Chevrolet Trailblazer trim comparison
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS vs ACTIV
The Trailblazer LS starts at $23,100 while the ACTIV is $27,700. That $4,600 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 1.2L I3 Turbo to 1.3L I3 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 1.3L I3 Turbo every week, the ACTIV makes sense. If not, the LS is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the LS to the ACTIV is about $81/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $4,860 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The LS and ACTIV are mechanically identical where it counts: the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $4,600 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $767 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | LS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $23,100 | $27,700 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.2L I3 Turbo | 1.3L I3 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 155 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 30 | 29 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 31 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | $1,400/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,029 lbs | 3,095 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 104.0" | 104.0" |
| Length | 174.1" | 174.1" |
| Width | 71.2" | 71.2" |
| Height | 64.2" | 65.2" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS vs ACTIV Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Chevrolet Trailblazer lineup, the Chevrolet brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Trailblazer ACTIV cost than the LS?
The ACTIV starts at $27,700 compared to $23,100 for the LS. That is a $4,600 difference, or approximately $81/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS and ACTIV have the same engine?
No. The LS uses a 1.2L I3 Turbo (137 hp, 162 lb-ft), while the ACTIV has the 1.3L I3 Turbo (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). That is 18 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do both the 2025 Trailblazer LS and ACTIV come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2025 Trailblazer LS or ACTIV safer?
Both share the same Chevrolet Trailblazer platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer come with?
All 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer trims, including both the LS and ACTIV, come with Chevrolet's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV worth $4,600 more than the LS?
The $4,600 buys the 1.3L I3 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the LS does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer trim gets better fuel economy, the LS or the ACTIV?
The ACTIV is the more efficient of the two at 31 combined MPG, versus 30 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $4,600 Gets You
At $4,600 more, the Trailblazer ACTIV adds the 1.3L I3 Turbo engine (+18 hp). This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the LS delivers the same core Trailblazer experience for less.
LS vs. ACTIV: Day-to-Day
The ACTIV comes with the 1.3L I3 Turbo instead of the LS's 1.2L I3 Turbo. That means 18 more horsepower and 12 more lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Trailblazer ACTIV gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $45 per year or $225 over five years of ownership.
Summary
The Trailblazer ACTIV costs $4,600 more than the LS (about $81/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $767 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the LS best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the ACTIV when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. 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.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.