Today's SUV showdown highlights two top performers with rich histories and family-friendly cabins: the Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer. Both of these nimble models have seating for five passengers, turbocharged engines, and can-do attitudes, but which is a better fit for your lifestyle? Find out by diving into our detailed guide about both options, then schedule an appointment to test-drive your favorite at Haley Chevrolet.
Chevy Trailblazer vs. Trax Trims & Price Comparison
Let's kick off our Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer comparison with a look at the available trim levels. Here, you'll find these two feature-rich SUVs go head-to-head, both keeping pace with one another. The Chevy Trax is available in five grades:
- 2026 Chevy Trax LS
- 2026 Chevy Trax 1RS
- 2026 Chevy Trax LT
- 2026 Chevy Trax 2RS
- 2026 Chevy Trax ACTIV
The Chevy Trailblazer sports a nearly identical lineup:
- 2026 Chevy Trailblazer LS
- 2026 Chevy Trailblazer LT
- 2026 Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV
- 2026 Chevy Trailblazer RS
This part of our Trax vs. Trailblazer comparison reveals they have some similar offerings; however, the Trax comes in two editions (the 1RS and 2RS) that have bolder styling, whereas the Trailblazer has the RS variant with more rugged capability and an upscale feel. The Trailblazer also has a slightly higher MSRP due to factors we will discuss in the following sections.
Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer Interior & Tech
Both models in our Trailblazer vs. Trax clash-of-the-small-titans have excellent interior perks that rival one another well.
Choose the new Chevy Trax for sale, like the base LS, and you'll enjoy standard Active Noise Cancellation, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Chevy Safety Assist driver-assistance features, comfortable cloth upholstery, and more. Available features for the Trax include a flat-bottom heated steering wheel, heated front seats, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Evotex trim.
Turning to the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer, we find similar standard and available options with a few upgrades. The LS has an 8-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, an 11-inch touchscreen display, and cloth upholstery. However, its six-speaker standard sound system comes with an amplifier that the Trax lacks. Available on higher trims is a seven-speaker Bose® premium audio system that is also missing from the Trax lineup.
Chevy Trailblazer vs. Trax Specs
The specifications for both models in our 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Trax matchup are compelling, but there are some differences. For one, the Chevy Trax is only available with FWD and a 1.2-liter turbo engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Chevy Trailblazer uses this engine standard but offers a 1.3-liter turbo engine that gives drivers a power boost to 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Trailblazer also has AWD available, which the Trax does not.
Overall, we recommend the Chevy Trax for those who mostly drive in mild climates; the Trailblazer is better suited for those interested in trails or light off-roading use.
Summary
The 2026 Chevy Trailblazer offers more versatility with its available AWD setup and a stronger 1.3-liter turbo engine option producing 155 horsepower, while the Trax remains a solid FWD-only SUV with a 1.2-liter turbo engine.
Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer Dimensions Comparison
When it comes to crafting an SUV that doesn't miss, the engineers of new Chevrolet vehicles don't disappoint. Both SUVs in our Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer battle are smaller in the Chevy lineup, but they offer a practical amount of room for passengers. That being said, the Chevy Trax is a little longer and wider, and the Trailblazer is taller.
Adult passengers can easily slide into the rear row of either model, with both sporting around 38 inches of headroom and nearly 40 inches of legroom. Bring the whole family into our Haley Chevrolet showroom to see how everyone fits.
Summary
Both the 2026 Chevy Trax and Trailblazer offer comfortable cabins for five passengers, but while the Trax is slightly longer and wider, the Trailblazer provides a taller stance and contains a bit more second-row legroom and maximum cargo space with the rear row down.
Chevy Trailblazer vs. Trax Reliability & Safety
At the time of writing, the 2026 Chevy Trax has not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer received a five-star overall safety rating.5 We believe the Trax will follow suit. However, in terms of reliability, both iterations received "Great" J.D. Power Quality & Reliability ratings: The Trailblazer earned a well-deserved 88 out of 1006 and the Trax scored an 84 out of 100.6
If these assessments weren't convincing enough, perhaps their safety features will entice you. Standard and available technology on both models includes:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Summary
Both SUVs earned strong J.D. Power scores (88/100 for Trailblazer, 84/100 for Trax)6 and offer advanced safety features like an HD Rear Vision Camera, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Teen Driver.
Make Your Own 2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Trailblazer Comparison at Haley Chevrolet
So, who wins our Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer comparison? Both iterations are winners in our book. The Trax is more straightforward with lightweight FWD and a single engine option. However, you may want to buy a new Chevrolet Trailblazer if you're impressed with AWD handling. Feature-rich interiors await you, no matter which SUV you choose. The world is yours, and a new Chevy for sale from Haley Chevrolet is perfect to help you explore it.
2026 Chevy Trax Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent highway fuel economy
- Slightly larger model in length
- More shoulder room, thanks to wider body
- More trim options to choose from
- More accessible lower and higher trim levels
Cons
- Slightly less rear headroom and legroom
- Fewer engine and drivetrain options
- Simpler tech features and cabin design
- Lack of AWD restricts off-road capability
2026 Chevy Trailblazer Pros & Cons
Pros
- More engine options, including the 1.3-liter turbo
- Better fuel economy on ACTIV and RS trims
- More spacious interior, with 39 inches of rear legroom
- Better suited for light off-roading, thanks to available AWD
- Some tech upgrades, like the amp on the sound system
Cons
- Slightly less front-row legroom
- Higher MSRP than the Trax
- AWD models have much lower fuel economy
- Fewer trims to choose from
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2026 Chevy Trax and the Trailblazer?
Among the biggest differences between the Chevy Trax and Trailblazer are their performance specs, size, and capability. The Trax is longer and wider, while the Trailblazer sports a taller presence. The two share the same standard 1.2-liter engine, but the Trailblazer offers an available 1.3-liter powertrain and AWD on every trim for enhanced traction and a boost in horsepower and torque.
Which is bigger: the Chevy Trailblazer or the Trax?
The Chevy Trax is longer and slightly wider than the Chevy Trailblazer, but the Trailblazer has a taller frame than its counterpart and has an overall more rugged appeal. Their passenger volumes are very similar – around 98 cubic feet. Both vehicles are agile and sized appropriately to handle tight parking garages in the city and spacious rural roads in the countryside alike.
What Our Customers Say About The Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer
About The Author
Haley Chevrolet, located in Midlothian, VA, has built its reputation on integrity, quality, and putting customers first. Serving the Greater Richmond area, they combine a specialized Chevrolet sales team, factory-trained service technicians, and genuine Chevy parts to deliver exceptional automotive care.
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