Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer: Which Small Chevy SUV Fits Your Life?

Small SUVs make a lot of sense in East Alabama. They slip into tight campus lots, go easy on fuel during the commute and still carry a weekend’s worth of gear. Chevrolet builds two of them, and if you are weighing the Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer, the team at Allen Turner Chevrolet of Auburn can help you sort it out. On paper they look close: they share a standard engine, and both seat five. The real differences show up in power, drivetrain and how you use the cargo area. Here is how to pick the one that fits your life.

The Chevy Trax pairs a 1.2L turbo engine with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. Image: Chevrolet

Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer at a Glance

These two SUVs come from the same Chevy family, so they share a lot. Each one starts with a 1.2L turbo three-cylinder engine rated at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Each seats five adults. Each comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a set of six driver aids, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From there, they split in a few important ways.

Why the Chevy Trax Makes Sense

The Trax is the simple, efficient choice. Its 1.2L turbo earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, and it runs on regular 87 octane fuel. Fold the 60/40 split rear seat and you get up to 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is plenty for dorm move-in day or a big grocery run.

Even the base LS trim feels well equipped. It comes with LED headlights, Active Noise Cancellation, Chevy Safety Assist and wireless phone projection. Teen Driver Technology and Rear Seat Reminder are standard too, which parents of new drivers tend to like. Step up to the LT for the 11-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control and a remote vehicle starter, which helps on hot August afternoons.

Choose the Trax if you:

• Drive mostly on paved roads and do not need all-wheel drive
• Want up to 54.1 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seat folded
• Like sporty styling, with RS looks offered on both the 1RS and 2RS trims
• Are buying a first car and want standard safety tech plus Teen Driver Technology

Why the Chevy Trailblazer Makes Sense

The Trailblazer RS features the 1.3L turbo engine and 19-inch wheels. Image: Chevrolet

The Trailblazer gives you more choices. It starts with the same 1.2L turbo as the Trax, but the ACTIV and RS trims feature a 1.3L turbo with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. That engine earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available, which adds confidence on rain-soaked roads and gravel driveways.

Every Trailblazer comes with an 11-inch touchscreen, push-button start, an HD rear vision camera and 10 airbags. A fold-flat front passenger seat lets you slide in items up to 8.5 feet long. The ACTIV adds off-road suspension tuning and a functional skid plate, while the RS brings 19-inch wheels and a heated, wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel.

Choose the Trailblazer if you:

• Want available all-wheel drive for wet weather or dirt roads
• Want more power from the available 1.3L turbo engine
• Carry long items like lumber, a rolled rug or fishing rods
• Want the 11-inch touchscreen on every trim, including the LS

Which Small Chevy SUV Fits Your Life?

Students and first-time buyers

If you are shopping for your first car, the Trax keeps things easy to park and easy to own. It is also a natural fit for students heading to class. For more ideas, read our guide to the best Chevrolet models for college students. Our Chevrolet finance team can walk you through your options, and you can also browse used SUVs and cars in our inventory if you want to compare.

Daily commuters

Both SUVs handle the daily drive to Opelika with ease, and both offer strong fuel economy for their size. If your commute is mostly highway miles and you do not need all-wheel drive, the Trax gives you nearly the same efficiency with a simpler lineup.

Weekend explorers

If your weekends take you down country roads toward Notasulga or gravel lanes near Beauregard, the Trailblazer is the better match. All-wheel drive, the 1.3L turbo and the ACTIV’s skid plate give you extra confidence when the pavement ends. Whichever you choose, our Chevrolet service center can keep it running well for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Chevy Trax have all-wheel drive?

No. The Chevy Trax is offered with front-wheel drive only. If you want all-wheel drive in a small Chevy SUV, the Trailblazer offers it as an available option.

Is the Chevy Trailblazer more powerful than the Trax?

It can be. Both start with a 1.2L turbo three-cylinder rated at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer ACTIV and RS trims feature a 1.3L turbo that makes 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.

Which gets better gas mileage, the Trax or the Trailblazer?

They are very close. The Trax earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. The Trailblazer earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined with the 1.3L turbo and front-wheel drive. Your actual mileage will vary with how and where you drive.

How much cargo space does the Chevy Trax have?

The Chevy Trax offers up to 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. That is enough room for move-in day, sports gear or a large shopping trip.

Can I test drive a Chevy Trax or Trailblazer at Allen Turner Chevrolet of Auburn?

Yes. Visit us at 154 West Creek Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830, or call (334) 821-9001 to set up a time. Calling ahead lets us confirm which trims are on the lot so you can drive them back to back.

Find Your Small Chevy SUV

The Trax and Trailblazer are both smart, efficient picks. The Trax keeps life simple with strong fuel economy and a roomy cargo area. The Trailblazer adds available all-wheel drive, a stronger available engine and a bigger standard touchscreen. The best way to decide is to drive them back to back. Start by checking our new Chevrolet inventory, then stop by and see us. You can find our hours and directions on our About Us page.