Chevy Blazer vs Trailblazer: Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?
Chevrolet’s SUV lineup features two models with remarkably similar names: the Blazer and the Trailblazer. Many buyers find themselves puzzled by these similarly-named SUVs. Despite sharing the Chevrolet badge and part of their name, each vehicle serves a distinct purpose.
The choice between these SUVs can be challenging. A detailed comparison of the Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer reveals their differences in size, performance, and features. Our comprehensive analysis covers everything that matters to help you decide. The right choice depends on your specific needs – a comfortable family vehicle or an agile urban companion.
Size and Design Showdown
A side-by-side comparison of these two SUVs reveals their size difference. The Blazer dominates as a midsize SUV, and the Trailblazer fits perfectly in the compact SUV segment.
Exterior Dimensions Compared
The numbers tell the story of these distinct vehicles. The Blazer measures 191.4 inches in length, and the Trailblazer comes in at 173.5 inches. The Blazer’s width spans 76.7 inches compared to the Trailblazer’s 71.2 inches. Height differences are subtle – the Blazer reaches 67.0 inches while the Trailblazer stands at 64.2 inches.
Design Philosophy and Styling
The Blazer commands attention with its performance-focused design. You’ll notice its:
- Aggressive, wide stance
- Large signature grille
- Narrow, striking headlights
- Integrated dual exhaust
The Trailblazer shares Chevy’s signature design elements but takes a gentler approach. Its softer lines and rounded edges create a classic small SUV look. Both vehicles showcase attractive two-tone color combinations. The Trailblazer stands out with exclusive options like Black Metallic, Crimson Metallic, or Summit White roof designs.
Interior Space Utilization
Both SUVs seat five passengers comfortably, but their space differs significantly. The Blazer provides generous cargo space of 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row, which expands to 64.2 cubic feet with folded seats. The Trailblazer offers 25.3 cubic feet behind its rear seats and maxes out at 54.4 cubic feet with folded seats.
The Trailblazer’s clever design shines through its flat-folding front passenger seat. This feature lets you carry items up to 8.5 feet long – an impressive capability for a compact SUV.
Performance and Capability
These two distinct SUVs tell quite different stories through their performance capabilities. Let’s tuck into what powers them both.
Engine Options and Power Output
The Blazer muscles ahead with two resilient engine choices. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generates 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.6-liter V6 delivers an impressive 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
The Trailblazer emphasizes efficiency with two smaller turbocharged options:
- 1.2-liter three-cylinder: 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque
- 1.3-liter three-cylinder: 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque
Towing and Hauling Capacity
The Blazer stands out as the clear winner in pulling power. With its V6 engine, it can tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it perfect for small boats or campers. The base 2.0-liter engine still manages a solid 3,250 pounds. The Trailblazer’s urban-focused design limits its towing capacity to 1,000 pounds with proper equipment.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Trailblazer leads the efficiency race. Its 1.3-liter engine with front-wheel drive achieves 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 1.2-liter engine delivers 30 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
The Blazer trades efficiency for power. Its 2.0-liter engine with front-wheel drive returns 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The V6 option drops to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Both vehicles come with all-wheel drive options that affect their fuel economy. The Blazer’s larger fuel tank capacity of 19.4 to 21.7 gallons allows longer drives between fill-ups compared to the Trailblazer’s 13.2-gallon tank.
Daily Driver Experience
These SUVs deliver distinctly different experiences in daily driving. Let’s see how they handle everyday situations.
Urban Maneuverability
The Trailblazer’s advantage becomes clear in city environments. This SUV shows remarkable agility in tight spaces with its compact 173.5-inch length and 71.2-inch width. The Trailblazer’s smaller footprint makes it fluent in handling dense traffic and narrow city streets. Its 103.9-inch wheelbase creates an excellent turning radius that works great in urban settings.
