Trailblazer vs Crosstrek
This is a classic rivalry: the Trailblazer against the Crosstrek, Chevrolet against Subaru, both in subcompact suv territory. These two are nearly level on the spec sheet, which means the right pick depends more on you than on them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
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 Crosstrek has 15 hp more power
The Crosstrek wins this narrowly, 152 hp against 137 hp, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Trailblazer has 17 lb-ft more torque
The Trailblazer has a modest edge on torque: 162 lb-ft against 145 lb-ft for the Crosstrek. The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy
It’s a small lead (30 mpg versus 27 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the Trailblazer. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy
The Trailblazer isn’t far behind at 31 mpg, but the Crosstrek’s 34 mpg still comes out ahead. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The Trailblazer leans on 17 lb-ft more torque in this section, while the Crosstrek leans on 15 hp more power. The takeaway: engine & performance is a matter of preference rather than a clear verdict.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Crosstrek: 152 hp The Crosstrek’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Crosstrek: 145 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trade-off
The fuel economy & range round is shared. The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy, and the Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy. So on fuel economy & range, match the strength to your needs and you’ll choose well.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Crosstrek: 27 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trailblazer has the better rating here.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg Crosstrek: 34 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Trailblazer nor the Crosstrek has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Trailblazer and the Crosstrek each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 152 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in Highest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 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 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 27 mpg in the city)
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the Crosstrek if…
- you want more power (152 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you’re loyal to Subaru and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the Crosstrek?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Trailblazer if pulling power matters most, or the Crosstrek if performance does.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Chevrolet or Subaru. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Trailblazer and the Crosstrek. Here’s what matters most to me: the Trailblazer offers 17 lb-ft more torque. Then there’s better city fuel economy, another point for the Trailblazer. Credit where it’s due: the Crosstrek offers 15 hp more power.
Put simply, the Trailblazer suits people who care about pulling power, while the Crosstrek suits people who put performance first.
My pick: I’d go with the Trailblazer if I cared most about pulling power, and the Crosstrek if performance mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.