When hunting for a small SUV, style points are big. Chevrolet seems to have figured this out with its two smallest segment entries, the Trailblazer and the Trax.
The 2025 Trailblazer and Trax offer attractive exterior styling while avoiding the “cute ute” stereotype. They are also fuel efficient, loaded with technology, and more spacious inside than they look.
Let’s check out these two subcompact SUVs.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevrolet represents value and practicality, and the Trailblazer SUV epitomizes those qualities. It comes in four trim levels — LS, LT, Activ, and RS — and prices start at just $24,395, including a destination charge.
Standard equipment includes cruise control, push-button start, and an HD backup camera. On the inside, a new 11-inch infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster provide the driver with information and control of the vehicle.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer comes standard with an adequate 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder that powers the front wheels. However, if you want to feel a little punch, spend $2,000 to upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD) and you get the larger 155-hp, 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine as a bonus. The interior offers plenty of space for grownups in the front and back seats.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Highlights
Chevy Safety Assist: Standard on the Chevrolet Trailblazer, it bundles advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams.
Off-roader: The Trailblazer’s Activ trim gives it a more rugged appeal with an underbody skid plate, more adventurous tires, and a special off-road suspension system for added capability, especially with all-wheel drive.
All-Wheel Drive: Available with any version powered by the 155-hp engine. If you add all-wheel drive, you also get a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Notably, all-wheel drive is unavailable on the Trax.
Read our Chevrolet Trailblazer Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near you.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet hit a home run with the new version of its Trax subcompact. With exterior styling inspired by the midsize Blazer, the Trax catches the eye quickly. It’s the least expensive model in Chevy’s lineup, but it comes in five trim levels — LS, 1RS, LT, Activ, and 2RS — with prices starting at just $21,495, including a destination charge.
For that money and a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than its predecessor, you get a spacious cabin, including best-in-class rear-seat legroom. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and more safety tech.
The Trax gets power from the previously mentioned 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder that’s standard in the Chevrolet Trailblazer. However, it’s the only option — no ability to upgrade.
Chevrolet Trax Highlights
Chevy Safety Assist: Standard on the Trax, it bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams.
Lots of space: The Trax boasts best-in-class rear-seat legroom and plenty of headroom. With 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, it is ranked among the roomiest in its class. It’s a little roomier than the somewhat pricier Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Bigger screens: Chevy boosted the size of the standard touchscreen in the LS and 1RS to an 8-inch display, while the upper trims feature an 11-inch screen.
Read our Chevrolet Trax Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Trax models for sale near you.
Similarities
Chevrolet’s got a couple of head-turners in the Trailblazer and Trax. Not only are they good-looking vehicles, but they offer an abundance of new technology and spacious interiors at a very affordable price.
Conclusion
So often, “basic” transportation is uninspired, bland, and stripped down. Not the case with either the Chevrolet Trailblazer or the Trax. They’re both inexpensive and if you’re looking to buy a first car for a young driver, the Trax is probably the way to go. However, if you like the idea of all-wheel drive and a stronger engine, the Trailblazer offers some nice upgrades while remaining affordable.
Used Prices
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and New 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 2025 Chevrolet Trax | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city/33 highway/31 combined mpg | 28 city/32 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder, AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.0 inches | 106.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 174.1 inches | 178.6 inches |
| Width | 71.2 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Height | 64.2 inches | 61.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.8 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.4 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.4 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.8 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 25.3 cubic feet | 25.6 cubic feet |