Highway Comfort
Both SUVs showcase their strengths differently on the open road. The Blazer delivers a smooth highway experience with its well-tuned suspension system. The Blazer’s cabin proves more accommodating on longer trips and offers 9.6 cubic feet more passenger room than the Trailblazer.
The Trailblazer, despite its smaller size, stands out with:
- Highway fuel efficiency at 30 mpg
- Smooth ride quality at higher speeds
- Seats that stay comfortable through hours of driving
Parking and Visibility
Size differences between these SUVs become most noticeable during parking. The Trailblazer’s compact dimensions make parking garages and tight spots a breeze. Clear sightlines and minimal blind spots enhance its visibility.
The Blazer measures 191.4 inches in length but makes up for its size with advanced technology. Its available HD Surround Vision camera system is a great way to get perfect parking angles. Both vehicles feature standard LED daytime running lamps that enhance visibility across various conditions.
Daily commuters will appreciate the Trailblazer’s raised ride height that makes getting in and out easy. The Blazer handles confidently despite its larger size and stays manageable in most urban settings thanks to its responsive steering system.
Technology and Safety Features
The Blazer and Trailblazer both showcase Chevrolet’s steadfast dedication to advanced technology, though we’ve spotted some notable differences in how they work.
Infotainment Systems
The screen sizes reveal an unexpected twist – the Trailblazer comes with a larger 11-inch touchscreen while the Blazer sports a 10.2-inch display. Both SUVs use Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 platform. The Blazer adds premium features like Amazon Alexa built-in compatibility and improved voice recognition.
Sound quality varies between models. The Trailblazer’s RS trim has a Bose® premium seven-speaker audio system. The Blazer starts with a six-speaker setup that you can upgrade to an eight-speaker system.
Driver Assistance Features
These SUVs come with Chevy Safety Assist that has:
- Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam High Beam Assist
Safety features differ between models. The Blazer gives you HD surround vision with an overhead view on top of the standard rear vision camera. The Trailblazer counters this with ten airbags compared to the Blazer’s seven.
Connectivity Options
Our tests show both SUVs excel at keeping you connected. They support wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, so you won’t need cables. The Blazer comes standard with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, while the Trailblazer offers it as an upgrade.
The Trailblazer stands out by letting you connect up to seven devices at once to its Wi-Fi hotspot. The Marketplace feature proves useful in both vehicles – you can make purchases from select merchants right through the infotainment system.
The SUVs support Bluetooth® connectivity for two active devices. The systems store your priorities through customized driver profiles. These profiles save everything from audio settings to climate control choices, making each drive feel just right.
Value Proposition
These SUVs present two completely different value propositions in terms of their financial aspects.
Price Point Analysis
The price gap between these models stands out immediately. The Trailblazer starts at $23,100 for the base LS trim, and the Blazer costs more with a starting price of $35,400. Here’s how their trim levels stack up:
- Trailblazer Trims:
- LS: $24,395
- LT: $25,595
- ACTIV/RS: $28,395
The Blazer shows its premium status through these prices:
- 2LT: $36,795
- 3LT: $40,695
- RS/Premier: $44,195
Standard Features Comparison
Both models come packed with great features right from the start. The Trailblazer includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration despite its lower price tag. The Blazer adds wireless charging as standard. Both SUVs share similar safety packages through Chevy Safety Assist.
The warranty package remains the same for both vehicles: three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection.
Maintenance Costs
The numbers tell an interesting story about long-term ownership costs. The Blazer’s maintenance and repairs over its first 10 years average about $9,124, which exceeds the industry average for SUVs by $874. The chance of needing a major repair during this time sits at 26.05%.
The Trailblazer looks more promising with annual repair costs averaging $524. The Blazer’s insurance costs run about $2,478 yearly, adding up to roughly $12,390 over five years of ownership.
