The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Toyota RAV4 are crossover SUVs that cater to different needs. While the Trailblazer prioritizes efficiency both in its size and engine performance, the RAV4 offers more space. Both vehicles are great choices depending on your specific requirements, so it’s well worth considering what you prioritize in your next car purchase. At Monument Chevrolet in Pasadena, Texas, we took a closer look at these two vehicles to help you do just that. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or to learn more.
Performance and Efficiency
Chevy offers the Trailblazer with two engine options. The first is a 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder unit that can pump out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. For a little bit more power, you can opt for a 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder unit with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines provide good fuel economy for an SUV. The base engine achieves 30 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the slightly larger engine is good for 29 mpg on city roads and 33 mpg at highway speeds. If you opt for all-wheel drive (AWD), gas mileage drops slightly to 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The RAV4 offers more potency, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a bigger vehicle. Gas-powered RAV4s have a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage is up to 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, but it drops as low as 25 mpg in the city with AWD.
The RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the Trailblazer isn’t designed for towing. There are plenty of options in the Chevy lineup if you prefer a vehicle with comparable capabilities to the RAV4, including the Chevrolet Equinox.
Comfort and Interior Features
Both crossovers can accommodate up to five people across two rows of seating. The Toyota RAV4 size is larger than the Trailblazer, boasting about 37 cubic feet of cargo storage at the rear when the second row of seats is in use. By contrast, the Trailblazer offers a still roomy 25 cubic feet, which should be more than enough for a load of groceries or transporting your daily cargo needs. When you fold down the rear row, you can transport up to 54 cubic feet of cargo in the Chevrolet Trailblazer and about 69 cubic feet in the RAV4.
The base setup in the Trailblazer features cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats. Synthetic leather seats and power adjustments for the driver are available as you move up through the trims. As for the RAV4, it boasts cloth upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. In addition, the RAV4 has a 60/40-split folding rear seat. As you go up the trim levels, you can access more upscale features, including leather seats for added comfort. Overall, both cabins offer a relaxing driving experience, whether you spend most of your time on the daily commute or longer highway drives.
Infotainment Technology
There’s not much to choose between these two vehicles when it comes to infotainment features. The Trailblazer has an 11-inch touch screen throughout the lineup and a four-speaker stereo in its base trim. The RAV4’s infotainment equipment includes an 8-inch touch screen and a six-speaker stereo. Each crossover has a comparably sized digital instrument display so you can monitor your vehicle’s performance. They also feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Safety Features
Toyota and Chevrolet have equipped these vehicles with plenty of cutting-edge safety tech to help you avoid accidents on the road. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The Trailblazer benefits from Buckle to Drive, Chevy’s safety feature that prevents your vehicle from setting off until you fasten your seatbelt.
The RAV4’s standout features include Toyota Safety Connect, which gives you access to roadside assistance and other features, and traffic sign recognition, which alerts you to common driving rules.
If you choose the Trailblazer, you’ll have rear parking sensors to make it easier to maneuver in and out of a tight spot, and you can add safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The RAV4 offers optional add-ons such as hill-descent control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The surround-view parking camera gives you an aerial view of your vehicle to spot hazards from all angles as you find your perfect parking position.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The Trailblazer has a clear advantage when it comes to price, coming in at about $4,000 cheaper than the RAV4 in their respective base trims. The Trailblazer LS starts at less than $29,490, while the RAV4 LE starts at around $29,250. If you’re shopping on a budget and don’t need the extra space in the RAV4, the Trailblazer is your best choice.
There are four trims offered in the Trailblazer. In addition to the base LS option, you can choose the LT, ACTIV, and RS trims. The ACTIV and RS trims are designed for adventures off the beaten track or a sportier ride, respectively. Standout trims in the RAV4 lineup include the XLE Premium, which has synthetic leather upholstery and a starting price of around $33,000. The Limited trim starts at around $37,000 and features a 10.5-inch touch screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Test-Drive the 2025 Trailblazer at Monument Chevrolet in Pasadena
Both vehicles have many positives. But the Trailblazer excels in value for money and handling on busy city roads. If you want to test-drive a 2025 Trailblazer or explore other midsize SUVs in Chevy’s exciting lineup, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Our team of Chevy experts will be happy to help guide you through the purchase process right here at Monument Chevrolet.
Image courtesy of Chevrolet
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