2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV

$4,700 less and 3 mpg better vs AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,700 price gap, 137 vs 155 hp, 30 vs 27 MPG.

The short answer

The Trax ACTIV leads on $4,700 less, 3 MPG better. The Trailblazer ACTIV leads on AWD. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$4,700
Price Gap
18 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV
Starts at $24,500
VS
Higher price
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
Starts at $29,200

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo
vs
1.3L I3 Turbo
Horsepower
137 hp
vs
155 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
vs
174 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
30 MPG combined
vs
27 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$24,500Trax ACTIV
$29,200Trailblazer ACTIV
Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel TurboTrax ACTIV
1.3L I3 TurboTrailblazer ACTIV
Horsepower
137 hpTrax ACTIV
155 hpTrailblazer ACTIV
Torque
162 lb-ftTrax ACTIV
174 lb-ftTrailblazer ACTIV
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticTrax ACTIV
9-speed shiftable automaticTrailblazer ACTIV
Drivetrain
FWDTrax ACTIV
AWDTrailblazer ACTIV
City MPG
28Trax ACTIV
26Trailblazer ACTIV
Highway MPG
32Trax ACTIV
29Trailblazer ACTIV
Combined MPG
30Trax ACTIV
27Trailblazer ACTIV
Wheelbase
106.0"Trax ACTIV
104.0"Trailblazer ACTIV
Length
178.6"Trax ACTIV
174.1"Trailblazer ACTIV
Width
71.8"Trax ACTIV
71.2"Trailblazer ACTIV
Height
61.7"Trax ACTIV
65.7"Trailblazer ACTIV
NHTSA Overall
4/5 starsTrax ACTIV
5/5 starsTrailblazer ACTIV

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
Pricing
MSRP$24,500$29,200
Powertrain
Engine1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo1.3L I3 Turbo
Horsepower137 hp155 hp
Torque162 lb-ft174 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic9-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2826
Highway MPG3229
Combined MPG3027
Fuel Tank13.2 gal13.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,600/yr
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,252 lbs
Wheelbase106.0"104.0"
Length178.6"174.1"
Width71.8"71.2"
Height61.7"65.7"
Safety
NHTSA Overall4/5 stars5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion6yr/100k6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV starts at $24,500, $4,700 less than the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV at $29,200. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $83/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,700 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $156/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV is the stronger pick when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV or 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV rates 30 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV or 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV produces 155 hp, 18 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV at 137 hp. The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV also leads in torque at 174 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV uses a 1.3L I3 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV, AWD on the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV bigger than the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV is 4.5″ longer at 178.6″ vs 174.1″. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV has a 2.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV comes with AWD, while the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Trax trims, Chevrolet Trailblazer trims

Official sources

How the Trax and Trailblazer Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV ($24,500) and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV ($29,200) solve similar problems in different ways. The $4,700 gap adds up to $83/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Trax vs Trailblazer

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV uses a 1.3L I3 Turbo. The 18 hp difference (155 vs 137) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV comes with AWD; the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV saves roughly $156/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $780. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV when you want to keep $4,700 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. At $83/month more, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or any dealership.

Keep Exploring