2024 Chevy Trailblazer vs. 2024 Chevy Trax: Sibling Squabble
Chevy’s subcompact SUV offerings, the Trailblazer and Trax, have hit the market for the 2024 model year. However, these two siblings are duking it out in the automotive market side-by-side. The two models are nearly identical, but each has its merits.
The small SUV class is competitive because drivers want the versatility of an SUV in a small and affordable package that is also roomy. That’s not an easy feat compared to EV counterparts, which often offer more interior room due to the lack of an engine compartment in the form of a frunk (front trunk). So, which subcompact SUV model from Chevrolet is the best fit for you?
2024 Chevy Trailblazer vs. 2024 Chevrolet Trax: Engine options and performance
Edmunds reports that the Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 137 horsepower with 162 lb-ft of torque paired with continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive option adds a more potent turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 155 hp with 174 lb-ft of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, Edmunds reports that the 2024 Chevy Trax is available in five trim levels: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. All are powered by the same 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 137 hp with 162 lb-ft of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, all-wheel drive is unavailable on the Trax, which may be a significant drawback for some consumers.
2024 Trailblazer vs. 2024 Trax: Fuel economy
Because the 2024 Chevrolet Trax is only available with one option for the powertrain, each trim gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined rating with 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway from a 13.2-gallon fuel tank. For a subcompact SUV, that’s average. However, rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla Cross offer better fuel economy.
The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer, with the larger 1.3-liter three-cylinder, has an estimated EPA of 29 city mpg and 33 highway mpg, also with a 13.2-gallon fuel tank. All-wheel drive reduces those numbers to 26 city mpg and 33 highway mpg. Meanwhile, its 1.2-liter three-cylinder model gets 29 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.Â
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. 2024 Chevy Trax: Cargo capacity and seating space
For the subcompact SUV class, the Chevy Trax’s cargo area is impressive at 25.6 cubic feet. It is significantly larger than previous models, and most other cargo holds in rivals. With room for five passengers, the front headroom is 39.6 inches, and the rear headroom is 38.1 inches. The front shoulder room is 55.7 inches, and the rear shoulder room is 54.3 inches. Passengers in the front get 41.9 inches of legroom, while the backseat passengers get 38.7 inches.
Alternatively, the Chevy Trailblazer offers a standard fold-flat front passenger seat that can accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long, with upwards of 54.4 cubic feet of cargo room. A two-tier storage system also adds flexibility, which the Trax lacks.
Pricing for the 2024 Chevy Trax has an MSRP of $21,495 for the base model. Pricing for the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer, which is slightly more expensive than the Trax, has a starting MSRP of $23,100. Both models come with a Limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles. Also, complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit.
Although the two models are similar, they are different enough to appeal to consumers with different priorities. So, which small Chevy SUV speaks to you?
