​
The compact SUV segment has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and it's easy to see why. Two of the top contenders in this segment for the 2024 model year are the Chevrolet Trax and the Chevrolet Trailblazer. These vehicles may share a similar name, but each has a distinct personality and strengths. The Trax is more affordable and straightforward, while the Trailblazer offers more style, features, and customization options. Depending on your needs and preferences, one of these compact SUVs is sure to suit your lifestyle.
Design and Dimensions
The Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer take different approaches toward their exterior designs. The Trax has a more rounded, car-like profile with smooth lines and a clean look. It's not flashy or attention-grabbing; it has a pleasant, inoffensive appearance that should appeal to many buyers. The Trailblazer has a more rugged and upright stance with bolder styling cues, including a prominent grille, squared-off wheel arches, and available two-tone paint schemes. It makes more of a visual statement than the Trax, especially with its sporty 1RS and adventurous Activ trims.
Inside, the Trax and Trailblazer offer spacious, well-designed cabins with quality materials. The Trax's interior is functional and straightforward, with intuitive controls and plenty of storage cubbies. Higher trims can be equipped with heated seats and upgraded leatherette upholstery for a more premium feel. The Trailblazer's cabin is similar in its overall layout. It offers additional upscale touches, such as contrast stitching, unique trims, and a larger infotainment screen.
The Trax and Trailblazer are very closely matched in terms of passenger and cargo space. The Trax offers 54.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded, while the Trailblazer has a nearly identical 54.4 cubic feet. Both vehicles also have plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows, making them excellent options for families or those who frequently transport adult passengers.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Chevrolet Trax comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer features a 1.3-liter turbo engine that generates 155 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This powertrain's extra power and capability make the Trailblazer a better choice for those who live in snowy climates or plan to do some light off-roading.
The Trax and Trailblazer are closely matched for fuel efficiency. The EPA rates the Trax at 28 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. The Trailblazer gets similar ratings of 26 mpg for city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.
Technology
The Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer offer a substantial selection of tech features, even on their base trim levels. All models come standard with Chevy's latest infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The Trax has an 8-inch touch-screen display on the base models, while the Trailblazer gets a larger 11-inch screen. Both vehicles also feature a driver information center, which provides a modern and customizable interface for displaying important driving information.
Other notable standard and available tech features on the Trax and Trailblazer include a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Trailblazer also offers the added convenience of an available hands-free power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo easy when your hands are full.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for many SUV buyers, and the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer both come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features. Chevy Safety Assist is included on all trims and contains technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and can alert you or even automatically intervene to help prevent accidents.
Both models offer adaptive cruise control on some trims, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance behind the traffic ahead. The Trax and Trailblazer also offer blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which can help detect vehicles in your blind spots or approaching from the side when backing up.
Pricing
Pricing is one of the most significant factors for many buyers when choosing between the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer. The Trax is the more affordable option, with a starting MSRP of $20,400 for the base LS trim. Even at this entry-level price point, the Trax comes well equipped with features such as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Chevy Safety Assist, and LED headlights.
The Trailblazer starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $23,100 for its base LS trim. The mid-range LT trim adds convenient features such as remote start, heated front seats, and automatic climate control, while the sporty RS and rugged Activ trims offer unique styling elements and additional tech features.
Ultimately, the Trax offers better value if you're on a tight budget or prioritize a low base price above all else. However, the additional features, style, and customization options justify the Trailblazer's higher price point. If you're willing to spend more upfront, you'll find that the Trailblazer offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially in its higher trims.
Experience the Difference at Victorville Chevrolet
If you're in the market for a compact SUV and considering the 2024 Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazer, the best way to decide is to experience them yourself. And there's no better place to do that than at Victorville Chevrolet in California. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff are experts on all things Chevy, and they'll be happy to walk you through the Trax's and Trailblazer's features and differences. Call us at 760-684-4818 or complete our secure online form to get started.
Categories:
New Inventory