There’s no arguing that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and the new Chevy Trailblazer have a lot to offer new SUV shoppers. But when it comes to choosing between these two SUVs? There are plenty of reasons to choose the Ford Bronco Sport over its Chevy competition. 

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offers more powerful engine options

When it comes to what’s under the hood, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport aims to please.  Standard under the hood is a 181-hp 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. This year’s model can also be had with a 245-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Both engines come teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, it’s the Bronco Sport’s turbocharged engine that adds features like steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

As for the Chevy Trailblazer? Well, unfortunately for this year’s model, its available engine options aren’t quite as powerful as the Ford Bronco Sport’s. In fact, the Trailblazer’s base 1.2-liter turbo engine is only capable of 137-hp. Upgrade to the Trailblazer’s available 1.3-liter turbo engine and, even still, the Trailblazer is only able to manage 155-hp. All in all, Car and Driver reports that the Trailblazer offers “slothful acceleration” and “its ride is often harsh over road imperfections.”

Skip the Chevy Blazer if you want standard all-wheel drive

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport doesn’t just have the edge when it comes to what’s under the hood. Unlike the Chevy Blazer, this year’s new Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive. Upgrade to the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands model and you can expect added features like a Terrain Management System. 

As for the Chevy Trailblazer? As we mentioned before, this year’s new Chevy Trailblazer doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive requires upgrading to a higher trim level, which also means spending a tad more money than you might have expected.

Gear up to hit the trails with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

This one is a no-brainer. If it’s a trail-ready SUV that you’re after, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is the obvious choice here. It’s not only standard with all-wheel drive, but all models also come outfitted with all-terrain tires, a factory lifted suspension, and shock absorbers. Those aren’t the only off-road-ready features you can expect from the Ford Bronco Sport either. This year’s Bronco Sport is also available with class-exclusive Trail Control, which aims to make off-roading a breeze.

Unfortunately for the Chevy Trailblazer, it doesn’t come readily equipped for the trails. This year’s model comes standard with front-wheel drive, though it is available with all-wheel drive. And while Consumer Reports does say that the Trailblazer can manage a dirt road reasonably well, you really shouldn’t expect it to offer the same off-road capabilities that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport does.

There’s only one reason to choose the Chevy Trailblazer instead

When it comes down to it, there’s only one reason to choose the Chevy Trailblazer over the Ford Bronco Sport. And that reason? It comes down to whether or not you plan to do any off-roading. Because if you don’t? The Chevy Trailblazer isn’t all that bad.