Envista vs Trailblazer
The Envista and the Trailblazer are two different answers to the same subcompact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. If you only read one line, make it this: the Trailblazer takes 3 of 4 compared areas, and the space & practicality gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Trailblazer wins
- Space & Practicality Trailblazer wins
- Off-road & Towing Trailblazer wins
- Price Trailblazer wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality2.3
- 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
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The Trailblazer has 22% more cargo space
This is a headline difference. With 25.3 cu ft to the Envista’s 20.7 cu ft, the Trailblazer has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Trailblazer has 30% more maximum cargo space
Put simply, the Trailblazer is far ahead here: 54.4 cu ft compared with 42 cu ft. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy
The Trailblazer wins this narrowly, 30 mpg against 28 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trailblazer has the better rating here.
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The Trailblazer has available all-wheel drive
This is a feature gap rather than a spec gap: the Envista simply lacks it. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
In overall size, the Envista is ahead, which is good news only if a bigger car is what you want.
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | 173.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the engine & performance section. So engine & performance is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trailblazer leads
By a small margin, the Trailblazer is the stronger of the two in this area. The Trailblazer delivers better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. In short, the Trailblazer is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (city)
Envista: 28 mpg Trailblazer: 30 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trailblazer starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Trailblazer leads
The Trailblazer clearly takes the space & practicality round. The Trailblazer adds 22% more cargo space. The Trailblazer’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. If space & practicality is your priority, the Trailblazer is the car to pick.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Envista: 20.7 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)
Envista: 42 cu ft Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Trailblazer leads
A modest lead on off-road & towing belongs to the Trailblazer. The Trailblazer takes this one with available all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer offers all-wheel drive; the Envista doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. For off-road & towing, the Trailblazer is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
Envista: no Trailblazer: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Envista and the Trailblazer each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envista | 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 | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envista | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envista | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.7 cu ft | 25.3 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 42 cu ft | 54.4 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envista | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envista | 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 | Envista | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | 173.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Envista | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 | $23,100 |
“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
In launch price, the two are close: the Trailblazer came in $700 lower. The Envista costs $700 more yet trails the Trailblazer in more areas than it leads.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Envista if…
- you prefer a larger car and have the room for it
- you’re loyal to Buick and happy with it
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (25.3 cu ft vs 20.7 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.4 cu ft vs 42 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you don’t need the extras that cost $700 more
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Envista or the Trailblazer?
On the specs compared here, the Trailblazer makes more sense for most buyers; the Envista doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Envista or the Trailblazer?
Going by the official dimensions, the Envista is the bigger of the two at 182.6 in. The Trailblazer measures 173.7 in.
Which costs less, the Envista or the Trailblazer?
At launch, the Trailblazer undercut the Envista by $700. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Envista against the Trailblazer is exactly that. What tips it for me is that the Trailblazer has 22% more cargo space. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Trailblazer has better city fuel economy.
I think of the Envista as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Trailblazer as the one for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Trailblazer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.