What To Know
- If you prioritize spaciousness and have a larger family or frequently haul cargo, the Equinox’s extra room will be a welcome advantage.
- Both the Equinox and Trailblazer offer a range of engine options, providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency.
- Both SUVs offer a range of comfort and convenience features, but the Equinox tends to have a more premium feel with its available upgrades.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular models from the same brand. The Chevy Equinox and Chevy Trailblazer are both compact SUVs that offer a blend of style, practicality, and affordability. But with so much in common, how do you decide which one is right for you? This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Chevy Equinox and Chevy Trailblazer, helping you make an informed decision.
Size and Space: Room for Your Needs
The first major difference between the Equinox and Trailblazer lies in their dimensions. The Equinox is the larger of the two, offering more interior space and cargo capacity.
Chevy Equinox:
- Length: 184.1 inches
- Width: 73.5 inches
- Height: 66.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
- Cargo Space: 63.9 cubic feet (with rear seats folded)
Chevy Trailblazer:
- Length: 169.7 inches
- Width: 72.4 inches
- Height: 65.2 inches
- Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
- Cargo Space: 54.4 cubic feet (with rear seats folded)
If you prioritize spaciousness and have a larger family or frequently haul cargo, the Equinox’s extra room will be a welcome advantage. However, if you’re looking for a more compact and maneuverable SUV, the Trailblazer’s smaller size might be a better fit.
Engine Performance: Power and Efficiency
Both the Equinox and Trailblazer offer a range of engine options, providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency.
Chevy Equinox:
- Standard Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 203 lb-ft torque)
- Optional Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (252 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque)
Chevy Trailblazer:
- Standard Engine: 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft torque)
- Optional Engine: 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder (155 horsepower, 174 lb-ft torque)
The Equinox’s larger engine options deliver more power, making it a better choice for those who prioritize acceleration and towing capabilities. The Trailblazer, with its smaller engines, focuses on fuel economy and offers a more efficient driving experience.
Interior Design and Features: Comfort and Technology
Both the Equinox and Trailblazer offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors, but there are some key differences in their design and features.
Chevy Equinox:
- Standard Features: 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Wi-Fi hotspot
- Available Features: Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, Bose sound system
Chevy Trailblazer:
- Standard Features: 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Wi-Fi hotspot
- Available Features: Leather upholstery, heated seats, sunroof, Chevy Safety Assist suite
Both SUVs offer a range of comfort and convenience features, but the Equinox tends to have a more premium feel with its available upgrades. The Trailblazer, while still comfortable, focuses more on practicality and value.
Safety Features: Keeping You Safe
Both the Equinox and Trailblazer prioritize safety and come standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features.
Chevy Equinox:
- Standard Safety Features: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, following distance indicator, rear camera
- Available Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic parking assist
Chevy Trailblazer:
- Standard Safety Features: Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, following distance indicator, rear camera
- Available Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic parking assist
Both SUVs offer a robust set of safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience. The available features are nearly identical, providing similar levels of advanced driver assistance.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money at the Pump
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Equinox and Trailblazer offer impressive fuel economy ratings.
Chevy Equinox:
- 1.5L Engine: 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined
- 2.0L Engine: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined
Chevy Trailblazer:
- 1.2L Engine: 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 31 mpg combined
- 1.3L Engine: 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 30 mpg combined
The Trailblazer, with its smaller engines, generally offers better fuel economy than the Equinox. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, the Trailblazer might be the better choice.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Chevy Equinox and Trailblazer are both competitively priced, offering excellent value for their features and capabilities.
Chevy Equinox:
- Starting MSRP: $26,995
Chevy Trailblazer:
- Starting MSRP: $21,995
The Trailblazer’s lower starting price makes it a more affordable option, especially for budget-conscious buyers. The Equinox, while slightly more expensive, offers a more premium experience and additional features.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
So, which SUV reigns supreme? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Chevy Equinox:
- Best for: Families, frequent cargo haulers, drivers who prioritize power and space
- Pros: Spacious interior, powerful engine options, advanced technology features
- Cons: Higher starting price, less fuel-efficient than the Trailblazer
Chevy Trailblazer:
- Best for: Individuals and small families, budget-conscious buyers, drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency
- Pros: Affordable, fuel-efficient, stylish design, comfortable interior
- Cons: Smaller interior space, less powerful engine options
Ultimately, the best SUV for you is the one that best meets your specific needs and driving style. Take both the Chevy Equinox and Chevy Trailblazer for a test drive and see which one feels more comfortable and capable for your daily commutes and adventures.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
A: While neither the Equinox nor the Trailblazer are designed for hardcore off-roading, the Equinox’s available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance provide slightly better off-road capabilities.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Equinox and Trailblazer have generally good reliability ratings, but the Equinox has a slight edge in long-term reliability.
Q: Which SUV is better for city driving?
A: The Trailblazer’s smaller size and maneuverability make it a better choice for navigating tight city streets and finding parking spots.
Q: Which SUV offers more cargo space?
A: The Equinox offers significantly more cargo space than the Trailblazer, making it a better choice for hauling larger items.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: The Equinox’s spacious interior and available family-friendly features make it a more suitable choice for families, while the Trailblazer is still a viable option for smaller families or those who prioritize affordability.
