Chevrolet Trax vs Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a complete transformation, making it hardly recognizable compared to its predecessor. The designers at Chevy embraced the mantra of "longer, lower, wider." The new Trax measured 11 inches longer, almost six inches more in wheelbase, four inches lower, and two inches wider than the outgoing model. The design borrowed styling cues from the midsize Chevy Blazer, resulting in a more commanding and distinctive appearance. Features like a gaping grille, crowded headlights, and a pronounced step between the rear body sides and windows all contributed to this refreshed look. The Trax LS came with 17-inch steel wheels, whereas higher trims featured 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Chevy also introduced Activ and RS trims for rugged and sporty appeals. The interior of the Trax LS offered standard cloth upholstery and a predominantly plastic setup, yet with an intriguing slim design dashboard that kept things appealing. Higher trims included Evotex upholstery and added stitching or blacked-out trims for a more stylish look.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer also received a facelift that emphasized its sporty character established when it was reintroduced in 2021. It shrunk 18 inches in length compared to its predecessor, with a design hinting at the sporty Camaro with its aggressive styling and sharp body creases. For 2024, the Trailblazer sported thinner top accent lights, reshaped grille, and reconfigured lower headlights for a more dynamic stance. Inside, the dashboard was revamped to include a digital instrument panel and a new infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The materials used in the cabin, while aesthetically pleasing, were harder plastic upon closer inspection. Yet, the touchpoints and fabric inserts in the door panels helped elevate the feel of the interior. Similarities in tech and design to competitors like the Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai Kona were noted, though the Trailblazer kept a consistent and cohesive appearance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, while offering just a single engine option, was powered by a smaller yet efficient engine. The 2024 model replaced the older 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Despite a drop in power, Chevy claimed that the 2024 Trax accelerated quicker to 60 mph by about a second compared to its predecessor. The engine's robust torque curve ensured steady pull-away and reliable highway overtakes, with minimal turbo lag. The six-speed automatic transmission from the previous generation continued, but all-wheel drive was no longer an option. The handling was tuned to resemble a car more than a traditional crossover, and the wider track improved stability, giving it a nimble quality. However, limited grip and notable body roll indicated its econobox roots rather than a hot hatch.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engines. The base was a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This combination, although serviceable, lacked excitement and assertive performance. The Activ trim featured a more potent 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, married to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and provided all-wheel-drive capabilities. While this engine improved performance, acceleration remained unremarkable, with a zero to 60 mph time over nine seconds. The Trailblazer excelled in braking and provided a comfortable ride, managing road imperfections adeptly and keeping road and wind noise to a minimum.

The increased dimensions of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax didn't uniformly enhance interior space. Rear-seat legroom saw a three-inch increase, with a slight boost in front-leg space. However, headroom remained consistent for the front and slightly decreased in the rear by 0.7 inches. Shoulder room reductions also indicated tighter seat placement. Yet, against competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, the Trax's passenger space remained competitive. The Trax excelled in rear-seat legroom but matched the general roominess standards of its class for front-row occupants. The cargo space expanded by approximately 12% to 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.1 cubic feet when folded.

In comparison, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered ample space, starting from the well-placed driver's seat that provided excellent outward visibility. The wireless charging pad, cupholders, and additional pocket space enhanced convenience. The front seats were comfortably firm and equipped with heating on all but the base LS trim, along with a heated steering wheel on Activ and RS trims. In the back, the Trailblazer could comfortably accommodate adult passengers with adequate legroom, foot space under the front seats, and suitable headroom for individuals under six feet. Cargo space was nearly equivalent to the Trax at 25.3 cubic feet behind the seats, expanding significantly with the rear seats down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax received notable upgrades in its infotainment system. An 8-inch touchscreen came standard in the base trims, while higher trims boasted an 11-inch touchscreen along with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became new additions, alongside wireless phone charging and continued Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and logical menu layouts. However, the tilted screen favored the driver over the passenger, and the placement of certain controls was more driver-centric. The Trax featured a mix of USB ports in varying types (USB-A and USB-C) across trims, catering well to front and rear passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer also advanced its infotainment offering with an 11-inch touchscreen standard across all trims. Although the system's responses had slight delays, the larger screen was well-placed to minimize driver distraction. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, and the wireless charging pad offered convenience. A native navigation system was missing, leaving smartphone integration as the primary navigation method. The base audio system performed adequately, with an optional Bose upgrade available for those desiring enhanced sound quality.

While crash-test ratings for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable, the Trax included a comprehensive set of driver-assist features. Standard items covered automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional features added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. The Trax also came with Teen Driver technology, promoting safe driving practices for teenage users.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in safety ratings, securing five-star ratings from NHTSA in overall, frontal, and side crash evaluations, and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it top marks in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning. Optional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors further enhanced safety, alongside available adaptive cruise control. However, the Trailblazer did not offer a head-up display.