Trailblazer vs CX-30
Brand preference aside, the Trailblazer and the CX-30 are close competitors, both pitched at subcompact suv buyers. The CX-30 is up against it here: the Trailblazer wins 2 of the 5 areas on our scorecard, with space & practicality as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-30 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Trailblazer wins
- Space & Practicality Trailblazer wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.3
- Space & Practicality2.5
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 CX-30 has 54 hp more power
The CX-30 clearly leads on total system output, and 191 hp versus 137 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The CX-30’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Trailblazer has 25% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the Trailblazer posts 25.3 cu ft against 20.2 cu ft for the CX-30, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Trailblazer has 20% more maximum cargo space
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 54.4 cu ft for the Trailblazer versus 45.2 cu ft for the CX-30. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
-
The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy
The CX-30 lists 26 mpg; the Trailblazer comes in at 30 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trailblazer starts from a better baseline.
-
The CX-30 has 24 lb-ft more torque
The CX-30 has a modest edge on torque: 186 lb-ft against 162 lb-ft for the Trailblazer. The CX-30’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Size won’t decide this one: the Trailblazer and the CX-30 have very similar dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.4 in |
Engine & Performance
CX-30 leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The CX-30 leads where it counts. The CX-30 wins here with 54 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If engine & performance is your priority, the CX-30 is the car to pick.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp CX-30: 191 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft CX-30: 186 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trailblazer leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Trailblazer marginally ahead. The Trailblazer pulls ahead with better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. The CX-30 takes this one with better highway fuel economy. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Trailblazer is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg CX-30: 26 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trailblazer has the better rating here.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg CX-30: 33 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Trailblazer leads
The CX-30 is outclassed on space & practicality; the Trailblazer leads by a clear margin. Here the Trailblazer offers 25% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Trailblazer has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trailblazer: 25.3 cu ft CX-30: 20.2 cu ft The Trailblazer’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft CX-30: 45.2 cu ft The Trailblazer can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Trailblazer and the CX-30 are effectively level. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
The safety & tech specs are close enough that neither gets the point. In short, safety & tech is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 191 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft (winner) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft (winner) | 45.2 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 20.2 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.4 cu ft vs 45.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the CX-30 if…
- you want more power (191 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (186 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the CX-30?
The Trailblazer makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is 54 hp more power.
Which is larger, the Trailblazer or the CX-30?
The Trailblazer and the CX-30 are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Chevrolet’s Trailblazer against Mazda’s CX-30. Start with the headline difference (the Trailblazer has 25% more cargo space), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second reason: the Trailblazer comes with better city fuel economy. I don’t want to sell the CX-30 short, though: it has 54 hp more power.
I’d steer fuel economy & range fans toward the Trailblazer and engine & performance fans toward the CX-30.
My pick: the Trailblazer is the one I’d buy, unless your top priority is 54 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.