A Look at the 2025 Chevy Trax and Trailblazer: Which Model Is for You?

July 29th, 2024 by

A blue 2025 Chevy Trailblazer RS is driving on a city street.

If you’re shopping for an affordable subcompact SUV and have decided that Chevrolet is the brand you’d like to purchase from, then you’ll be looking at the Chevy Trax and the Chevy Trailblazer. We see a lot of interest in both of these vehicles from shoppers who want a vehicle they can depend on and don’t want to sacrifice quality features but are also trying to remain in the under $25,000 price range.[a]

At first glance, you might struggle to see the differences between these two models. However, we can promise you each one is right for its respective driver. If you’re looking for a Chevy Trax or Chevy Trailblazer for sale in Albany and aren’t sure which one is right for you, visit us! We can introduce you to both models and help you select one. For now, let’s review the major similarities and important differences between the two.

Similarities Between Both Models

Chevy did a smart thing by ensuring that a handful of their popular features are available in either of these models. There are some characteristics drivers have come to expect from a Chevy, and whichever of these subcompact SUVs you choose, you’ll get them.

Chevy Safety Assist

Each model will enjoy Chevy Safety Assist standard, Chevy’s suite of driver-assistance features that help you be alert and safer on the road. This includes Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking for both potential vehicle and pedestrian collisions. So when you’re driving around the busy Empire State Plaza area, you’ll have assistance avoiding incidents with the many shoppers and drivers.

Chevy Safety Assist also includes Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning to help you maintain your lane. IntelliBeam headlamps that automatically turn on in low-light settings are also a part of this suite, as is a Following Distance Indicator. An HD Rear Vision Camera is also standard on both models, as well as a rear seat reminder which reminds you to check the rear seat for valuables before exiting the vehicle. Finally, Teen Driver — a system that encourages safer driving habits by treens — is standard in both vehicles.

The Standard 1.2L EcoTec Engine

Both models have the 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged I-3 engine, one of GM’s many popular EcoTec engines. EcoTec engines are known for achieving solid fuel economy while still offering impressive horsepower and torque. Both models with this engine see a horsepower of 137 and a torque of 162 lb-ft.

Available Roof-Mounted Side Rails

Should you max out the trunks of either of these models or simply need to transport items that won’t fit inside, you can take advantage of the available roof-mounted side rails. These are great features for adventurous individuals who travel with items like kayaks or boogie boards to weekend adventures.

Available Wireless Charging

Want the freedom to power up your smartphone on the road without USB cords dangling all over the dash area? Then, you’ll appreciate the available wireless charging on both models. That will complement the standard smartphone compatibility of both models, allowing you to control your smartphone apps on the touchscreen, and charge your devices in the vehicle.

A man is test driving in a 2025 Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV for sale in Albany.

An 11-Inch Touchscreen

Speaking of the screen where you’ll control your smartphone apps, that will happen on a beautiful and enormous 11-inch HD color diagonal touch screen in either model. There is one minor difference here—this screen is standard on all trims of the Trailblazer, while on the Trax, it’s standard on all except for the LS trim.

Wi-Fi Hotspot

You and your passengers can enjoy internet access in either of these models thanks to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Whether you’re transporting professionals who need to keep up with work emails or students who need to handle online homework in the vehicle, this is a convenient feature to have.

How Do These Two Models Differ?

Now, let’s discuss the differences between these two models. Up until this point, they probably seem quite similar, but there are a few notable discrepancies to be aware of.

Towing Capacities

While both are quality vehicles, only the Trailblazer is designed to tow. So, if you’d like to bring a small camper or boat to Saratoga Springs, the Trailblazer, with its 1,000-pound towing capacity, will be the appropriate vehicle for you. The Trax has plenty of cargo configurations on its interior, as well as those useful roof rails on the exterior, but it doesn’t offer similar towing capacities.

Price

Both of these models hold their place in the budget-friendly category. However, if you’re on a tight budget, maybe because you’re a student at the State University of Albany or saving for a home in the suburbs, the Trax might be your vehicle. That’s because the Trax has a starting MSRP of about $4,000 less than the Trailblazer.

An Added Engine Option and All-Wheel Drive

The Trailblazer has a 1.3L EcoTec turbocharged I-3 available, in addition to the 1.2L engine. You’ll get a boost in horsepower and torque with this engine, as well as improved acceleration. Additionally, only the Trailblazer has available all-wheel drive. So, if you’re looking for optimal traction on slippery roads, consider the Trailblazer.

A green 2025 Chevy Trax ACTIV is driving on an open road.

Trim Lineups

Both models have an LS trim, an LT trim, an ACTIV trim and an RS trim. However, the Trax enjoys one more trim—the 2RS. In the Trax, the 2RS nearly mirrors the RS of the Trailblazer, with 19-inch wheels and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel. The 1RS is essentially a “lighter” version of the 2RS. It still has that sporty styling and larger wheels, but not quite as many upgrades as the 2RS, offering a more affordable option for those after a sporty subcompact SUV.

A Flat-Folding Front Passenger Seat

The Trailblazer is popular for this unique feature: a fold-flat front seat. With that front passenger seat and the rear seats down, you can create up to 8.5 feet of cargo space for extra-long items. So when you find a great vintage rug or coffee table at one of the antique shops along Washington Avenue, you can make room for it in the Trailblazer.

Fuel Efficiency

Both models have great fuel economy figures. You will see a slight boost in efficiency in the Trailblazer compared to the Trax. The difference is minimal, but if you face a long commute each day, it could add up. When behind the wheel of the AWD Trailblazer, you get 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, compared to the Trax’s 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The Trailblazer might be a more ideal model for drivers who intend on spending a lot of time on the road.

Check Out These Two Great SUVs With Us Today

Want to take a Trax or Trailblazer for a test drive? Visit us at DePaula Chevrolet. We’re right here in Albany, and have both of these terrific models to explore. We have helped countless Albany drivers get behind the wheel of a Chevy they love at a price that fits their budget. You’ll love what a huge inventory we have to check out and how friendly and knowledgeable our sales team is.

Both the Trailblazer and Trax are excellent vehicles for Albany drivers. With easy-to-park dimensions, they’re both terrific for heading out for a night in downtown Albany, and with their great fuel economy, they shouldn’t have you constantly visiting the pumps, no matter how far you have to drive up and down Route 787 each day. If you still have questions about either of these models or want to know the trims better, visit us at DePaula Chevrolet!


[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.