Trailblazer vs Venue
Put the Trailblazer next to the Venue and you have Chevrolet and Hyundai going after exactly the same subcompact suv crowd. The Venue is up against it here: the Trailblazer wins 4 of the 5 areas on our scorecard, with space & practicality as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trailblazer wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Trailblazer wins
- Off-road & Towing Trailblazer wins
- Safety & Tech Trailblazer wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range3.1
- Space & Practicality0.0
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 35% more cargo space
Big gap, real consequences. The Trailblazer’s 25.3 cu ft versus the Venue’s 18.7 cu ft changes how the two compare in daily use. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Trailblazer has 71% more maximum cargo space
The Venue is clearly behind on cargo (seats folded) (31.9 cu ft against 54.4 cu ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The Trailblazer can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The Trailblazer has 49 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the Trailblazer is in a different league: 162 lb-ft, next to 113 lb-ft for the Venue. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Trailblazer has 16 hp more power
It’s a small lead (137 hp versus 121 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the Trailblazer. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Trailblazer has a 14.6 in longer body
The Trailblazer comes out larger here (173.7 in versus 159.1 in), which is neither a plus nor a minus on its own. A longer car usually means more room inside, while a shorter one is easier to park and maneuver in the city.
Design & Size
By the manufacturer’s measurements, the Venue is the more compact car, and the Trailblazer the larger one.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 99.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Trailblazer leads
The Trailblazer is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The Trailblazer gives you 49 lb-ft more torque. The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. For engine & performance, the Trailblazer is the one to beat.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Venue: 113 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Venue: 121 hp The Trailblazer’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Both the Trailblazer and the Venue cover fuel economy & range equally well on paper. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on fuel economy & range.
Space & Practicality
Trailblazer leads
The space & practicality numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Trailblazer. Here the Trailblazer offers 35% more cargo space. The Trailblazer’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. The space & practicality verdict goes to the Trailblazer.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trailblazer: 25.3 cu ft Venue: 18.7 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Venue: 31.9 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
By a small margin, the Trailblazer is the stronger of the two in this area. 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. Weighing only off-road & towing, the Trailblazer comes out ahead.
AWD / 4WD available
Trailblazer: yes Venue: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Trailblazer leads
This area is close, with the Trailblazer just ahead of the Venue. The Trailblazer answers with a bigger 11 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. Net result: the Trailblazer leads this part of the comparison.
Largest touchscreen
Trailblazer: 11 in Venue: 8 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp (winner) | 121 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 113 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft (winner) | 18.7 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft (winner) | 31.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in (winner) | 8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 99.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.3 cu ft vs 18.7 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.4 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 113 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (137 hp vs 121 hp)
Choose the Venue if…
- you value compactness over sheer size
- you’re comfortable with how Hyundai does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trailblazer or the Venue?
On the specs compared here, the Trailblazer makes more sense for most buyers; the Venue doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Trailblazer or the Venue?
Size goes the other way: the Trailblazer is larger (173.7 in), and the Venue is the smaller option (159.1 × 69.7 × 61.4 in).
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Trailblazer and the Venue on their merits. What tips it for me is that the Trailblazer has 35% more cargo space. And if that weren’t enough, the Trailblazer has 49 lb-ft more torque.
Think about your week. Heavy on engine & performance? The Trailblazer. More about the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Venue.
My pick: the Trailblazer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.