Well start with the new kid on the block.
Taken from a decade old nameplate which started off life as the high-end trim level on the S-10 Blazer, the 2020 Chevy Trailblazer is a clean sheet of paper. The 2021 builds on the base and adds a few new trim levels making it well suited for a variety of potential buyers.
Interior & Styling:This is probably where the TrailBlazer beats the Trax by the most noticeable margin. The Trailblazer interior, even in the base trims is a nice place to be. Everything falls to hand incredibly easily and the rear seats fold flat with the pull of a lever instead of a seat forward, seat-back down configuration like on the Trax. This is a big plus if you tend to find yourself having to transport larger things fairly often.
The black on white dials on the cluster are a much more distinct and muscular look than the Trax and the console is a bit more truck-like. When it comes to styling, this is the second biggest margin that the Trailblazer beats the old guard. It looks tougher and a lot more aggressive than the relatively tall and lanky Trax
Ride:The ride of the Trailblazer is a very planted, sturdy feeling. This is pretty incredible because the new 2021 actually is lighter than the 2020 model, coming in under 3,000 lbs. Despite the exterior being more muscular and truck like, the ride is very nice. It has a definite planted feel to it where it tends to want to go wherever you point it.
Engine/Drivetrain:I know what youre thinking, 3-cylinders? Yes, it has 3-cylinders but it also has a turbocharger, so what this does it gives you a lot of bang for your buck. 155 hp out of 3-cylinders is pretty impressive no matter how you slice it. Even the base model 1.2L Turbocharged I3 is still pretty spritely. This all works because it stays on top of the power band very well through the use of a 9-speed automatic transmission, which also gives an impressive highway top end that allows for 30 MPG.
It sends that power to all four wheels, or the front wheels. We have only driven the AWD variant, so we can say that the power delivery is biased more towards the front, but this isn't a bad thing because the Trailblazer isn't very heavy. For some perspective, a 2021 Mini Cooper weighs about 150 lbs more!
How to buy:Because of the fact that the all new Chevy Trailblazer is very much a new car there arent a lot of them out there on the secondhand market right now. So if you want one, odds are youll probably need to buy new.
Trax:The Chevy Trax is one of Rochester and Upstate NYs favorite crossovers. Having been around in one form or another since 2012 and only undergoing minor cosmetic changes in that time. This slightly taller riding crossover has become a massive hit with consumers of all types, but most notably people who are downsizing from larger SUVs.
It's a simple formula: people like the elevated ride height, great visibility, and safety and stability of AWD, but don't need the massive engine, towing capacity, or cargo room.
Interior:The interior of the Trax is noticeably more open and airy than the Trailblazer. If you are worried about blindspots, the Trax is a much better bet and many of ours come with blindspot monitoring as standard.
The actual seating position of the Trax must have been designed by a world renowned hip surgeon, because this is one of the most comfortable and easy to get in and out of cars ever made. It is intelligent, comfortable and simple. There isnt a ton going on in the interior of the Trax, and thats not a bad thing. The standard issue Mylink infotainment system does everything that you need it to do competently and effectively and gives a nice display for the backup camera.
Ride:The ride of the Trax is similar to the TrailBlazer, but it is a bit better suited for suburban and city driving because of its better visibility and narrower footprint. The way it is geared suits city or stop and go driving very well, giving a wide first gear and doing a good job getting out of its own way!
If you think about it in terms of our area: the Trax is more Greece or Irondequoit, where the Trailblazer is a bit more Hilton or Brockport.
The Trax is also a popular option for ride-sharing operators because of its solid ride and ergonomic interior. The fuel economy is not as good as the TrailBlazer, but we think this is more because of the transmission and aerodynamics than having an extra cylinder.
Engine/Drivetrain:The 1.4L inline 4-cylinder has an extra cylinder on the all-new 1.3L, but makes roughly the same horsepower and is paired to an automatic 6-speed transmission.
The front-wheel drive and AWD versions of the Chevy Trax both feel well planted, and given their propensity to be demos at dealerships, we have driven them in all sorts of weather and are happy to report that both the FWD and AWD versions of the Trax are very capable when roads get slippery.
In the base trims, it is one of the best values in the entire crossover market because of its price point.
How to Buy:The best way to buy a Chevy Trax is right out of the dealer demo or loaner fleet. These cars are a tremendous value because of their low mileage and meticulous maintenance, without the depreciation hit that you get from a traditional new car. If youre looking for a great deal on a Chevy Trax, look for dealer demos.
So if you like a good interior, a stout ride, and well laid out interior the Trailblazer is probably better for you. If you want something that is comfortable, easy to get in and out of, but still planted with optional AWD, you should check out the Trax. If you are in the market right now, click here to see our
inventory of 2021 Trailblazers, or here for our
dealer-demo Traxs.