Trailblazer vs Corolla Cross
In the subcompact suv class, the Trailblazer and the Corolla Cross are natural rivals. By our tally, the Corolla Cross leads 2 of 4 areas. The engine & performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Trailblazer.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corolla Cross wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Corolla Cross wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.7
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 Corolla Cross has 32 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 169 hp against 137 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Corolla Cross. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Corolla Cross has better fuel economy
The Corolla Cross is slightly stronger on fuel economy (combined). The gap, 32 mpg versus 30 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Trailblazer has 12 lb-ft more torque
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft against 150 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Corolla Cross has better highway fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Corolla Cross’s 33 mpg beats the Trailblazer’s 31 mpg. The Corolla Cross uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Corolla Cross leads
The Corolla Cross clearly takes the engine & performance round. On its side, the Corolla Cross has 32 hp more power. The Corolla Cross’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The Trailblazer wins here with 12 lb-ft more torque. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Corolla Cross.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Corolla Cross: 169 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Corolla Cross: 150 lb-ft The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Corolla Cross leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Corolla Cross is comfortably ahead. The Corolla Cross pulls ahead with better fuel economy. The Corolla Cross uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Corolla Cross.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Corolla Cross: 32 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg Corolla Cross: 33 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
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
The Trailblazer and the Corolla Cross differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 169 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 150 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| 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 | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 150 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Chevrolet
Choose the Corolla Cross if…
- you want more power (169 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (32 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trailblazer or the Corolla Cross?
We’d point most buyers to the Corolla Cross. The main exception is if you care more about 12 lb-ft more torque than anything else.
Executive Summary
Chevrolet or Toyota? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Trailblazer versus the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross earns my vote first and foremost with 32 hp more power. The Corolla Cross also scores with better fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 12 lb-ft more torque, the Trailblazer deserves a look.
Match the strength to your habits (pulling power for the Trailblazer, engine & performance for the Corolla Cross), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Corolla Cross. I’d only go for the Trailblazer if you know that 12 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.