Trailblazer vs HR-V
The Trailblazer and the HR-V land in the same subcompact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Scoring each area separately, the Trailblazer comes out on top 1 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Trailblazer wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.8
- Space & Practicality5.9
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 HR-V has 21 hp more power
The Trailblazer lists 137 hp; the HR-V comes in at 158 hp. That’s not a rounding error. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Trailblazer has 24 lb-ft more torque
At 162 lb-ft versus 138 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Trailblazer, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Trailblazer has better fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 30 mpg on the Trailblazer, 28 mpg on the HR-V. The Trailblazer uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy
If fuel economy (city) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Trailblazer leads clearly with 30 mpg to the HR-V’s 26 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trailblazer starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The engine & performance section is split: the Trailblazer has 24 lb-ft more torque, while the HR-V counters with 21 hp more power. If you’re torn on engine & performance, the other sections may help break the tie.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp HR-V: 158 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft HR-V: 138 lb-ft The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trailblazer leads
The Trailblazer dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Trailblazer makes its case with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. That makes the Trailblazer the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg HR-V: 28 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg HR-V: 26 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Trailblazer and the HR-V row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 158 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 138 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | 24.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | 55.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,100 | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the HR-V if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (158 hp vs 137 hp)
- you trust Honda and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the HR-V?
The Trailblazer wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you value 21 hp more power above everything else.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Trailblazer and the HR-V chase the same buyer. In the details, Chevrolet and Honda made different calls. Practically speaking, the Trailblazer’s biggest advantage is 24 lb-ft more torque. Beyond that, better fuel economy gives the Trailblazer another edge. I’ll admit the HR-V has a point with 21 hp more power.
I think of the Trailblazer as the one for fuel economy & range and the HR-V as the one for performance.
My pick: the Trailblazer. The HR-V only comes out ahead if what you want most is 21 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.