The 2025 Chevy Trailblazer: Ideal for the Buckeye State and Beyond

A blue 2025 Chevy Trailblazer RS is shown parked after viewing a Chevy Trailblazer for sale in Columbus.

There's a lot to get excited about finding a 2025 Chevy Trailblazer for sale in Columbus. Could it be that Chevrolet has created the ultimate vehicle for those who live in Ohio? Equal parts handy and rugged, the Trailblazer has a range of trims that embody your needs. Whether you plan to do a little tailgating, take up carpool duties for after-school activities, or look forward to exploring Ohio's National Parks and National Forests, there's a Trailblazer designed to make your driving dreams come true.

Of course, we recognize that there are a lot of SUVs on the road today that claim those same exact things. As a smart shopper, it's a good idea to check the market for the best investment of your money. That's why we've paired the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer against one of its closest competitors-the 2025 Honda HR-V-to help us explain why we feel the 2025 Trailblazer is ruling the roads. Take a look at why we're so excited to offer the Chevy Trailblazer to drivers like you.

Starting With the Basics: The Trailblazer and HR-V in a Nutshell

It's easy to see why the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer and 2025 Honda HR-V are often compared to each other-they have plenty in common. Both are affordable subcompact SUVs from reputable brands and are available at an affordable price point. But fear not-there are plenty of differences to discuss as well.

The 2025 Trailblazer is offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. In fact, all-wheel drive is an option across the entire Trailblazer lineup, from the introductory LS trim to the mid-range LT to the flashier RS and ACTIV trims.

LS and LT trims equipped with front-wheel drive include Chevy's standard EcoTec 1.2L turbocharged engine, which is good for a chipper 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. That's more than enough pep to safely navigate the ever-changing landscape of Columbus, and with its EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined fuel economy, a run out to the suburbs won't seem like a hassle at all.

Those who choose the RS and ACTIV trims in front-wheel drive and everyone who selects an all-wheel drive Trailblazer get to enjoy an even peppier engine. These models feature a 1.3L EcoTec turbocharged engine that's good for 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, the fuel economy actually improves with the more powerful engine to 31 MPG combined.

The 2025 Honda HR-V is offered in only three trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. All HR-V models are equipped with a non-turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine. This setup provides 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. Honda's Real-Time all-wheel drive system is available on all trims as well. Front-wheel drive models have an estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG combined, while all-wheel drive models come in at 27 MPG combined. 

Despite the larger engine, the Honda HR-V only has three more horsepower than the Chevy Trailblazer and a significant 36 lb-ft deficit. Furthermore, it doesn't offer any savings at the fuel pump. Overall, the Trailblazer offers more performance, as well as more performance options.

The black dash is shown in a 2025 Chevy Trailblazer.

When Cargo Space Counts

Driving an SUV isn't just about power and performance, though. For every mile of travel, you have to consider every minute stuck in the five o'clock gridlock during rush hour in Columbus. That's where an SUV's standard features come into play to make your time behind the wheel better.

First, there's the overall size and capability of the vehicle. Both the Trailblazer and the HR-V are five-passenger vehicles, but what if you're more interested in the amount of stuff you can fit in your vehicle?

The 2025 Trailblazer offers 25.3 cu.ft. of cargo space when all seats are filled, which expands to 54.4 cu.ft. when the second-row seat has been folded down. As an added bonus, the Trailblazer features a standard fold-flat front passenger seat, which stretches the cabin to allow for cargo up to 8.5 feet in length. Whether that means bringing bikes to the Olentangy Trail, an extended shopping trip, or packing more gear for the weekend is entirely up to you.

The HR-V offers approximately the same amount of cargo space: 24.4 cu.ft. with all seats occupied and 55.1 cu.ft. with the rear seat stowed. However, the HR-V lacks the folding front seat of the Trailblazer, making it impractical for handling larger cargoes.

Standard Features Help the Trailblazer Stand Out

Other standard features for the 2025 Trailblazers include an eight-inch Driver Information Center and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, which allows drivers to connect with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. While the standard audio system is a six-speaker unit, a premium seven-speaker Bose option can be added to the top RS and ACTIV trims.

The 2025 Honda HR-V includes a standard seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, though drivers who select the top EX-L trim have a nine-inch version at their fingertips. Each HR-V trim has a different audio system. The LX includes four speakers, the Sport has six, and the EX-L has eight. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is only offered on the EX-L trim.

In fact, most of the fanciest features are only offered on the top HR-V trim, including a power driver's seat, wireless device charging, and SiriusXM. All Trailblazer trims include a trial subscription to SiriusXM, and a power driver's seat and wireless device charging are available on all but the LS trim, thanks to Chevy's multiple customization options.

A yellow 2025 Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV is shown parked near a tent.

Off-Road Options and More

For drivers who plan to take their SUVs through the mud and over the hills, the 2025 Trailblazer ACTIV is an excellent choice. While not a fully outfitted off-road beast, it does include plenty of peace of mind when leaving the pavement behind, including an off-road-tuned suspension and a functional skid plate.

Unfortunately, the 2025 Honda HR-V does not include a trim with off-road features. The HR-V Sport trim has a sporty appearance that includes 18-inch gloss black wheels, a sport grille, and chrome exhaust fittings, but its overall performance is identical to the rest of the lineup.

Furthermore, Honda is known for having a very specific number of factory-installed options on its vehicles: zero. While "what you see is what you get" is a fine policy, drivers who want a little more might consider the Trailblazer, which offers options such as the Convenience Package and the Trailering Package, which add features that make your SUV more useful for your life.

So Much to Offer for So Many Drivers

Not every SUV is for every driver, and at the end of the day, the 2025 Honda HR-V is a very nice vehicle. But while many of the differences between them are relatively small, why should you settle for less? 

The 2025 Chevy Trailblazer was designed with the needs of Columbus drivers in mind. It offers more options and more choices than the 2025 Honda HR-V. Buying an SUV is a big decision-literally and for your budget. While there are plenty of SUV options within the Chevy lineup and beyond, make sure you choose a vehicle that doesn't short-change you on space or comfort.