2021 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2020 Chevy Trax – Bethlehem, PA

The first and simplest way to compare these two SUVs is to look at what they generally offer and how much it will cost. The best way to do this is to analyze the trims for each vehicle. The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and 2020 Chevy Trax are incredibly affordable considering what they offer. However, there are some differences that could aid in choosing one over the other.

Trailblazer by Trim

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has a base MSRP of $19,000 and comes in five different trims. The base Chevy Trailblazer, the L trim, features the Chevy Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch color touchscreen, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning. Moving up, the Trailblazer LS adds a 6-speaker audio system, digital compass, fold-flat front passenger seatback, and 17-inch aluminum wheels for an MSRP of $21,500. 

The Trailblazer LT has an MSRP of $23,600 and includes LED fog lamps, heated power-adjustable, manual-folding mirrors with body-color caps, a remote vehicle starter system, and silver-painted roof rails. The ACTIV trim adds a larger engine, sport terrain tires, and LED tail lamps, for an MSRP of $25,400. And last but certainly not least, the top-of-the-line Trailblazer RS also has an MSRP of $25,400, and features the larger engine, dual-outlet exhaust with round polished tips, LED tail lamps, and 18-inch high-gloss black machined wheels.

Trims of the Trax

In comparison, the 2020 Chevy Trax has only three available trims and starts at a base MSRP of $21,300 for the LS trim. This features the Chevy Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch color touchscreen, fold-flat front passenger seat, ten airbags, and a rear vision camera. The Trax LT has an MSRP of $23,200 and adds a remote vehicle start, cruise control, roof rack side rails, and deluxe cloth seating. And lastly, the top-of-the-line Premier adds a power sunroof, leatherette seating, and 18-inch alloy wheels, for an MSRP of $27,600. 

While the Trailblazer offers more trims, providing customization, the Trax jumps out of the gate with its first trim offering more than that of the Trailblazer. However, the Trax does start with a higher price tag. In the area of trims and weighing cost to features, the two SUVs are equally fair in their offerings - the decision comes down to your budget and wants. 

What Engines Do They Have?

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer offers two different engines. The L, LS, and LT trims come equipped with an EcoTec 1.2-liter Turbo engine that produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The ACTIV and RS trims feature the larger EcoTec 1.3-liter Turbo engine that provides 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Also offered on the higher trims are variable valve timing and auto stop/start technology. This auto stop/start feature automatically stops the engine when you stop at a red light and then restarts the engine as soon as you switch from the brake to the gas. In this way, it improves fuel efficiency while reducing the Trailblazer's carbon emissions. 

On the other hand, all 2020 Chevy Trax trims come equipped with an EcoTec 1.4-liter Turbo engine. This engine utilizes its four cylinders to produce 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. It is able to achieve this for such a comparatively small engine by using a turbocharger. Seemingly, in terms of engine performance, the Trax falls a little bit behind in the comparison as the Trailblazer offers more power and more options. But the Trax is a perfectly capable vehicle, and should not be discounted.

Transmission

The standard transmission on the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Rather than having specific gear speeds, the CVT continually adjusts the engine's timing to match the driving condition. The goal of a CVT is to provide a more efficient engine. For those who prefer a more orthodox transmission, Chevrolet offers a 9-speed automatic transmission on the ACTIV, and RS trims with the 1.3-liter engine. On the other side, the 2020 Chevy Trax features a 6-speed automatic transmission that should give drivers excellent control over their vehicle. This aspect of comparison depends on what you, as a driver, want out of the SUV. 

Many people are afraid to look at small SUVs because they are concerned that these crossover vehicles will be cramped or that there will not be enough space for cargo and luggage. Maybe that is the case with crossovers from other automakers, but the designers at Chevrolet have made sure to provide plenty of space for passengers and cargo in the 2021 Trailblazer and the 2020 Trax.

A Look at Passenger Space

The two front-row passengers in the 2021 Trailblazer will enjoy 40 inches of headroom, 40.9 inches of legroom, 55.4 inches of shoulder room, and 52.3 inches of hip room. The three rear-seat passengers shouldn't fret either because they will have a very roomy 38.4 inches of headroom, 39.4 inches of legroom, 53.8 inches of shoulder room, and 45.7 inches of hip room. 

Similarly, the 2020 Chevy Trax has plenty of space for you and your four passengers. The front row provides the two passengers with 39.6 inches of headroom, 40.8 inches of legroom, 54.1 inches of shoulder room, and 51.7 inches of hip room, while the rear seats provide 38.8 inches of headroom, 35.7 inches of legroom, 50.7 inches of shoulder room, and 52.8 inches of hip room. 

While the Trailblazer and Trax are quite similarly sized in terms of passenger space, the Trax does offer more hip room in the back row, which can be essential for long rides. However, both models, the significant space will definitely cut down on fights over seats when you head out with your close friends or family members for a road trip.

What About Cargo?

Like passenger space, these two SUVs offer loads of cargo space. In fact, one of the most amazing things about the Trailblazer and the Trax is the amount of cargo space they offer. From the outside, these two vehicles look like they couldn't fit more than a picnic basket and a bottle of wine. However, looks can be deceiving. 

The 2021 Trailblazer has room for 25.3 cubic feet of cargo in its trunk. This expands to 54.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The 2020 Chevy Trax also has a roomy trunk, with 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space in its hatchback that increases to 48.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded down. When we said these Chevy SUVs were versatile and roomy, we meant it. There is plenty of space for some of your largest loads in either of these two vehicles, but if you need a little extra room, the Trailblazer is the way to go.