2021 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Comparison

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer are two savvy rivals among compact SUVs. Here’s how these two SUVs compare.

2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Hyundai Tucson Starting Price: $24,875 | Price Yours or View listings in your area

Above Average: Warranty; variety of trims; interior space; features for the price, including active safety systems.

Below Average: Not all that powerful; some driver-assists reserved for top-trims; no hybrid option.

Consensus: The 2021 Hyundai Tucson touts a lot of features and practicality, and makes good use of its small size. It also carries an affordable price and unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Starting Price: $19,995 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Sub-$20,000 starting price; standard active safety features; versatile and flexible cargo area.

Below Average: Only available with 3-cylinder engines; can get pricey; material quality; AWD only available with more expensive engine option.

Consensus: Stylish and well-executed, the new Chevrolet Trailblazer is a likable subcompact SUV with nifty cargo-carrying skills.

Tucson vs. Trailblazer: Practical value comes standard

Hyundai Tucson

Among compact SUVs, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson slips nicely into the smaller end of the spectrum. Yet at 176.4 inches, it’s about 3 inches longer than the Trailblazer. That makes it big enough to have some road presence, yet small enough to squeeze into tight parking spots. Two 4-cylinder engines are available in the 2021 Tucson. Standard is a 2.0-liter that makes 161 horsepower. A step-up 2.4-liter makes 181 horsepower. While the base engine isn’t exactly a powerhouse, it still has more horsepower than even Trailblazer’s optional engine, though the Chevy has a bit more torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional with both engines.

Handling is competent, and the Tucson employs a smooth and efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. Also notable are Tucson’s standard active safety features like forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Premium features like hands-free power tailgate, leather seating, and surround camera are available.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

Larger than the Chevy Trax but smaller than the Equinox, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is reborn and reimagined for 2021. One of the Trailblazer’s most appealing traits is its sub-$20,000 starting price. Yet it still comes with features like a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Active safety and driver-assistance features including forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, plus lane-keep assist. The interior is attractive enough, but the materials aren’t as nice in other subcompact SUVs. There’s a fair amount of passenger and cargo space.

One nifty feature is the ability to fold forward and flat the front passenger seat to haul long items. With the rear seats and front passenger seat down, you can fit items up to 8.5 feet long. The Trailblazer is powered by a 3-cylinder engine. While the tiny 1.2-liter base engine is the least expensive, we recommend the 1.3-liter.  You’ll get more power and better fuel economy. You also must choose this engine if you want AWD and a 9-speed automatic transmission vs. the standard front-wheel drive and CVT.

Similarities

Affordable starting prices; standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; a good set of active safety features.

Hyundai Tucson Advantages

Larger cabin; more powerful engines; longer warranty; available adaptive cruise control; 5 Star NHTSA safety rating.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Advantages

Lower starting price; ability to fit long cargo items, fresh styling; fuel efficiency.

Final recommendation

While the Chevrolet Trailblazer is fresher than the Tucson and has a lower starting price, we’d still pick the Hyundai. Tucson is larger and feels more substantial. It has bigger and more powerful engines, more cargo space, and a wider model selection. We also like that you can get AWD with either engine, unlike the Trailblazer. And while the Chevy has a low starting price, once you add extras, its value proposition wanes.

Ready to buy a Hyundai Tucson or Chevrolet Trailblazer? Shop now for one on sale near you