Despite sharing similar names and the iconic Chevrolet bowtie, the Blazer and Trailblazer represent two distinctly different SUV offerings. These vehicles occupy separate segments in the automotive market, with significant differences in size, power, capability, and intended use. 

How do they differ in size and dimensions?

The most obvious distinction between these two SUVs is their physical footprint. The Blazer is a midsize SUV measuring 191.4 cm (191.88 inches) long with a 112.7 cm (112.7 inches) wheelbase. It stands 67 cm (67 inches) tall and 76.7 cm (76.7 inches) wide, giving it a substantial presence on the road.

By contrast, the Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV with more city-friendly dimensions. It measures just 173.5 cm (174.07 inches) in length with a 103.9 cm (103.9 inches) wheelbase. Its height is approximately 65.2 cm (64.2 inches) with a width of 71.2 cm (71.2 inches). The smaller exterior dimensions make the Trailblazer significantly more maneuverable in tight urban environments and easier to park in limited spaces.

Despite their different exterior proportions, both vehicles offer surprisingly similar passenger space in their five-seat cabins. However, the Blazer provides more shoulder and hip room due to its greater width.

What powertrains are available for each model?

The Blazer offers considerably more power than its smaller sibling. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and robust torque. For those seeking more performance, an available 3.6-liter V6 generates 308 horsepower. Both engines come paired with a refined nine-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

The Trailblazer features smaller-displacement engines, consistent with its compact positioning. The base powerplant is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 137 horsepower and 162 Newton-metres of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. A more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is also available, producing 155 horsepower and 174 Newton-metres of torque. This engine comes with either a CVT and front-wheel drive or a nine-speed automatic with all-wheel drive.

The performance difference between these models is substantial. The V6-powered Blazer can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, while even the more powerful Trailblazer requires about 9.8 seconds to reach the same speed.

How do their cargo capacities compare?

Cargo space is another area where these SUVs diverge. The midsize Blazer offers 30.5 cubic feet (864 litres) behind its second row and expands to 64.2 cubic feet (1,818 litres) with the rear seats folded. This generous capacity makes it suitable for family road trips and larger hauling needs.

The Trailblazer, despite its smaller exterior, maximizes its available space with 25.3 cubic feet (716 litres) behind the second row and 54.3 cubic feet (1,537 litres) with the seats folded. For its compact segment, these figures are quite competitive and speak to the efficient packaging of the smaller SUV.

What about fuel efficiency?

Fuel economy is where the Trailblazer holds a clear advantage. The most efficient Trailblazer configuration with the 1.3-liter engine and front-wheel drive achieves approximately 8.1 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway. Even with all-wheel drive, it achieves respectable fuel economy figures of 9.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 L/100 km on the highway.

The Blazer is thirstier, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive returning approximately 10.7 L/100 km city and 8.1 L/100 km highway. The V6 with all-wheel drive increases fuel consumption to approximately 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway. However, the Blazer compensates with a larger fuel tank (73.4 litres vs 50 litres), allowing for similar overall driving ranges between fill-ups.

What trim levels and features distinguish these models?

The Blazer offers four distinct trim levels: 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. The RS trim provides a sportier appearance and handling package, while the Premier focuses on luxury appointments. All models feature a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Trailblazer comes in LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS trims. The ACTIV trim is tuned for light off-road use with specific suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, while the RS emphasizes sporty styling. Trailblazer models feature a slightly larger 11-inch touchscreen with the same wireless smartphone integration.

Both vehicles come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a comprehensive suite of six advanced safety and driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.

5 Facts About the Blazer and Trailblazer

1. The current Blazer draws design inspiration from the Camaro sports car, featuring similar aggressive styling cues and a driver-focused cockpit, unlike the truck-based Blazers of previous generations.
2. Chevrolet previously used the Trailblazer name for a larger, truck-based SUV and discontinued it in 2009. The current subcompact crossover completely repositions the nameplate.
3. The available Blazer V6 engine produces more horsepower than the original 1969 Blazer V8, which generated approximately 200 horsepower.
4. Although they are from the same manufacturer and share similar names, the Blazer and Trailblazer have virtually no components or underlying architecture in common.
5. The Trailblazer ACTIV trim features special suspension tuning with hydraulic rebound control, which helps absorb impacts from rough terrain for improved off-road comfort.

Questions and Answers: Chevy Blazer vs Trailblazer

Which is bigger, the Blazer or the Trailblazer?

• The Blazer measures 191.4 cm in length, making it significantly larger than the 173.5 cm Trailblazer, and it also offers greater width and height.

Do both vehicles offer all-wheel drive?

• Yes, both the Blazer and Trailblazer offer optional all-wheel drive, and each system is calibrated differently to match the vehicle’s character.

Which has better fuel economy?

• The Trailblazer delivers better fuel efficiency, with its 1.3-liter engine achieving about 8.1 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, compared to the best Blazer rating of 10.7 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 L/100 km on the highway.

Can the Trailblazer tow as much as the Blazer?

• No, the Blazer has a significantly higher towing capacity of up to 2,041 kg when properly equipped, while the Trailblazer maxes out at around 454 kg.

Do both models have the same infotainment system?

• While both share similar technology, the Trailblazer features a slightly larger 11-inch touchscreen compared to the Blazer 10.2-inch display, though both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which model is better for off-road driving?

• Neither is designed for serious off-roading, but the Trailblazer ACTIV trim offers specific features for light off-road use, including unique suspension tuning and all-terrain tires.

Are the safety features the same on both vehicles?

• Yes, both come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes six advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.

Which offers more cargo space?

• The Blazer provides more cargo capacity with 30.5 cubic feet (864 litres) behind the second row and 64.2 cubic feet (1,818 litres) with seats folded, compared to the Trailblazer 25.3 cubic feet (716 litres) and 54.3 cubic feet (1,537 litres) respectively.

Is there a performance version of either vehicle?

• Both offer RS trims with sportier styling, but the Blazer RS, with its available V6 engine, provides significantly better performance than any Trailblazer variant.

Which vehicle is more city-friendly?

• The smaller dimensions, tighter turning radius, and better fuel economy of the Trailblazer make it more suitable for urban environments, while the Blazer is better suited for highway driving and longer trips.