The new Chevrolet Trailblazer is making waves in the compact SUV market, offering a range of trims to suit various preferences and budgets. To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare the premium ACTIV trim to the basic LS trim, exploring their features, specifications, and value propositions.

Exterior Design

Premium ACTIV Trim

This Trailblazer trim showcases a rugged and adventure-ready appearance:

• Unique front and rear fascias with a more aggressive design
• 17-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels
• Roof rails for added utility and sporty look
• LED fog lamps for enhanced visibility
• Two-tone roof option available for a distinctive appearance

Base LS Trim

This Trailblazer trim offers a clean and modern design:

• 17-inch aluminum wheels
• Black grille with chrome accent bar
• Automatic on/off headlamps
• Manual-folding power-adjustable outside mirrors

While both trims share the sleek silhouette of the Trailblazer, the ACTIV trim’s rugged accents and additional features give it a more premium and adventurous appearance.

Interior Comfort and Space

Trailblazer ACTIV Trim

This trim elevates the interior experience:

• Leatherette-appointed seats with cloth inserts
• Heated front seats for cold-weather comfort
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Single-zone automatic climate control
• 6-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Rear center armrest with cup holders

Trailblazer LS Trim

This trim provides a functional and comfortable interior:

• Cloth seat trim
• Manual 4-way driver seat adjustment
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Single-zone manual climate control
• Tilt and telescopic steering column

Both trims offer seating for five passengers and comparable interior dimensions:

• Headroom (front/rear): 1,016 mm / 975 mm
• Legroom (front/rear): 1,039 mm / 1,001 mm
• Shoulder room (front/rear): 1,392 mm / 1,346 mm
• Cargo volume (behind the first row): 1,540 L
• Cargo volume (behind the second row): 716 L

The ACTIV trim’s premium materials and additional comfort features give it a more upscale feel than the basic LS trim.

Technology and Infotainment

Premium ACTIV Trim

This trim comes loaded with advanced technology:

• 11-inch diagonal color touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• SiriusXM satellite radio (with a 3-month trial)
• 6-speaker audio system
• 4.2-inch multi-color Driver Information Center
• Wireless charging pad for compatible devices
• Remote start
• Keyless open and start

Basic LS Trim

This trim offers essential tech features:

• 11-inch diagonal color touchscreen
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• 6-speaker audio system
• 3.5-inch monochromatic Driver Information Center
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable

While both trims share the same size infotainment screen, the ACTIV trim’s additional features, like wireless smartphone integration, satellite radio, and remote start, provide a more convenient and feature-rich experience.

Performance and Powertrain

Premium ACTIV Trim

This trim is ready for light off-road adventures:

• 1.3L Turbo 3-cylinder engine (155 hp, 236 Nm torque)
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• Available all-wheel drive (AWD) system
• Sport terrain tires for improved traction
• Off-road suspension tuning
• Functional skid plates

Basic LS Trim

This trim focuses on efficient daily driving:

• 1.2L Turbo 3-cylinder engine (137 hp, 219 Nm torque)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, AWD optional
• Standard all-season tires

The ACTIV trim’s more powerful engine, 9-speed transmission, and off-road-oriented features provide better performance and capability, especially for those seeking light adventures off the beaten path.

Fuel Economy

Premium ACTIV Trim

• FWD: 8.4 L/100 km city, 7.1 L/100 km highway
• AWD: 8.7 L/100 km city, 7.6 L/100 km highway

Basic LS Trim

• FWD: 8.0 L/100 km city, 6.9 L/100 km highway
• AWD: 8.4 L/100 km city, 7.4 L/100 km highway

The LS trim’s smaller engine and CVT combination provide slightly better fuel economy, but the difference is minimal, especially considering the ACTIV trim’s performance advantages.

Safety Features

Premium ACTIV Trim

This trim includes all LS safety features plus:

• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Park Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (available)

Basic LS Trim

This trim comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• IntelliBeam auto high beams
• Following Distance Indicator

Both trims prioritize safety, but the ACTIV trim’s additional features provide extra peace of mind, especially in parking and lane-changing situations.

Pricing and Value

Trailblazer ACTIV Trim

Starting MSRP: Approximately CAD 36,033

Trailblazer LS Trim

Starting MSRP: Approximately CAD 31,833

The ACTIV trim commands a premium of about CAD 4,200 over the LS trim. This price difference reflects the ACTIV’s additional features, more powerful engine, and adventure-ready capabilities.

Pick The Trailblazer Trim That Suits Your Lifestyle

The Chevy Trailblazer offers two distinct experiences with these two trims:

The ACTIV trim is ideal for buyers who:

• Desire a more rugged, adventure-oriented compact SUV
• Prioritize comfort features like heated seats and automatic climate control
• Want advanced tech features and improved performance
• You’re willing to pay a premium for these additional features and capabilities

The LS trim is suitable for those who:

• Need a reliable, efficient compact SUV for daily commuting
• Are on a tighter budget but still want modern safety and infotainment features
• Prioritize fuel economy over performance and off-road capability

Both trims offer compelling packages, but the choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. The ACTIV trim provides a more premium experience with its additional features and capabilities, while the LS trim offers excellent value for those seeking a well-equipped basic model.

Q&A Section

What is the main difference in engine performance between the ACTIV and LS trims?

• The Premium trim features a more powerful 1.3L Turbo 3-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 236 Nm of torque, while the Basic trim has a 1.2L Turbo 3-cylinder engine with 137 hp and 219 Nm of torque.

Are there any significant differences in cargo space between the two trims?

• Both the ACTIV and LS trims offer the same cargo capacity: 1,540 L behind the first row and 716 L behind the second row.

Does the LS trim come with all-wheel drive (AWD)?

• While front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on this trim, AWD is available as an option.

What unique features does the ACTIV trim offer for off-road capability?

• This premium trim includes sport terrain tires, off-road suspension tuning, and functional skid plates, making it more capable for light off-road adventures.

How much more expensive is the ACTIV trim compared to the LS trim?

• The premium trim is approximately CAD 4,200, more expensive than the basic trim.