Should You Get the 2024 Trailblazer or the 2024 Trax?

Some people have come to us a little confused about something they noticed in the 2024 Chevy lineup: there are two subcompact SUVs, the Trailblazer and the Trax. Chevrolet hasn't created body-style replicas like this anywhere else in its lineup; for the 2024 model year, there is just one midsize SUV, one three-row SUV, and one compact SUV, in addition to two full-size SUVs, the Tahoe and the Suburban-but these have been mainstays of the Chevy lineup for a while. 

So, what's going on with the two subcompact models? Are they different enough that they both justify having a spot in the lineup? We understand the confusion, and we're here to address it. If you're looking for a Chevy Trailblazer or Chevy Trax for sale near Columbus, we here at Dave Gill Chevrolet can assure you that there are enough noteworthy differences to warrant a deeper discussion. Each model appeals to a different lifestyle, and we're the perfect dealership to help you understand whether the Trax or the Trailblazer is better for your needs.

You'll Save a Little More in the Trax

Putting their broadsheets together, the first thing you'll notice is that the Trax has a starting price of nearly $3k less than the Trailblazer. If you're looking for a truly budget-friendly buy, you'd be better off with the base-level trim of the Trax, the LS. In fact, even the highest trim of the Trax-the ACTIV-is only slightly more than the starting trim of the Trailblazer.

Athletic Aesthetics vs Sophisticated Style 

Even though both of these vehicles belong to the subcompact SUV segment, it's worth noting that there are some significant differences in their dimensions.

The Trax has an undeniably athletic stance. It is lower, wider, and longer than the Trailblazer. Some drivers like that low-to-the-ground, wide-stance feeling; it can offer a great sense of stability, and for some, that lower stance delivers a sportier feel behind the wheel. The slightly higher stance of the Trailblazer will feel more like an SUV, so consider whether or not that's what you want. 

The Trailblazer is going to have a bit more of a sophisticated look, too. Because of its taller and narrower build, it has a somewhat more cosmopolitan look than the Trax. Drivers who want a vehicle they can use for adventures as easily as they'd use it to commute to the office would likely prefer the Trailblazer.

Nearly Identical Interior Dimensions

This might come as a surprise, but even though the Trax is longer and wider than the Trailblazer, the interior specs between the two are nearly identical. For most measurements-including shoulder room, legroom, and headroom for front and back seat passengers-the differences are no more than fractions of an inch. However, the Trailblazer has one major advantage: its second-row passengers get nearly five more inches of hip room than the Trax. So, if you plan on regularly loading up your vehicle with adult passengers, they'll be a touch more comfortable in the Trailblazer.

The maximum cargo volumes of both vehicles are nearly identical, too. Whether the rear seats are down or up, you'll see very similar cargo space dimensions-however, the Trailblazer does stand out again in that it has a fold-flat front passenger seat. This model-exclusive feature means you can put down the whole second row as well as the front passenger seat to create room for an extra-long item like a snowboard or kayak.

Also exclusive to the Trailblazer is the power liftgate. You get a manual tailgate on the Trax, so you'll need your hands free to load up the trunk of that subcompact. 

Are Two Engine Options Better Than One?

One of the biggest differences, performance-wise, between these two models is that the Trax only gets one engine option, while the Trailblazer gets two. The Trax has the 1.2L EcoTec Turbo I-3, outputting 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Trailblazer has the same starting engine option as the Trax but adds the option of upgrading to the larger 1.3L EcoTec Turbo I-3, which outputs 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. That meager extra liter will get you more horsepower and torque than the starting 1.2L engine.

The 2024 Trax only comes in front-wheel drive, and its engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission; this powertrain configuration will get you 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The 2024 Trailblazer offers its standard engine with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and only in front-wheel drive, while its 1.3L Turbo engine can be paired with the CVT or a nine-speed automatic transmission, and it can be had in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The transmission option is nice if you don't want the buttery belt of the CVT and want the distinct power levels of a traditional automatic, and the all-wheel drive will be great for tackling terrain if you intend your Trailblazer to live up to its name. The 1.2L Turbo here will see comparable fuel economy ratings to the same engine on the Trax, while the 1.3L Turbo will get 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway in FWD or 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway in AWD.

A Handful of Upgrades You Can Only Get in the Trailblazer

As we mentioned earlier, the Trax is a very wallet-friendly option, and taking a closer look at the Trailblazer's cabin will explain why it goes for a higher price-namely, its greater number of convenience and comfort features. For example, while both vehicles have a six-speaker audio system, only the Trailblazer has an amplifier, which comes standard across all trims. True music lovers will want that amplifier. 

Only the Trailblazer gets a rear center armrest, which is available on the LT and ACTIV trims and standard on the RS. So, if you have rear-seat passengers who require a little extra separation and comfort, you'll want the Trailblazer. Also note that, while the Trax has a six-way manual driver's seat, the Trailblazer has an available eight-way power driver's seat, giving you more ways to get comfortable before taking off. 

They Might Share a Body, But They're Different Creatures

Many drivers don't know what to make of there being two subcompact SUVs in Chevy's 2024 lineup. Those who want a capable vehicle that's cozy and agile have asked us which one of these vehicles is "best," but the truth is that neither is superior; they are perfect for their own kind of driver.

The team at Dave Gill Chevrolet would be happy to hear what you're looking for in a subcompact SUV and help you decide which one is better suited to your needs. We're well-acquainted with the unique and sometimes subtle differences between these vehicles, and we'll be sure to walk you through them all.

If we had to give a broad-stroke overview of the two, we would say that the 2024 Trax is a wallet-friendly and adventure-ready option that doesn't have many bells and whistles, whereas the Trailblazer will impress those looking for an inspired performance and a smattering of luxury cabin details. 

We have the all-new 2024 Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Trax at terrific prices and look forward to taking you for a test drive. We know Columbus drivers are going to love both of these vehicles.