Trailblazer vs Taos
The Trailblazer and the Taos are two different answers to the same subcompact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. The Taos wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Taos wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Taos wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.5
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 Taos has 37 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 174 hp to the Trailblazer’s 137 hp, the Taos has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The Taos’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Taos has better highway fuel economy
Put simply, the Taos is far ahead here: 36 mpg compared with 31 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Taos has 22 lb-ft more torque
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Taos: 184 lb-ft against 162 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Trailblazer has better city fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Trailblazer’s 30 mpg beats the Taos’s 28 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trailblazer has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Taos leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Taos. The Taos scores with 37 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Taos is the stronger car.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Taos: 174 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Taos: 184 lb-ft The Taos’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Taos leads
This area is close, with the Taos just ahead of the Trailblazer. In its favor, the Taos has better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. The Trailblazer answers with better city fuel economy. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Taos is where you should land.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg Taos: 36 mpg The Taos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Taos: 28 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the Trailblazer and the Taos are effectively level. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Trailblazer nor the Taos has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 174 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you prefer staying with Chevrolet
Choose the Taos if…
- you want more power (174 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trailblazer or the Taos?
The Taos makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having better city fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Trailblazer and the Taos, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. Honestly, 37 hp more power on the Taos does a lot of the persuading for me. The Taos also scores with better highway fuel economy. Still, if you care most about better city fuel economy, the Trailblazer deserves a look.
I’d match them like this: fuel economy (city) to the Trailblazer, engine & performance to the Taos.
My pick: the Taos, though I’d happily point you to the Trailblazer if what you want most is better city fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.