The Trailblazer saves you money on fuel costs thanks to better efficiency, though the Blazer lets you drive longer between fill-ups with its larger fuel tank. Your best choice depends on your needs – pick the Trailblazer if you want efficiency and lower maintenance costs, or go for the Blazer if you need more premium features and capability at a higher price point.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Chevy Blazer | Chevy Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 191.4 inches | 173.5 inches |
| Width | 76.7 inches | 71.2 inches |
| Height | 67.0 inches | 64.2 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind 2nd Row) | 30.5 cubic feet | 25.3 cubic feet |
| Max Cargo Space | 64.2 cubic feet | 54.4 cubic feet |
| Performance | ||
| Base Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder | 1.2L 3-cylinder |
| Base Engine Output | 228 hp / 258 lb-ft | 137 hp / 162 lb-ft |
| Optional Engine | 3.6L V6 | 1.3L 3-cylinder |
| Optional Engine Output | 308 hp / 270 lb-ft | 155 hp / 174 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 4,500 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (Base FWD) | 22 city / 29 hwy mpg | 30 city / 31 hwy mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4-21.7 gallons | 13.2 gallons |
| Technology | ||
| Infotainment Screen | 10.2-inch | 11-inch |
| Standard Speaker System | 6 speakers | 7 speakers (Bose® in RS) |
| Number of Airbags | 7 | 10 |
| Value | ||
| Starting Price | $35,400 | $23,100 |
| Top Trim Price | $44,195 (RS/Premier) | $28,395 (ACTIV/RS) |
| Average Annual Repair Cost | Part of $9,124 (10-year total) | $524 |
Conclusion
The Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer are two capable SUVs built for different lifestyles and needs. The larger Blazer dominates with its muscular performance, delivering up to 308 horsepower and 4,500 pounds of towing capacity. This makes it perfect for families who need space and power. The compact Trailblazer shines in urban settings with its agile handling and fuel efficiency that reaches 33 mpg on highways.
These SUVs have a significant price gap. The Trailblazer’s starting price is $23,100, while the Blazer begins at $35,400. The Blazer’s higher price tag matches its extra space, power, and premium features. Yet the Trailblazer impressed us by offering competitive technology, including a larger 11-inch touchscreen.
Your priorities will determine the best choice between these SUVs. City dwellers who value efficiency and affordability will find the Trailblazer appealing. The Blazer suits those who need more space, power, and premium features. Both vehicles maintain Chevrolet’s reputation for reliability while serving different segments of the SUV market.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main differences between the Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer?
The Blazer is a larger, more powerful midsize SUV with a starting price of $35,400, while the Trailblazer is a compact, more fuel-efficient SUV starting at $23,100. The Blazer offers up to 308 horsepower and can tow up to 4,500 pounds, whereas the Trailblazer maxes out at 155 horsepower and 1,000 pounds towing capacity.
Q2. Which Chevy SUV is better for city driving?
The Chevy Trailblazer is more suitable for urban environments due to its compact size (173.5 inches long), better fuel economy (up to 33 mpg highway), and easier maneuverability in tight spaces. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for navigating dense traffic and parking in crowded areas.
Q3. How do the cargo capacities of the Blazer and Trailblazer compare?
The Blazer offers more cargo space with 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The Trailblazer provides 25.3 cubic feet behind its rear seats, maxing out at 54.4 cubic feet when folded. However, the Trailblazer features a flat-folding front passenger seat for items up to 8.5 feet long.
Q4. What are the key technology features in these Chevy SUVs?
Both SUVs come with Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 platform, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevy Safety Assist. The Trailblazer surprisingly offers a larger 11-inch touchscreen compared to the Blazer’s 10.2-inch display. The Blazer includes additional features like Amazon Alexa built-in compatibility and an available HD surround vision camera system.
Q5. How do maintenance costs compare between the Blazer and Trailblazer?
The Blazer’s maintenance and repairs over its first 10 years average about $9,124, which is above the industry average for SUVs. The Trailblazer shows more promising figures with an average annual repair cost of $524. Both SUVs come with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection.
