Trailblazer vs Trax
Both the Trailblazer and the Trax come from Chevrolet, but they belong to different lines with different goals. Across 5 compared areas, the Trailblazer takes 2. The widest gap shows up under fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Trailblazer wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Trailblazer wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Trax wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
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 better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the Trailblazer edges out the Trax, 30 mpg to 28 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Trailblazer has available all-wheel drive
It’s a clear yes for the Trailblazer and a clear no for the Trax. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Size-wise, the Trax takes up more space, and the Trailblazer is easier to fit where room is tight.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 179.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
In the engine & performance category, the Trailblazer and the Trax land in almost the same place. If engine & performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trailblazer leads
Call it a small but real win for the Trailblazer in this area. The Trailblazer pulls ahead with better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trailblazer has the better rating here. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Trailblazer.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Trax: 28 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trailblazer starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Trailblazer leads
In the off-road & towing category, the Trailblazer is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. Choose the Trailblazer and you get available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. That makes the Trailblazer the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
AWD / 4WD available
Trailblazer: yes Trax: no The Trailblazer offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on safety & tech; the numbers are close throughout. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | 25.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | 54.1 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 38.70 in Most rear legroom |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | 11 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 179.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,100 | $20,500 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“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
At launch, the difference was a modest $2,600, with the Trax slightly more affordable. That $2,600 gap does buy something tangible: better city fuel economy and available all-wheel drive.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Choose the Trax if…
- you’d put the $2,600 saving toward something else
- you like more of everything, size included
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the Trax?
We’d point most buyers to the Trailblazer. The main exception is if every dollar counts and $2,600 is a real sum for you.
Is the Trailblazer bigger than the Trax?
It’s the Trax that is larger: 179.1 in, versus 173.7 in for the Trailblazer.
Which costs less, the Trailblazer or the Trax?
The Trailblazer launched at $2,600 more than the Trax, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
The Trailblazer and the Trax are relatives, and relatives can be surprisingly different once you read the fine print. The Trailblazer earns my vote first and foremost with better city fuel economy. On top of that, the Trailblazer adds available all-wheel drive.
Who should get which? The Trailblazer for fuel economy & range, the Trax for price.
My pick: the Trailblazer, unless you have better plans for $2,600.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.