For those of you who are thinking about purchasing a brand new compact crossover, take a look at the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2020 Mazda CX-30. These two vehicles are both very new to the auto industry and are loaded with the coolest tech features. As robust, family-friendly vehicles that are not too bulky for urban lifestyles, both vehicles are great choices. But we are going to highlight some of the important characteristics of each vehicle to help you decide which one is best for you.
Seating and Space
When looking at the inside of either vehicle, you will notice that they both have seating for five people. The upcoming 2021 Chevy Trailblazer offers a maximum cargo area (with the back seats folded down) of 54.4 cubic feet. That’s plenty of room for luggage, moving furniture, or giving your dog some extra space.
On the other hand, the new 2020 Mazda CX-30 only has 45.2 cubic feet of maximum storage room. That is an almost ten cubic foot difference between the two vehicles. While that may not seem like much at the moment, it will come into perspective when you’re trying to shove everything into the back of the CX-30, and it simply won’t fit.
Power and Performance
People who want a compact crossover tend to look for something that is small but powerful. There needs to be a little “umph” under the hood. That’s why the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has two engine options.
The first is a turbocharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder motor paired with FWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you want that “umph” we mentioned, you can also opt for the slightly larger 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This one generates 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. It also scraps the transmission and drivetrain and replaces them with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. If you like to go camping or head off on weekend adventures, the second powertrain is your best bet. As of now, the estimated fuel economy is set at 28 MPG combined (26 city/30 highway).
Moving on to the 2020 Mazda CX-30, we present to you a single powertrain. That’s right. There are no choices with this compact crossover. You get what they give you. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor that is mated with FWD and a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain pushes out 186 hp, and you can upgrade the drivetrain to all-wheel-drive if you want. The estimated fuel economy is set at 29 MPG combined (25 city/33 highway).
Safety Features
Since both of these vehicles are family-friendly, many potential buyers will be looking at the safety features.
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer lives up to its name in this category. Every trim, including the base model, comes with a slew of advanced safety features to help prevent accidents on the road. These features include a following-distance indicator, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rear seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and a rearview camera.
Not wanting to be left out of the race, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 also comes with some very good safety features. This petite model includes blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, cruise control with stop and go technology, smart brake support, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver alert system.
Entertainment Features
Another aspect that many people look at when searching the right new vehicle is entertainment. Luckily, every trim level for the 2021 Chevy trailblazer is loaded with amazing standard entertainment features. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system is equipped with every model. Displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen that also shows the video feed from the rearview camera, this system operates with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. You can make phone calls and send text messages hands-free, stream your favorite songs, and even navigate through your most-used apps. Anything you can do on your smartphone, you can do on this infotainment system. It is also worth noting that you can sync up to two mobile devices via Bluetooth.
On the other hand, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 is also equipped with some cool entertainment features. The Mazda Connect Infotainment System is displayed on a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen that functions with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Essentially, it has the same useful features as the Trailblazer.
Trim Levels
Customization is key to making your compact crossover stand out in a sea of vehicles. One size does not fit all, and the upcoming Chevy trailblazer is available in five unique trim levels to prove just that. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 is only offered in four trims. Let’s compare each level.
The Trailblazer L is the base model. It comes with all the aforementioned safety and entertainment features plus LED daytime running lights for enhanced visibility. The CX-30 Base model comes with its aforementioned entertainment and safety features plus LED exterior light as well. So far, the two vehicles are on par with each other.
Next, the Trailblazer LS builds off of the L model. It comes with a fold-flat front passenger seat and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The CX-30 Select offers rear privacy glass, faux leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.
Stepping up to the middle levels, we have the Trailblazer LT. This model comes with more luxurious features such as heated seats and remote start technology. On the outside, features like roof rails and fog lamps have been added for more storage space and enhanced visibility. The mid-level CX-30 is known as the Preferred. It comes with heated seats as well as an upgraded 12-speaker Bose stereo system.
Now here is where the Mazda CX-30 misses the mark. The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is available in a sporty trim known as the ACTIV trim. Fitted with sport-terrain tires and dual exhaust, this model has been optimized for off-roading. It also features a stylish two-tone roof and a larger grille for a more intimidating look. Slipping behind the wheel, you will even notice that the upholstery has been upgraded to simulated leather.
Finally, the top-of-the-line trims go head-to-head in a battle of luxury features. The Trailblazer RS rolls on stylish machined aluminum wheels with sleek black inserts. A flat-bottom steering wheel has been added for a racecar vibe, and the upholstery is a combination of premium cloth and simulated leather with contrasting red accent stitching. The Mazda Premium model gets leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and the head display.
Finding the Right Compact Crossover
Compact crossovers are the future of the auto industry. With more and more people wanting petite SUVs, sedans are dying out. Folks wish to get more space without having to buy a gas-guzzler or a boring minivan. As the market for compact SUVs expands, it gets harder for models to stand apart from the crowd. However, both the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer and 2020 Mazda CX-30 have the style and features to take on the spotlight, but the Trailblazer has the upper hand. So, if you are looking for a compact crossover, find your local Chevy dealership to take one of these Trailblazer beauties out for a test drive.
