Now that the Trax is back in Chevy’s inventory, many drivers are questioning whether or not the bowtie brand needs two subcompact SUVs in its arsenal. The Trailblazer has been in the Chevy family for decades, and it’s been recently redesigned into a subcompact SUV, re-emerging onto the streets in 2021. However, the Chevy SUV lineup is crowded these days, with the subcompact Trax welcomed back after a year out of production, the best-selling compact Equinox still collecting fans, the midsize Blazer stirring up excitement with its stylish persona, and then of course the three-row Traverse and the hulking family haulers, the Tahoe and Suburban. So, where does that leave the pint-size Trailblazer? If you happen to notice a Chevy Trailblazer for sale, you may be wondering what exactly it offers to entice drivers to choose it over its siblings. But when it comes to the 2025 Trailblazer, this answer is apparent from the moment it approaches you on the street.
Powertrain Options
Not every Chevy SUV can be enjoyed with your choice of powertrains. Models like the Equinox, Traverse, and Trax are only offered with a single powertrain setup, which limits your performance potential. This is where the 2025 Trailblazer stands out, with two available powertrains in its arsenal to help drivers get more out of their daily journey. The Trailblazer comes standard with a 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine is the same as what’s offered in the Trax, making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, and provides you with a pleasant ride but doesn’t necessarily amplify excitement on the road.
For drivers who want to enjoy better acceleration and a more energetic ride, the available 1.3L EcoTec turbocharged three-cylinder will offer this. It can be paired with a CVT or a nine-speed automatic transmission, giving the Trailblazer a leg up over the Trax. This powertrain doesn’t just make the Trailblazer more enjoyable to drive, with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, it’s also highly efficient. Opting for the available 1.3L engine allows the 2025 Trailblazer to get an EPA-estimated 33 MPG on the highway, which is more than the Trax and other Chevy SUVs can offer. With two powertrains available and outstanding gas mileage, the Trailblazer proves its worth, especially among everyday commuters and those who want to kick their daily drive up a notch.
Available All-Wheel Drive
Another aspect that sets the Trailblazer apart from other competitors in its segment is the fact that it can be equipped with all-wheel drive capabilities. This is something that many subcompact SUVs don’t offer, the Trax included. Being able to traverse various terrains in a small and agile SUV is desirable for many drivers, especially those who are looking to do a little light off-roading. You can expect the Trailblazer to maximize control and stability, no matter if it’s traveling over uneven roads or through bad weather conditions, maintaining its confidence throughout any journey.
Drivers will also enjoy the fact that the Trailblazer offers an array of different drive modes to help cater the ride to suit the environment. With three available drive modes, the Trailblazer is able to hold its own in various conditions. This makes it easy to take a jaunt out to the campsite or take on a surprise storm on your way home from work with absolute certainty. There aren’t too many small SUVs like this that offer all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes, which helps the Trailblazer stand out from the pack.
Adventure-Ready ACTIV
The ACTIV trim can be found on numerous Chevy SUV models, so having an ACTIV trim doesn’t make the Trailblazer special. However, the fact that it can be armed with ACTIV features and all-wheel drive at an affordable price makes it the perfect solution for novice off-roaders who seek to get a little dusty on the trails. The 2025 Trailblazer ACTIV doesn’t just look the part of an off-road adventurer, with a functional skid plate and blacked-out details to elevate its eye-catching appeal; it’s also armed with the features necessary to explore with confidence.
From an off-road-tuned suspension to the more powerful 1.3L engine and excellent all-wheel drive system, the Trailblazer ACTIV can venture off paved roads with an athletic prowess like no other. There aren’t too many subcompact SUVs that can trek through the wilderness, but the Trailblazer can. Unlike its sibling, the Trax, the Trailblazer’s ACTIV trim is actually functional and not just there for show. Aside from the ACTIV, the 2025 Trailblazer offers a versatile array of trims to appeal to any driver, including the dazzling RS, contemporary LT, and practical LS.
Versatile Cargo Solutions
Despite being a small SUV, the Trailblazer offers more space for gear than many of its rivals. With up to 54.4 cu.ft. available with its rear seats folded, the Trailblazer offers the room drivers and their passengers need to be able to accommodate everything joining them on the ride. It also showcases a fold-flat front passenger seat to allow it to carry longer items with ease, providing its occupants with 8.5 feet of space for items that you wouldn’t think a subcompact SUV could handle. Plus, an available hands-free liftgate is on the menu to help load up and hit the highway, even when drivers have their hands full.
In addition to all this space for gear, the Trailblazer offers plenty of room for its occupants, with favorable space for five passengers to ride comfortably. It’s also known to have a high driver’s seat position, which is what you can expect on board much larger SUVs. This enhances visibility, making for an all-around better, safer ride.
Standard 11-Inch Touchscreen
Unlike the Trax, which comes standard with an eight-inch screen, the 2025 Trailblazer comes standard with an 11-inch HD color touchscreen. This is a win for those who prioritize tech. This display provides drivers with all their must-have features during the ride, and with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, maintaining a clutter-free cabin while having access to all of your apps and more is simple. You’ll also find available wireless charging capabilities and an available Bose premium sound system to maximize the journey, making the Trailblazer not just a stand-out option in Chevy’s inventory but a stand-out option in the subcompact SUV segment as a whole.
2025 Trailblazer: Standing Out in the Crowd
Whether it’s heading to the trails or the city, the Trailblazer is completely at home wherever it roams. It’s small and efficient enough to be a trusted daily commuter, while its light off-road capabilities make it a great pick for novice adventurers. It offers a selection of powertrains and trims to choose from that will revitalize the ride in every way, and when it comes to tech, this small-size traveler has plenty to offer to its drivers.
If you’re wondering why Chevy has two subcompact SUVs in its lineup, now you know. The Trailblazer is the Trax’s rugged brother, the SUV you choose when you want to harness all-wheel drive capabilities, a more engaging engine, and a versatility that is unmatched. It proves that it belongs in Chevrolet’s inventory and remains an ideal choice for drivers near and far who prioritize flexibility in their rides. The Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV that can do it all and is a worthy member of the celebrated lineup of Chevy vehicles.
