Trailblazer vs Kicks
For subcompact suv shoppers, the Trailblazer from Chevrolet and the Kicks from Nissan are two of the obvious candidates. On balance, the Kicks is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 5 areas, most clearly in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trailblazer wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Kicks wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Kicks wins
- Price Kicks wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Fuel Economy & Range3.4
- Space & Practicality9.5
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
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The Kicks has 19% more cargo space
A clear win for the Kicks: 30 cu ft against 25.3 cu ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The Kicks’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Trailblazer has 22 lb-ft more torque
Here the Trailblazer pulls well ahead of the Kicks, with 162 lb-ft compared to 140 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Kicks has 10% more maximum cargo space
The Trailblazer isn’t far behind at 54.4 cu ft, but the Kicks’s 60 cu ft still comes out ahead. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Kicks has better highway fuel economy
A narrow win for the Kicks. With 35 mpg to 31 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The Kicks has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
Close, but not identical: the Kicks lists 12.3 in and the Trailblazer lists 11 in. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
Dimensionally, these two are near twins.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,987 lb |
Engine & Performance
Trailblazer leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Trailblazer. The Trailblazer scores with 22 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 Kicks: 140 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trade-off
Give the Trailblazer credit for better city fuel economy, and the Kicks credit for better highway fuel economy. If you’re torn on fuel economy & range, the other sections may help break the tie.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg Kicks: 35 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Kicks: 28 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Kicks leads
The space & practicality comparison is one-sided. The Kicks leads where it counts. The Kicks stands out with 19% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. In short, the Kicks is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trailblazer: 25.3 cu ft Kicks: 30 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 Kicks: 60 cu ft The Kicks can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Kicks leads
Slight edge to the Kicks on safety & tech. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Kicks has the edge with a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. The Kicks’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Net result: the Kicks leads this part of the comparison.
Largest touchscreen
Trailblazer: 11 in Kicks: 12.3 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 | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 141 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 140 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 35 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | 30 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | 60 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 34.50 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.40 in |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,987 lb |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,100 | $21,830 (winner) |
“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
A price gap of $1,270 at launch won’t make or break this decision. Less money, more wins: the Kicks beats the Trailblazer on value by a clear margin and saves $1,270.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 140 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you prefer staying with Chevrolet
Choose the Kicks if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (30 cu ft vs 25.3 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (60 cu ft vs 54.4 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 11 in)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($1,270 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trailblazer or the Kicks?
For most people, the Kicks is the stronger choice, unless you’d rather have 22 lb-ft more torque on the Trailblazer.
Is the Trailblazer bigger than the Kicks?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Trailblazer and the Kicks is too small to matter.
Is the Trailblazer cheaper than the Kicks?
The Kicks is the cheaper option, launching at $1,270 less than the Trailblazer (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Whenever Chevrolet and Nissan go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Trailblazer and the Kicks are no exception. It’s hard to argue with 19% more cargo space, which is exactly what the Kicks brings. Another thing in the Kicks’s favor is better highway fuel economy. The Trailblazer does have a strong card to play: 22 lb-ft more torque.
For engine & performance, the Trailblazer fits better. For space & practicality, the Kicks is the better match.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Kicks, unless you need 22 lb-ft more torque, which only the Trailblazer offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.