2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

$29,995 · Crossover

$23,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Forester (car1) and the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer (car2) is the $6,995 MSRP difference, with the Trailblazer starting at $23,000 versus the Forester's $29,995. This price gap correlates with performance metrics; the Forester delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Trailblazer's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Fuel economy is close, with the Trailblazer edging out slightly at 30 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 combined MPG, though the Forester offers superior highway efficiency at 33 MPG versus 31 MPG. Size metrics further diverge: the Forester is 183.3 inches long and offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Trailblazer measures 174.1 inches in length and provides 25.3 cu ft. The standard All-Wheel Drive in the Forester contrasts with the Trailblazer's standard Front-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is the winner for commuters due to its slightly superior 30 combined MPG and lower entry cost of $23,000.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester secures the family win by offering greater utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Trailblazer's 25.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester is the clear enthusiast choice, generating 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Trailblazer's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer provides better initial value by being $6,995 cheaper and achieving a slightly better combined fuel economy rating.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-weather capability is paramount, as the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximum power output is desired, given its 180 hp engine versus 137 hp in car2.
You require the largest interior volume, evidenced by 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

Adhering to the lowest purchase price is the main priority, with an MSRP of $23,000.
Fuel economy is prioritized for city driving, boasting 30 MPG city efficiency.
The vehicle only needs FWD capability, as the Trailblazer is not equipped with AWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Forester	Chevrolet Trailblazer
Length	183.3"	174.1"
Width	72.0"	71.2"
Height	68.1"	64.2"
Wheelbase	105.1"	104.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	180 hp @ 5800 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	431.6/547.8 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.3 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	52.3 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	Subaru	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	53.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	50.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain configuration between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, enhancing traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is equipped with standard Front-Wheel Drive.

How much more powerful is the Subaru Forester compared to the Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The Forester produces 180 horsepower, resulting in a 43 hp advantage over the Trailblazer's 137 horsepower rating. Torque output also favors the Forester at 178 lb-ft versus 162 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is physically larger and offers more storage room?

The Forester is the larger vehicle, measuring 183.3 inches in length compared to the Trailblazer's 174.1 inches. This translates to 29.6 cu ft of cargo space in the Forester versus 25.3 cu ft in the Trailblazer.

Can the Chevrolet Trailblazer use E85 fuel?

Yes, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer supports flex-fuel, meaning it can run on regular unleaded gasoline or E85. The Forester exclusively uses regular unleaded fuel.

Is the cost savings significant enough to justify the performance trade-off in the Trailblazer?

The Trailblazer saves the buyer $6,995 upfront. However, this lower cost is paired with 43 fewer horsepower and the absence of standard AWD, which may impact performance metrics.