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Subcompact SUVs are the perfect choice for buyers who need a little more space than a sedan but still want relative affordability. Among the mainstream SUVs with starting sticker prices under $25,000 are the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. While the bowtie brand's dynamic little SUV is a little less than the Corolla Cross across all trim levels, deciding which model offers the best value proposition for you depends on which features you find most desirable. Let’s stack these affordable SUVs up side-by-side to see which one offers you the most bang for your buck.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer, as always, is modeled after its larger line-mate, the Chevy Blazer. Both feature an exterior defined by an aggressive blacked-out mesh grille framed by angular daytime running lights and a futuristic light bar with slim LED headlamps. The Trailblazer comes in a plethora of two-tone paint options that include bright, eye-catching colors like Nitro Yellow, Cacti Green, and Copper Harbor. Available exterior features include a hands-free liftgate with logo projection, keyless entry and remote start, a panoramic sunroof, functional skid plates, heated outside mirrors, and 17-inch high-gloss machined aluminum wheels.
The Toyota Corolla Cross has a dominant grille flanked by sharp LED headlights. It also features a smoked Toyota emblem and all-black badging. Unlike the Trailblazer, the Corolla Cross's available color options are more subdued, with muted, smoky colors like Celestite, Cypress, and Blue Crush Metallic. It shares some of the same features as the Trailblazer, including a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry and start, a smaller moonroof, and heated outside mirrors. Both have 17-inch wheels, but the Corolla Cross lacks some of the off-road focused equipment, such as skid plates, that are found in the Trailblazer.
Both vehicles are two-row SUVs that can seat up to five people, but the Chevy Trailblazer has a larger cabin with five more cubic feet of passenger volume than the Corolla Cross. When it comes to making sure your passengers have enough room to stretch out, the Trailblazer takes home the win. The front seat has 40.9 inches of legroom, compared to the Corolla Cross, which has only 38.6 inches, which is a full two inches less space. The difference is even more stark when it comes to the rear seat. The Trailblazer has nearly as much room in the back as it does in the front (39.0 inches). The Corolla Cross, on the other hand, has a rear seat that is best suited for children (32 inches or legroom).
Both models feature soft-touch or textured materials throughout that keep them from feeling cheap. The Trailblazer's interior mimics the fun and playful design of the exterior with two-tone color schemes, chrome accents, and a funky steering wheel with a squared-off bottom. It also has available heated front seats and a high perch that gives the driver a great view of the road.
The Corolla’s interior design is a lot like its exterior as well, basic and subdued. A gray color-scheme standard steering wheel doesn’t give much inspiration, but the highest trim level does offer faux leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that, for some buyers, might make up for the lackluster design. It also features available heated front seats.
The Trailblazer offers a generous amount of cargo space, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 54.4 behind the front seat. The front passenger seat also folds flat to increase cargo volume and accommodate longer items
The Corolla cross offers 25 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 66 cubic feet behind the front seats. Its front passenger seat does not fold flat.
Both models have a 60/40 split rear seat.
The TrailBlazer and the Corolla Cross share several standard infotainment features.
The Trailblazer offers a bit more in the way of standard tech than the Corolla Cross through. Starting with the infotainment system itself. The Trailblazer an 11-inch infotainment system versus the Corolla Cross’ 8-inch infotainment system. In addition, the Trailblazer offers a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, while the Corolla Cross does not offer it anywhere in its lineup.
Under the hood of the 2024 Trailblazer is either a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder that generates 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are peppy enough to make driving around town or passing on the highway a breeze.
The Corolla Cross only has one engine option – a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 169 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.
Both models have standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.
Both models have a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance that are nearly identical. Their shared list of standard features includes a rearview camera, forward collision warning and emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and more.The only differentiators are that the Corolla Cross features standard adaptive cruise control (available on the Trailblazer) and traffic sign recognition. The Trailblazer features three family-focused safety features that the Corolla Cross does not offer anywhere in its lineup.
If the more spacious cabin, extensive infotainment features, and family-focused safety features of the 2024 Trailblazer are what you’re looking for. Visit us at Chevrolet Center in Winter Haven, FL, to take it for a spin.
