The Trailblazer or the Trax: Which Chevy Subcompact SUV is Right for You?
Shopping for a smaller commuter-friendly SUV that’s easy to maneuver? Chevy makes two terrific subcompact SUVs: the Trailblazer and the Trax. Both offer excellent fuel economy, giving drivers who face long daily drives a break in their gas budget while still enjoying the increased ride height and interior volume of an SUV. We welcome many drivers looking for a budget-friendly small SUV who aren’t sure whether the Trax or Trailblazer is best for them. They’re both quality vehicles with much to offer; however, they differ in notable ways. To help you decide if you should be looking at a Chevy Trailblazer for sale versus a Trax, we’ll go over some major highlights/differences below.
Trailblazer Highlights
The Trailblazer is a rugged small SUV ready for work or adventure. The Trailblazer has two engine options: the 1.2L EcoTec Turbo engine and the 1.3L EcoTec turbo engine. With the larger engine, you can see notable horsepower of up to 155 hp. If you tackle a long freeway drive on your daily commute and want your demands for acceleration to be met swiftly when you need to change lanes or get ahead of a slow driver, you’ll like that larger engine option you get on the Trailblazer.
The Trailblazer can be ordered as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive model; for the latter, you’ll have to get the 1.3L engine. Do you live somewhere that sees rainy weather? Do you have to leave paved roads for dirt ones on occasion to get to job sites or recreation? Then you’ll appreciate the option for all-wheel drive in the Trailblazer since you’ll get improved traction at all tires. The Trailblazer is slightly shorter in terms of overall length than the Trax, so if you regularly have to park in a compressed parking spot and don’t want the rear of the vehicle sticking out too far, the Trailblazer might be the ideal choice for you.
Trax Highlights
The Trax is youthful, fun-to-drive and tech-forward. One of the first things shoppers notice about the Trax is of course that it has a starting MSRP of nearly $3,000 less than the Trailblazer.[a] So if you’re working with a tight budget, you can shave a bit off that cost by going with the Trax. One of the biggest differences is its lack of engine options. It comes solely with the 1.2L engine offered on the Trailblazer, producing the same 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. For those wanting some performance options, this could be a dealbreaker.
The Trax, while longer than the Trailblazer, is shorter in overall height. So, if your challenge when it comes to parking is a low garage ceiling or carport, the Trax might be the better option for you. We also like to point out that the Trax is available in five trims, while the Trailblazer comes in four. That’s because the Trailblazer has just one performance-oriented trim, the RS, while the Trax has split the RS into two models with the 1RS and 2RS. The 1RS gives drivers the option to get what’s essentially the “light” version of the RS, with slightly fewer performance features than the 2RS and a lower price tag.
The Trax comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with the ability to upgrade to an 11-inch one, depending on the trim you choose. With the Trailblazer, the 11-inch screen comes standard on all models, allowing you to take advantage of a wide, crystal-clear infotainment center, while in the Trax, that upgrade will cost you extra.
Great Features Found in Both Models
The good news is that there are some awesome features that come standard or available on both models. No matter what your driving needs are, you can utilize these tools in both the Trailblazer and Trax.
Safety Comes Standard
If you’re looking for quality driver assist features that will help you avoid some of the most common types of accidents, you’ll love that both models have the Chevy Safety Assist suite. It has useful features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam high beams and a Following Distance Indicator. Whether you mostly spend time on city streets or highways, these features will help you avoid common risks in either environment.
Also standard on both models is the HD Rear Vision Camera. Pair that with the available Rear Park Assist, and you’ll get next-level guidance when getting in and out of tight parking spots. Travel with valuable equipment or documents in your rear seat? Both models have a Rear Seat Reminder, which notifies you to check the back seat for valuables before exiting the vehicle. If you regularly put your laptop or important files in that second row, you’ll appreciate this feature.
A Quiet Cabin
Active Noise Cancellation comes standard on both models, too. It uses microphones to monitor unwanted noise in and outside the cabin (like road or engine noises). Then it emits opposite frequencies to cancel out unwanted sounds. If you have hectic days and need a quiet vehicle you can decompress in after work, you’ll love how peaceful the cabin of the Trailblazer or Trax is.
Wireless Connectivity and Charging
Like most commuters, you probably rely heavily on your smartphone during your drive. You use it to listen to music, listen to podcasts, look up directions, make important calls, check traffic, and more. That’s why we love showing off the standard wireless smartphone compatibility of these models. That’s right: you don’t need to upgrade to an upper trim to get it. Any model of either vehicle will let you connect your Apple or Android device to the touchscreen and control your apps from there.
Want a 100 percent wire-free experience? You can even get wireless charging, which is available on either model. Between that and wireless connectivity, you can leave all USB cords at home, without worry that your phone will die on the road. Busy individuals need an efficient, streamlined infotainment system and the Trailblazer and Trax have it.
A Wi-Fi Hotspot
Staying connected on the road is a breeze in both models, too, thanks to the standard Wi-Fi hotspot capability found on all trims of both vehicles. While you might have Wi-Fi on your phone, if you don’t have an unlimited data plan, you could find that you can’t use your phone’s Wi-Fi just when you need it. It’s great to have the vehicle’s Wi-Fi as a backup, especially when managing many important appointments and traveling to new destinations each day.
Let Us Help You Pick the Best Model for Your Unique Needs
Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a reliable and well-designed subcompact SUV from one of the most trusted names in SUVs? Then it’s time to come test drive a Trailblazer or Trax with us! We have these popular models in stock, including their various trims. So, if you’re looking for something affordable, rugged, luxury-focused, or other, speak to one of our sales associates. They can pair you with the perfect model for your needs.
We’re rolling additional inventory onto our lot every day, and we understand the specific benefits of each of these models. We’d love to get you in a Chevy SUV that makes your daily commute safer and more enjoyable. We’re certain the Trailblazer or Trax is up for the challenge. Both boast budget-friendly price tags, making them great for shoppers working with a budget. You’ll love how many models we have to explore and how competitive our pricing is, so come find your subcompact SUV here today!
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