Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image for a more modern and stylish design. The new model was longer, lower, and wider, drawing inspiration from the midsize Chevy Blazer with its bold grille and distinctive body lines. This redesign gave the Trax a commanding presence, setting it apart from competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. The Trax offered various trim levels, including the Activ and RS, which added unique styling elements such as faux skid plates and blacked-out trim, respectively. Inside, the Trax featured a mix of materials, with higher trims offering Evotex upholstery and design touches like yellow contrast stitching and piano-black plastic.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer continued to build on its aggressive styling, reminiscent of the sporty Camaro. The model received a minor refresh, with thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille for a more athletic appearance. Inside, the Trailblazer boasted a modern dashboard with a digital instrument panel and an 11-inch touchscreen. While the materials used were typical for non-luxury subcompact SUVs, the Trailblazer offered a comfortable and inviting interior with padded armrests and fabric inserts. The layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, but the Trailblazer's design was more cohesive than the Hyundai Kona's and less luxurious than the Mazda CX-30's.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a single engine option, a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Despite the decrease in power from the previous model, the Trax managed to accelerate to 100 km/h about a second faster than its predecessor. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, making highway overtakes easy and minimizing turbo lag. The Trax was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. Its handling was tuned to be more car-like, with a wider track for a planted feel, although it still exhibited some body roll.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains, starting with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. While the Trailblazer's performance was adequate, it required planning for highway acceleration due to slow transmission response. The Trailblazer's handling was average, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving, with a smooth ride and muted road noise.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom by 7.6 cm, with slight improvements in front-seat legroom. However, headroom decreased in the second row, and shoulder room was reduced. The Trax provided a car-like driving position with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased by 12% to 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with them folded, surpassing the Hyundai Venue but only slightly better than the Nissan Kicks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front-seat space and excellent outward visibility. It featured a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and storage options for personal items. The rear seats accommodated adult passengers comfortably, with sufficient legroom and headroom for those under six feet. Cargo space was generous, with 716 litres available behind the rear seats, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona and surpassing the Mazda CX-30. The Trailblazer also offered a hands-free power liftgate with adjustable opening height.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The Trax also featured multiple USB ports for front and rear passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer came standard with an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen across all trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's response was slightly delayed, but it was easy to use. Satellite radio was standard, though a subscription was required. The Trailblazer lacked a native navigation system, relying on smartphone connectivity for navigation. The base audio system was adequate, with an optional Bose upgrade available for enhanced sound quality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a report card to parents.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "good" scores from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Confidence package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain trims. The Trailblazer's safety features functioned reliably, with no false alarms.