2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek often comes down to balancing initial cost against all-weather capability and power. Right out of the gate, the Trailblazer is significantly more budget-friendly with an MSRP of $23,100 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,995, a difference of $3,895. If fuel efficiency is key for your daily drive, the Trailblazer boasts a combined 30 MPG, slightly edging out the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined, though the Crosstrek wins on highway cruising efficiency (33 MPG vs 31 MPG). However, power seekers will notice the 43-horsepower gap, as the Crosstrek delivers 180 hp versus the Trailblazer’s 137 hp. While both are compact crossovers, the Trailblazer offers more vertical space with 25.3 cu ft of cargo volume compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft, making utility a clear decision point.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer wins for daily commuting due to its lower entry price of $23,100 and slightly better overall fuel economy at 30 MPG combined.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Families will likely prefer the Trailblazer's superior cargo capacity of 25.3 cubic feet over the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts seeking more pep will favor the Crosstrek, as it offers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Trailblazer's output.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer provides a clear initial value proposition by costing $3,895 less while still achieving solid economy and better base cargo space.
Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...
- You are trying to keep the initial purchase price low, as the Trailblazer starts at $23,100.
- You need maximum storage volume, as its 25.3 cu ft cargo space beats the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
- You are interested in utilizing E85 fuel, as the Trailblazer is a flex-fuel vehicle.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You frequently drive in snow or poor weather, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer more responsive acceleration, backed by 180 horsepower.
- You prioritize maximum highway efficiency, as the Crosstrek hits 33 MPG on the highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trailblazer | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.1" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.2" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.0" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 16.6 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 | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 55.1 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 | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.8 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.4 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | P225/60R17 |
| 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
What is the main trade-off when choosing between these two crossovers?
The main trade-off is capability versus cost. The Subaru Crosstrek offers standard All-Wheel Drive and more horsepower (180 hp), while the Chevrolet Trailblazer saves you $3,895 upfront and offers better standard cargo volume.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for stop-and-go city driving?
The 2025 Trailblazer is rated slightly better for city driving, achieving 30 MPG in the city compared to the Crosstrek's 26 MPG city rating.
Does the Subaru Crosstrek come standard with AWD?
Yes, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the Trailblazer in this comparison is listed with front-wheel drive (FWD).
How much more cargo space does the Trailblazer offer?
The Trailblazer provides 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is a substantial 5.4 cubic feet more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.
Is the power difference between the two noticeable?
Yes, the 43 horsepower difference is significant; the Crosstrek offers 180 hp while the Trailblazer is rated at 137 hp, meaning the Subaru will feel much quicker, especially when merging or passing.
Can I use E85 in either of these vehicles?
Only the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is listed as a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on E85; the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek requires regular unleaded gasoline.
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