Trailblazer vs Kona
Brand preference aside, the Trailblazer and the Kona are close competitors, both pitched at subcompact suv buyers. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 5 areas go to the Kona, and the gap is widest in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Kona wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Kona wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Space & Practicality7.6
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 30 lb-ft more torque
At 162 lb-ft versus 132 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Trailblazer, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Kona has 17% more maximum cargo space
If cargo (seats folded) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Kona leads clearly with 63.7 cu ft to the Trailblazer’s 54.4 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Kona has 10 hp more power
The Kona gets a small bonus on total system output, with 147 hp against the Trailblazer’s 137 hp. The Kona’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Kona has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Kona leads 12.3 in to 11 in. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
There’s no meaningful size difference between the Trailblazer and the Kona.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 171.5 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 62.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Give the Trailblazer credit for 30 lb-ft more torque, and the Kona credit for 10 hp more power. Net result on engine & performance: a genuine trade-off.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Kona: 132 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Kona: 147 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Side by side, the fuel economy & range figures for the Trailblazer and the Kona barely differ. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: it’s a wash.
Space & Practicality
Kona leads
If space & practicality is high on your list, the Kona makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Kona steps ahead thanks to 17% more maximum cargo space. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Kona.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Kona: 63.7 cu ft The Kona can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the Trailblazer and the Kona land in almost the same place. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Kona leads
Slight edge to the Kona on safety & tech. Most buyers could live happily with either. In its favor, the Kona has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. If this section decides it for you, choose the Kona.
Largest touchscreen
Trailblazer: 11 in Kona: 12.3 in The Kona’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 147 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | 63.7 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 171.5 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 62.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.7 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kona |
|---|---|---|
| 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 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other Chevrolet products
Choose the Kona if…
- you move bulky items now and then (63.7 cu ft vs 54.4 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want more power (147 hp vs 137 hp)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 11 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the Kona?
For most people, the Kona is the stronger choice, unless you specifically want 30 lb-ft more torque, where the Trailblazer has the edge.
Is the Trailblazer bigger than the Kona?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Trailblazer and the Kona is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
Whenever Chevrolet and Hyundai go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Trailblazer and the Kona are no exception. What I like most about the Kona here is 17% more maximum cargo space. The Kona also scores with 10 hp more power. On the other side, the Trailblazer brings 30 lb-ft more torque, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
I’d steer pulling power fans toward the Trailblazer and space & practicality fans toward the Kona.
My pick: the Kona, unless what you want most is 30 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.