Trailblazer vs Soul
Few matchups in the subcompact suv class come up as often as the Trailblazer against the Soul. Neither has a lead that settles everything. The Trailblazer is ahead on off-road & towing, and the Soul is ahead on space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Soul wins
- Off-road & Towing Trailblazer wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Space & Practicality6.7
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
Put simply, the Trailblazer is far ahead here: 162 lb-ft compared with 132 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Soul has 10 hp more power
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Soul (147 hp versus 137 hp). The Soul’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Soul has 14% more maximum cargo space
The Soul gets a small bonus on cargo (seats folded), with 62.1 cu ft against 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 Trailblazer has available all-wheel drive
The Trailblazer has it; the Soul doesn’t. No percentages needed. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
The Trailblazer has the bigger footprint. That can mean more room to work with, but also more to carry, park or pocket.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 165.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 102.4 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
This area is a trade-off. Choose the Trailblazer for 30 lb-ft more torque, or the Soul for 10 hp more power. Bottom line for engine & performance: decide which advantage matters more to you.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Soul: 132 lb-ft The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Soul: 147 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Soul leads
The space & practicality comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Soul marginally ahead. The Soul takes this one with 14% more maximum cargo space. The Soul can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. Net result: the Soul leads this part of the comparison.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Soul: 62.1 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Trailblazer leads
By a small margin, the Trailblazer is the stronger of the two in this area. The Trailblazer pulls ahead with available all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer offers all-wheel drive; the Soul doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the Trailblazer is the stronger car.
AWD / 4WD available
Trailblazer: yes Soul: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On safety & tech, both deliver about the same. In short, safety & tech is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| 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 | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | 24.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | 62.1 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 165.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 102.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| 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 face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you want the bigger car
Choose the Soul if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (147 hp vs 137 hp)
- you move bulky items now and then (62.1 cu ft vs 54.4 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you value compactness over sheer size
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trailblazer or the Soul?
There’s no single right answer. The Trailblazer leads on off-road & towing and the Soul on space & practicality.
Which is larger, the Trailblazer or the Soul?
Going by the official dimensions, the Trailblazer is the bigger of the two at 173.7 in. The Soul measures 165.2 × 70.9 × 63 in.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Trailblazer and the Soul purely on what they offer. The Trailblazer has 30 lb-ft more torque, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Stack available all-wheel drive on top of that, and the Trailblazer’s lead grows. Where the Soul fights back is 10 hp more power.
Match the strength to your habits (off-road & towing for the Trailblazer, space & practicality for the Soul), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: I can’t crown one. The Trailblazer wins on off-road & towing, the Soul on space & practicality, and your habits decide.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.