Trailblazer vs Eclipse Cross
The Trailblazer and the Eclipse Cross are direct rivals in the subcompact suv class, one from Chevrolet and one from Mitsubishi. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Trailblazer is ahead in 3 of 5, led by a clear margin in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Eclipse Cross wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Trailblazer wins
- Space & Practicality Trailblazer wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Trailblazer wins
- Price Trailblazer wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance2.9
- Fuel Economy & Range0.3
- Space & Practicality4.8
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 better fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Trailblazer’s 30 mpg versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Eclipse Cross has 15 hp more power
Close, but not identical: the Eclipse Cross lists 152 hp and the Trailblazer lists 137 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Trailblazer has 8.1% more cargo space
The gap on cargo (behind rear seats) is slim (25.3 cu ft against 23.4 cu ft), yet it tips toward the Trailblazer. The Trailblazer’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Trailblazer has a bigger 11 in touchscreen
The Eclipse Cross is clearly behind on largest touchscreen (8 in against 11 in), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
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The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the Trailblazer is in a different league: 30 mpg, next to 25 mpg for the Eclipse Cross. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trailblazer has the better rating here.
Design & Size
The Trailblazer is the smaller car here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 179 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 66.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 105.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Eclipse Cross leads
The Trailblazer has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Eclipse Cross pulls well ahead. Choose the Eclipse Cross and you get 15 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If this section decides it for you, choose the Eclipse Cross.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Eclipse Cross: 152 hp The Eclipse Cross’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Eclipse Cross: 184 lb-ft The Eclipse Cross’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 wins here with better fuel economy. The Trailblazer uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. On fuel economy & range alone, the Trailblazer gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Eclipse Cross: 26 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Eclipse Cross: 25 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trailblazer starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Trailblazer leads
In the space & practicality category, the Trailblazer isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Trailblazer gives you 8.1% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Net result: the Trailblazer leads this part of the comparison.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trailblazer: 25.3 cu ft Eclipse Cross: 23.4 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Eclipse Cross: 50.1 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
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Trailblazer leads
The Eclipse Cross comes close on safety & tech, but the Trailblazer does just enough to lead. Point to the Trailblazer for a bigger 11 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. Anyone shopping mainly on safety & tech should start with the Trailblazer.
Largest touchscreen
Trailblazer: 11 in Eclipse Cross: 8 in The Trailblazer’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 152 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (S-AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 15.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft (winner) | 23.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft (winner) | 50.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in (winner) | 8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 179 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 66.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 105.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,100 (winner) | $27,695 |
“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.
Price & Value
The Eclipse Cross carried a slight premium of $4,595 at launch. The Trailblazer costs $4,595 less and still comes out ahead in more areas, a rare combination.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (30 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.3 cu ft vs 23.4 cu ft)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (11 in vs 8 in)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 25 mpg in the city)
- you want more value for your money ($4,595 less at launch)
Choose the Eclipse Cross if…
- you want more power (152 hp vs 137 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the Eclipse Cross?
For most people, the Trailblazer is the stronger choice, unless you’d rather have 15 hp more power on the Eclipse Cross.
Which is larger, the Trailblazer or the Eclipse Cross?
The Eclipse Cross takes that one. With dimensions of 179 × 71.1 × 66.5 in, it is larger than the Trailblazer (173.7 in).
Is the Trailblazer cheaper than the Eclipse Cross?
The Trailblazer is the cheaper option, launching at $4,595 less than the Eclipse Cross (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Chevrolet’s Trailblazer versus Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is better fuel economy, and that goes to the Trailblazer. On top of that, the Trailblazer adds 8.1% more cargo space. That said, the Eclipse Cross answers with 15 hp more power, which some people will value more.
The Trailblazer is built for people who weigh fuel economy & range heavily, and the Eclipse Cross for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the Trailblazer gets my vote, but the Eclipse Cross is the right call if you value 15 hp more power above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.