The Chevrolet Equinox is the larger and more powerful of the two, with up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space and a 175-horsepower turbo engine. The Trailblazer is the smaller, lower-priced option, with slightly better fuel economy and easier parking. Which one fits depends on your commute, your family, and what you plan to haul.
Size and Cargo Space
The Equinox is a compact SUV and the Trailblazer is a subcompact, and you notice the gap as soon as you load the back. The Equinox offers about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seat and up to 63.5 with the seats folded. The Trailblazer tops out around 54.4. That is still useful for a stroller, hockey bags, or a Costco run, but a family of four heading out for a long weekend will appreciate the extra room.
The Equinox also has more rear legroom and a more settled highway ride. The Trailblazer’s smaller footprint is a real advantage in tight spaces, like a downtown Chicago parking garage or a crowded La Grange street on a Saturday.
Power and Fuel Economy
The Equinox comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 175 horsepower, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Expect roughly 26 mpg city and 29 highway in front-wheel drive. The Trailblazer uses smaller turbo engines, a 1.2-liter in front-wheel-drive models and a 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive. Its EPA ratings run around 30 city and 33 highway for the 1.2-liter and 26 city and 30 highway for the AWD version.
The Equinox has noticeably more power for merging, and it handles a loaded cabin better than the Trailblazer. If most of your miles are short trips, the Trailblazer’s efficiency adds up over a year.
Price and Standard Features
The Trailblazer is the budget pick, with a starting price in the low $20,000s. The Equinox starts closer to $29,000. In exchange, it comes better equipped, with a larger touchscreen, more standard driver-assistance features, and more trim choices, including the RS and the rugged ACTIV. Prices change with incentives and inventory, so confirm current numbers with our team before you decide.
Which One Handles Chicagoland Driving Better?
Think about a normal week. If you commute from Tinley Park to the Loop on I-57 and the Dan Ryan, you spend plenty of time in stop-and-go traffic, where the Trailblazer’s efficiency and easy maneuvering help. If you cover long stretches of I-80 or Route 30 with passengers and gear, the Equinox’s extra power and quieter ride make the miles easier.
Winter is its own test. Lake-effect snow, slushy side streets, and salted roads from New Lenox to the lakefront are hard on any vehicle. Either SUV with all-wheel drive gives you good confidence, but the Equinox’s larger wheelbase feels more planted at highway speeds.
When an SUV Isn’t Enough
Plenty of drivers in this area start with an SUV and discover that their weekends call for a truck. If you tow a boat to the lake, haul lumber for a deck project, or run a trade business out of La Grange or Tinley Park, the Equinox’s 1,500-pound tow rating will not stretch far. That is where the Chevrolet Silverado earns its place. It offers a bed that handles real loads, strong towing capability, and cab and engine choices for every budget, from a work-ready Custom to a loaded High Country.
Ready for More Capability? Shop the Silverado
The Equinox and Trailblazer both do their jobs well, but if your life includes towing, hauling, or job sites, the Silverado is the Chevrolet built for it. Browse our Silverado inventory online, then stop by our Frankfort showroom and test drive one yourself. Our team will help you compare configurations and find the right fit for your budget.
When you visit Phillips Chevrolet, with locations in Frankfort, Lansing, and Bradley, you’re visiting the best in the business. Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, we don't just sell cars; we build relationships. Our commitment to excellence has earned us the title of Cars.com 'Chevrolet Dealer of the Year, ' ranking #1 in the United States among over 3,000 Chevy dealerships, and recognition as the #1 Selling Chevy Dealer in Illinois for 20 years in a row. We are also a JD Power 'Dealer of Excellence' and proudly maintain an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. With Illinois’ largest Chevrolet inventory and a team dedicated to award-winning service, we’re ready to help you find your next dream car.
FAQ: Chevrolet Equinox vs. Trailblazer
Q: Is the Equinox bigger than the Trailblazer?
A: Yes. The Equinox is a compact SUV with up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Trailblazer is a subcompact with up to about 54.4 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV gets better gas mileage?
A: The Trailblazer. Its front-wheel-drive model gets about 30 mpg city and 33 highway, compared with roughly 26 city and 29 highway for the Equinox.
Q: Is the Trailblazer cheaper than the Equinox?
A: Yes. The Trailblazer starts in the low $20,000s, while the Equinox starts closer to $29,000, though it comes with more standard features.
Q: Do both SUVs offer all-wheel drive?
A: Yes. Both offer all-wheel drive, which is a smart choice for Chicagoland winters.
Q: Can the Equinox tow a trailer?
A: Only light loads. It is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, so a small utility trailer is fine, but a boat or camper calls for a Silverado.
Q: Which one is better for a family?
A: The Equinox, thanks to its larger cargo area and more rear-seat room. The Trailblazer works well for couples, small households, and city drivers.