, the optional 11-inch infotainment display that is an option for the Trax is standard here, as is an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Safety Features

Both Chevrolet crossovers have the latest and greatest safety features, with Chevy Safety Assist as standard, which features Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Intellibeam Auto High Beam Assist. Cruise control is standard across the range, and Adaptive Cruise Control is available as an option on certain trim levels. 

Cargo Space & Interior Dimensions

There are some subtle differences between the two regarding cargo space and interior dimensions. 

The Trax interior dimensions in inches are: 

• Headroom F/R: 39.6 / 38.1
• Legroom F/R: 41.9 / 38.7 
• Shoulder room F/R: 55.7 / 54.3
• Hip room F/R: 52.1 / 45.3

The Trailblazer dimensions in inches are:

• Headroom F/R – 38.3 / 36.8 with sunroof
• Legroom F/R – 40.9 / 39.4
• Shoulder room F/R – 55.4 / 53.8
• Hip room F/R – 52.3 / 50.4

With regard to cargo capacity, the Chevy Trax has 25.6 cu.ft. of space behind the rear seats and 54.1 cu.ft. with the seats folded. The Trailblazer, on the other hand, has 25.3 cu.ft. of rear hatch space and 54.4 cu.ft. with the seats folded. The Trailblazer’s party trick is its ability to fold the front passenger seat flat to fit things up to 8 feet in length. 

Which is Best?

While the Trax and Trailblazer share plenty of similarities, their exterior styling is distinct, giving buyers the ability to choose which design they prefer. The Trailblazer has a slight advantage with its optional all-wheel drive and fold-flat front passenger seat. The Trax is slightly more accommodating to passengers who need extra headroom and a little extra legroom in the front. 

At McFarland Chevrolet, we work hard to be the best dealer for your needs. Whether you are looking for a new or used car, our sales team and finance department will work hard to ensure you get the best possible price. Our service department will be up to the task of taking care of your vehicle to keep it in the best possible condition. We look forward to serving you.