Encore GX vs Trailblazer
The Encore GX and the Trailblazer compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Buick and Chevrolet each making its case. Look at the scorecard and the Trailblazer stands out, ahead in 1 of 4 areas. The space & practicality numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Trailblazer wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Trailblazer wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Trailblazer has 7.7% more cargo space
The difference is minor (25.3 cu ft against 23.5 cu ft), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Trailblazer wins it. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Trailblazer has 8.4% more maximum cargo space
The Encore GX comes close with 50.2 cu ft; the Trailblazer does slightly better with 54.4 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
In overall size, the Encore GX and the Trailblazer are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 173.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Call the engine & performance round a draw. Bottom line for engine & performance: it’s a wash.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The fuel economy & range section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The fuel economy & range verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Space & Practicality
Trailblazer leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Trailblazer is the stronger of the two. The Trailblazer brings 7.7% more cargo space. The Trailblazer’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Trailblazer is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft Trailblazer: 25.3 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Encore GX nor the Trailblazer has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Encore GX and the Trailblazer part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.2L turbo I3 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 137 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | 25.3 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 54.4 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 11 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 173.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | $23,100 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Encore GX asked only $2,840 more at launch. On value, the Trailblazer is the easy call: $2,840 less and ahead on balance.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (25.3 cu ft vs 23.5 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.4 cu ft vs 50.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $2,840 matters
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Trailblazer?
On the specs compared here, the Trailblazer makes more sense for most buyers; the Encore GX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Encore GX or the Trailblazer?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Encore GX and the Trailblazer is too small to matter.
Is the Encore GX cheaper than the Trailblazer?
The Trailblazer is the cheaper option, launching at $2,840 less than the Encore GX (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Encore GX and the Trailblazer. I just have opinions about the numbers. Start with the headline difference (the Trailblazer has 7.7% more cargo space), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the Encore GX. If space & practicality is what you’d miss, go with the Trailblazer.
My pick: the Trailblazer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.