When a (slightly) larger, (quite a bit) better-equipped and a hundred times more fun-to-drive SUV is $4,000 cheaper, which one would you choose? Us, too.
If you’re familiar with Driving’s “duets,” you know we compare two models from the same brand to find out where the bargain is. You’ll also know that we usually list — and detail — the reasons why you should choose one over the other. But if you don’t mind, we’re going to do things a little differently for this duet.
Why? Because the small Chevrolet Trax and Chevrolet Trailblazer are almost identical twins:
- They share the same platform (the GM VSS-F), which also underpins the Buick Envista and Buick Encore;
- They are powered by the same entry-level engine, a turbocharged three-cylinder (1.2-litre) that develops 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque;
- They get the same rear suspension, a back-to-basics torsion-beam system;
- Both are assembled in South Korea: the Trax at the Changwon plant, the Trailblazer at the Bupyeong facility;
- And although the two SUVs don’t use the same transmissions (we’ll see later that an old technology saves the day), trim for trim, they are neck and neck.
Add very similar dimensions and prices that are far from polar opposites… and like us, you’ll wonder why Chevrolet has gone to such lengths with two such similar offerings, rather than just one.
Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer: A reversal of market positions
Trailblazer. Does the name ring a bell? If so, you’re correct: A similar designation was given to a mid-size SUV offered by Chevrolet in the early 2000s.
Above all, the new Chevrolet Trax says good-bye to Lilliputian dimensions and embraces longer and wider proportions. Longer and wider proportions in fact than the Chevrolet Trailblazer that – let’s not forget – costs at least $4,000 more.
Surprised? We were, too. And that’s’s not all…
Chevrolet Trax vs Trailblazer: Which offers the most generous cargo space?
De mémoire of a quarter-century experienced automotive journalist, it’s unheard of a smaller vehicle in a given lineup daring to be more expensive.
Admittedly, we’re talking here about very small differences in size. Indeed, the Trailblazer is 115 mm (4.5 inches) shorter than the Trax, and just 16 mm (0.6 in.) narrower. As a result, the interior volume is very similar in both models – and only 2% separates their cargo capacities.
The only small advantage the Trailblazer has over the Trax – and over the competition, by the way – is that its front passenger seat can be folded flat. Just like in the good old days. So yes, you can carry those 10-foot lengths of molding without having to leave the tailgate open.
Cargo advantage: Trailblazer
Chevrolet Trax vs Trailblazer: what about passenger volume and driving position?
If, in our photos, you find that the Trailblazer looks a little taller (which it isn’t, remember), that’s because it has the advantage of height (+83 mm/3.3 in.) and increased ground clearance (203 vs 185 mm/8 vs 7.3 in.) over the Trax. Elevated driving position your priority when shopping for a vehicle? No need to go any further: Opt for the Trailblazer.
All the more so since this height allows more generous passenger room in the Trailblazer. But then again, we’re talking about a tiny difference: Just 10 mm (0.4 in.) more in rear legroom, as well as front and rear headroom.
Passenger comfort and driving position advantage: Trailblazer
Chevrolet Trax vs Trailblazer: AWD or not?
Admittedly, it’s still a three-cylinder turbo, but its 1.3-litre displacement increases power by 13% (to 155 hp) and torque by 8% (to 174 lb-ft). But before you close the books and definitively elect the Trailblazer, stay with us: The following sections will totally reverse the trend.
AWD advantage: Trailblazer
Chevrolet Trax vs Trailblazer: value for the money
As such, a fully-equipped Trax commands a price tag that is nose-to-nose with a base (trim) Trailblazer. So, logically, the latter should welcome more equipment, right?
Nope. When carefully comparing the standard equipment of equivalent configurations, the Trax is the most generous. Even in its entry-level trim (LS), it comes with heated front seats and mirrors (which the base LS Trailblazer doesn’t include) and remote start (an option for the Trailblazer).
P.S. We checked, then double-checked… and GM Canada spokespersons also confirmed: Heated seats are standard on the Trax, not on the Trailblazer. A little mind-boggling to say the least.
Chevrolet Trax vs Trailblazer: What they both lack
Compared to the fierce competition from other small SUVs sold on our Canadian market, both Chevrolets suffer from some major omissions. Here are some examples:
- For both the Trax and Trailblazer, there are no ventilated front seats, nor heated rear seats, not even as an option;
- The air-conditioning is manually controlled. If you want it to be automatically adjustable, you’ll have to climb into the trim ladder;
- And even then, you’ll be adjusting the climate for the whole cabin. If you’ve shopped in Asian brands’ dealerships lately, you know that automatic and dual-zone climate systems have become commonplace in recent years. Thank God, since they save a lot of “chicanes de couple”…
- While a power-operated tailgate is impossible for the Trax, the Trailblazer’s tailgate offers said electrical assistance – as well as a hands-free system. However, this option is only available on top-of-the-range versions – and you need to add extra money to purchase it;
- The same goes if you want the roof delivered in contrasting color: Not offered on the Trax, only optional on the top Trailblazers.
Finally, if we welcome the fact that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard on both, unfortunately the wireless charging mat allowing you to recharge your phone without a cable is optional. And this applies to all trims of the Trax and the Trailblazer. Mind you, you can buy it for a little money at Canadian Tire…
Chevrolet Trax vs Trailblazer: The big deal
Despite all the similarities listed above, when you put them on the road, there’s a world of difference between the two vehicles. The new Chevrolet Trax, which arrived in dealerships last summer, shows a considerable evolution compared to the Trailblazer, which has been on the market since the 2021 model year.
Admittedly, the Trailblazer has just received a refresh (for the 2024 model year), which brings, as standard equipment, a new infotainment screen curving up to the instrumentation package. It’s a great way to adorn the dashboard – but the Trax also gets it (albeit as an option).
Otherwise, the Trailblazer remains riddled with flaws which, fortunately, have not been repeated in the new Trax. For one, the Trailblazer’s handling is one of the most bouncy we’ve experienced in recent years. Its rear suspension (a torsion beam, remember) can’t master our bumpy roads, despite its modest 17-inch wheels. Not only does it shake the whole vehicle, but it also resonates unpleasantly in a very average soundproofing cabin.
However it’s the same suspension that underpins the Trax, and even if the version we drove was sitting on (bigger) 19-inch tires, we found the ride much more comfortable. What’s more, the soundproofing in the Trax is definitely better.
And whereas the Trax’s steering wheel is a pleasure to handle, with lots of feedback from the road, that of the Trailblazer has the impreciseness of the first electric-assist steering systems.
There’s more: The nine-speed automatic transmission on the Trailblazer Activ AWD tested was so lethargic that we initially thought it was a continuously variable transmission (CVT). As this automatic gearbox is combined with the optional 155-hp 1.3L engine, we were anticipating a certain superiority from the Trailblazer. But nope: Here again, the Trax wins out, its six-speed automatic gearbox doing its job seamlessly. How curious it is to see an old technology save the day, making the 137 hp under the Trax’s hood seem much more energetic than expected.
In short, the Trax wins all round – and by a long way.
Advantage: Trax, Trax, and Trax again
So we go for the Chevrolet Trax – but which trim?
Feeling rich and considering the top-of-the-line Chevrolet Trax Activ? For $28,299 (plus fees), you’ll get an Evotex upholstery that we found indestructible, not to mention power driver’s seat adjustments. And, as we mentioned, you’ll get the whole package for less money than the base-version Trailblazer. In other words, this is one duet comparison that proved to be a no-brainer.
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