Trailblazer vs Kicks Play
The Trailblazer and the Kicks Play compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Chevrolet and Nissan each making its case. The Trailblazer and the Kicks Play split the honors, with engine & performance going to the Trailblazer and fuel economy & range going to the Kicks Play.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trailblazer wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Kicks Play wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Trailblazer wins
- Safety & Tech Trailblazer wins
- Price Kicks Play wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
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 48 lb-ft more torque
Here the Trailblazer pulls well ahead of the Kicks Play, with 162 lb-ft compared to 114 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Trailblazer has 15 hp more power
The Trailblazer gets a small bonus on total system output, with 137 hp against the Kicks Play’s 122 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Kicks Play has better fuel economy
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Kicks Play leads 33 mpg to 30 mpg. The Kicks Play uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Trailblazer has a bigger 11 in touchscreen
The Trailblazer doesn’t just edge this one; 11 in against 7 in is a lead you’ll feel. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
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The Kicks Play has better highway fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Kicks Play’s 36 mpg versus the Trailblazer’s 31 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trailblazer leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Trailblazer. The Trailblazer scores with 48 lb-ft more torque. The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Trailblazer is the safer choice.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Kicks Play: 114 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Kicks Play: 122 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Kicks Play leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the Kicks Play makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Kicks Play comes with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. That makes the Kicks Play the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Kicks Play: 33 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg Kicks Play: 36 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the Trailblazer and the Kicks Play barely differ. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Trailblazer leads
Slight edge to the Trailblazer on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. On the Trailblazer, 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. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Trailblazer.
AWD / 4WD available
Trailblazer: yes Kicks Play: no The Trailblazer offers all-wheel drive; the Kicks Play doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
Trailblazer leads
On safety & tech, the difference is modest, and it favors the Trailblazer. In its favor, the Trailblazer has a bigger 11 in touchscreen. The Trailblazer’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. On safety & tech alone, the Trailblazer gets the nod.
Largest touchscreen
Trailblazer: 11 in Kicks Play: 7 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp (winner) | 122 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 114 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in (winner) | 7 in Smallest touchscreen |
| 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 Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,100 | $21,520 (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
The launch price difference is small: $1,580, favoring the Kicks Play. Paying $1,580 more for the Trailblazer gets you some gains, but it also leaves some areas to the Kicks Play.
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 often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 114 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (137 hp vs 122 hp)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (11 in vs 7 in)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the Kicks Play if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (33 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
- you’d put the $1,580 saving toward something else
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trailblazer or the Kicks Play?
There’s no single right answer. The Trailblazer leads on engine & performance and the Kicks Play on fuel economy & range.
Which costs less, the Trailblazer or the Kicks Play?
Going by launch prices, the Kicks Play costs $1,580 less than the Trailblazer. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
The Trailblazer and the Kicks Play are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. Honestly, 48 lb-ft more torque on the Trailblazer does a lot of the persuading for me. The Trailblazer also scores with a bigger 11 in touchscreen. Fairness check: the Kicks Play does come with better fuel economy.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Trailblazer, fuel economy & range to the Kicks Play.
My pick: I’d go with the Trailblazer if I cared most about engine & performance, and the Kicks Play if fuel economy & range mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.