2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$23,100 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the budget-friendly 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the more capable 2025 Subaru Outback boils down to your priorities: upfront savings versus long-term utility. The Trailblazer starts at a very appealing $23,100, significantly undercutting the Outback’s $29,995 MSRP by nearly $6,900. For city driving, the Trailblazer offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 30 MPG, utilizing a 137 hp engine. However, the Outback brings serious capability to the table, boasting 182 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, perfect for varied weather. Furthermore, the Outback is substantially larger, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Trailblazer’s 25.3 cu ft. Your choice hinges on whether the 45 hp advantage and extra storage of the Outback justify the premium over the lighter, cheaper Trailblazer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $23,100 and slightly better 30 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback is better suited for families because it provides significantly more cargo capacity at 32.6 cu ft versus 25.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 182 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Car1 presents better sheer value because it is $6,895 less expensive while still delivering adequate performance and efficiency.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

You need the lowest possible entry price, starting at just $23,100.
Your driving is almost exclusively city-based, where its 30 MPG performance shines.
You prefer a smaller footprint, with a length of only 174.1 inches, making parking easier.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You frequently deal with inclement weather, benefiting from standard All-Wheel Drive.
You require maximum utility, leveraging the Outback’s large 32.6 cu ft cargo area.
You want significantly more power from the 182 hp engine compared to Car 1's 137 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trailblazer	Subaru Outback
Length	174.1"	191.1"
Width	71.2"	73.0"
Height	64.2"	66.1"
Wheelbase	104.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
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	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	52.3 in.	55.5 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	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.8 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.4 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Size	225/60R17	225/65R H
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2025 Subaru Outback.

Is the Subaru Outback significantly bigger than the Chevy Trailblazer?

Yes, the Outback is noticeably larger; it is over 7 inches longer in overall length (191.1 inches vs. 174.1 inches). This size difference translates directly to utility, giving the Outback 32.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Trailblazer's 25.3 cu ft.

How much more power does the Subaru Outback have?

The 2025 Subaru Outback provides a 45 horsepower boost over the Trailblazer, producing 182 hp compared to Car 1's 137 hp. This power difference is matched by slightly more torque, 176 lb-ft versus 162 lb-ft for the Trailblazer.

Which vehicle is better for fuel savings?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer narrowly wins on combined efficiency with 30 MPG compared to the Outback’s 28 MPG. However, the Outback uses regular unleaded while the Trailblazer is flex-fuel capable, which might influence long-term running costs depending on E85 availability.

Is the price difference worth the extra features on the Outback?

The Outback costs $6,895 more, but that premium buys you standard All-Wheel Drive and significantly more horsepower and cargo room. If you need AWD and space, the extra cost is justifiable for the capability gain.

Which car handles bad weather better?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the clear choice for foul weather due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system. The Trailblazer comes only with Front Wheel Drive, making it less suited for snow or extremely slippery roads.

Does the Trailblazer’s flex-fuel capability offer any benefit?

The Trailblazer’s ability to run on E85 fuel offers flexibility if you live in an area where E85 is significantly cheaper than unleaded gasoline. However, its overall 30 combined MPG rating is based on standard fuel use.