If you are a fan of subcompact SUVs, the Chevy Trax will surely tickle your fancy. It poses stiff internal competition to the Trailblazer, Chevrolet’s other small crossover SUV. The two Chevrolet subcompact SUVs are almost identical in size and price, but they score differently on different fronts. This Chevy Trax and Trailblazer comparison seeks to determine the best Chevy subcompact SUV for car lovers looking for extra seating and cargo space without sacrificing maneuverability and fuel economy.

Chevrolet Trax vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer: Price

Chevrolet boasts about the 2022 Chevy Trax as “the small SUV that’s larger than life.” With its starting MSRP of $21,700, owners get a decent mix of comfort, function, and style. The Trax’s LT trim is costlier than the LS trim, but it offers some niceties like remote start, heated exterior mirrors, rear window tint, and cruise control. 

Chevy also offers the 2023 Trailblazer at a slightly higher starting MSRP of $22,100. The Trailblazer offers owners power, efficiency, and three drive modes that adapt to driving situations.

Chevy Trax vs. Chevy Trailblazer: Horsepower and torque

According to Edmunds, the 2022 Chevy Trax features a six-speed shiftable automatic front-wheel drive. The Trax runs a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine producing 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Its firm ride, solid and steady handling, and quick steering complement its agility in urban areas and parking lots. Although the Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30 may flaunt more responsive handling, the Trax boasts the strongest brakes in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer comes standard with two different turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The 1.2-liter engine makes 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine generates 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine has a front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Conversely, the 1.3-liter engine offers an optional nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer trades off an athletic look with able handling, especially on the highway.

Chevrolet Trax vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer: Fuel economy

By EPA standards, the 2022 Chevrolet Trax FWD and 2022 Trax AWD are rated at 24/32 city/highway mpg and 23/30 mpg, respectively. The Trax and the 2022 Kia Soul equipped with a 1.6-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine have matching highway fuel economy, but the Kia has a higher city mpg than the Chevy.

Edmunds reports that the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is rated at 26/30 city/highway mpg rating and 28 combined mpg. But according to Car and Driver, the 1.3-liter three-cylinder Trailblazer is the most efficient 2023 trim, with a 29/33 city/highway mpg rating.

Chevy Trax vs. Chevy Trailblazer: Seating and cargo capacity

The 2022 Chevy Trax comes standard with four possible seating configurations and an available Premium Seat Package. It also has a high seating position and sufficient headroom, making it a perfect choice for long trips. Although the 2022 Trax offers only 48.4 cubic feet maximum cargo space, smaller than its competitors, its fold-flat front seat and easy-to-fold rear wheels enable it to accommodate longer items.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s 54.4 cubic feet cargo space is more functional, with upper trims featuring extra versatility. Its front seat also folds flat, allowing owners to haul 8.5-foot-long items. The 2023 Trailblazer offers a total seating of five, a high driving position, and generous rear legroom.

Trax vs. Trailblazer: Standard warranty

Both Trax and Trailblazer owners benefit from Chevrolet’s standard warranty coverage. According to US News, the coverage includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Other significant perks include access to thousands of dealers eligible to handle repairs, bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage, technicians with vehicle-specific training, and full transferability to new owners.

Although the 2022 Trax and the 2023 Trailblazer are comparable, the Trailblazer, with a bit more money, offers more cargo space and significant fuel economy and flaunts a covetable street style. Hands down, the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is a decent option for aspiring small SUV owners. Still, you might want to keep your eye on the recently announced 2024 Chevrolet Trax model.