2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$23,100 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the new 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester boils down to prioritizing upfront savings versus capability and space. Buyers facing the decision between the entry-level Trailblazer starting at $23,100 and the higher-priced Forester at $29,995 need to weigh the substantial $6,895 price gap. The Trailblazer offers excellent city fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined on its flex-fuel engine, which produces 137 hp. However, the Forester commands the field in power, boasting 180 hp and a standard All-Wheel Drive system that the Trailblazer, which is FWD, lacks. Furthermore, the Forester provides a noticeably larger footprint and cargo area, offering 29.6 cubic feet compared to the Trailblazer's 25.3 cubic feet, making it a more robust choice for utility, despite its lower 26 MPG city rating.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is the clear choice for commuters due to its lower entry price of $23,100 and slightly better city fuel economy at 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Forester wins for families by offering significantly more space, evidenced by its 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester due to its superior power output of 180 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer delivers better immediate value with a $6,895 lower MSRP and great standard efficiency.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

Your budget is tight, as the Trailblazer starts nearly $7,000 less than the Forester ($23,100 vs $29,995).
You primarily drive in the city and prioritize consistent efficiency, achieving 30 MPG in city driving.
You want the flexibility of using E85 fuel, as the Trailblazer is flex-fuel capable.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as the Forester provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 25.3 cu ft.
You need sure-footed traction for adverse weather, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You value higher performance, benefitting from the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trailblazer	Subaru Forester
Length	174.1"	183.3"
Width	71.2"	72.0"
Height	64.2"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
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	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

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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	52.3 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.8 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.4 in.	53.7 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	225/60R 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 2026 Subaru Forester.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Subaru Forester than the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer?

The Subaru Forester offers a significant power advantage, putting out 180 horsepower compared to the Trailblazer's 137 hp, a difference of 43 horsepower.

Is the extra cost of the Forester worth the capability jump for daily driving?

It depends on your needs; while the Forester costs $29,995 compared to the Trailblazer's $23,100, the Forester includes standard AWD and more space, justifying the price if you need ruggedness.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for stop-and-go city driving?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer edges out the Forester in city efficiency, rating at 30 MPG city versus the Forester's 26 MPG city.

Do these crossovers have similar physical sizes for parking?

No, the Forester is physically larger; it is 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches tall, while the Trailblazer is shorter at 174.1 inches in length and 64.2 inches high.

Does the FWD on the Trailblazer affect its utility compared to the Forester's AWD?

Yes, the Trailblazer's FWD setup is less capable in snow or light off-roading than the Forester's standard AWD system, which makes the Forester better for varied terrain.

Which vehicle has better overall cargo volume?

The 2026 Subaru Forester boasts superior cargo capacity at 29.6 cubic feet, giving it about 4.3 cubic feet more room than the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer.