2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer bursts onto the scene as the agile city champion, distinguished by its accessible $23,100 MSRP and impressive 30 MPG combined efficiency, prioritizing nimble maneuvering with its 174.1-inch length. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz captivates drivers seeking usable grunt and presence, boasting a substantial 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque from its larger frame. This dynamic pits the Trailblazer's economy focus against the Santa Cruz’s performance edge, evident in the 54 horsepower gap separating the two crossovers. While the Trailblazer shines with a 31 MPG highway rating, the Santa Cruz offers superior hauling potential inherent in its segment differentiation. The $5,650 price gap further solidifies this choice: are you prioritizing maximum efficiency and low entry cost, or raw power delivery and a more substantial footprint?
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry price of $23,100.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz provides a larger physical footprint with greater height (66.7 inches) and width (75.0 inches), suggesting more overall utility space.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Cruz for its significantly higher output of 191 hp compared to the Trailblazer's 137 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer offers compelling value by undercutting the Santa Cruz's price by $5,650 while still achieving 30 MPG combined.
Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel stops, thanks to its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You need the lowest possible initial investment, with an MSRP starting at just $23,100.
- You frequently navigate tight urban environments where its smaller 174.1-inch length is an advantage.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You prioritize spirited driving dynamics, capitalizing on the 54 horsepower advantage over car 1.
- You need the better hauling capability suggested by its larger overall dimensions (195.7 inches long).
- You prefer the familiar feel and precise shifts of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trailblazer | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.1" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.2" | 75.0" |
| Height | 64.2" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.0" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.8 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.4 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
How much more powerful is the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers 191 horsepower, which is a significant 54 horsepower boost over the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer's 137 horsepower rating. This extra power makes the Santa Cruz more appealing for quicker highway merging and a more energetic driving feel.
Is the Trailblazer significantly more fuel-efficient than the Santa Cruz?
Yes, the Trailblazer holds a notable advantage, achieving a combined 30 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. This 5 MPG difference translates into noticeable fuel savings over the course of a year for city drivers.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz commands a $28,750 MSRP, setting it $5,650 higher than the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, which starts at $23,100. This cost disparity is a major factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Which vehicle is physically larger, the Trailblazer or the Santa Cruz?
The Santa Cruz is substantially larger across the board; it measures 195.7 inches in length compared to the Trailblazer's 174.1 inches, making the Santa Cruz feel more substantial on the road.
Does the engine type affect the fuel requirements for these vehicles?
Yes, the Trailblazer supports flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), while the Santa Cruz requires only regular unleaded gasoline. Additionally, the Trailblazer uses a CVT while the Santa Cruz utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle offers better torque delivery for initial acceleration?
The Santa Cruz provides superior torque at 181 lb-ft, compared to the Trailblazer's 162 lb-ft, suggesting it will feel punchier off the line despite being the larger vehicle.
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