Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-5 PM
Subcompact SUVs are popular among frugal buyers who need more space than a modern sedan can offer. There are few SUVs on the market with sub-$ $25,000 starting prices, but among them, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Toyota Corolla Cross are stand-out models. Chevy’s dynamic little SUV costs less than the Corolla Cross across all trim levels but deciding which model is right for you depends on what you value most in a vehicle. So, let’s compare these affordable SUVs to help you decide which model offers more bang for your buck.
As usual, the Chevrolet Trailblazer mimics many of the design elements of the Chevy Blazer with a bold, blacked-out front fascia, sharp LED running lights, slender headlights, and an eye-catching lightbar just below the line of the hood. It’s available in several spunky, fun color options such as Nitro Yellow and Fountain blue.
The Toyota Corolla Cross has a front fascia that features a mesh grill, angular headlights, and a smoked Toyota emblem. The Corolla Cross has a list of color options that are more muted and include smokey hues such as Celestite, Cypress, and Blue Crush Metallic.
Both models feature a list of practical exterior features including an available hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, remote start, a panoramic sunroof (or in the case of the Corolla Cross a smaller moonroof), and heated outside mirrors. Both models 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.
The two-row SUVs can both have seating for five passengers; however, the Chevy Trailblazer has five more cubic feet of passenger volume which translates to significantly more legroom in both rows. The difference is passenger space is most notable in the rear seat where the Trailblazer has 39.0 inches of legroom. The Corolla Cross, however, only has 32 inches of legroom in the rear seat and may be best suited for children.
The interior design of the Trailblazer is just as fun as the exterior featuring two-tone color scheme chrome accents, and a sporty steering wheel with a squared-off bottom. The front seat has a high perch that gives drivers a clear view of the road and the heated front seats keep everyone comfortable in cooler weather.
The Corolla Cross has a restrained interior design defined by a gray color scheme. Higher trims might make up for the subdued appearance with faux leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. However, these additional features will cost you.
The Trailblazer provides ample cargo space, offering 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 54.4 behind the front seat. Fold the front passenger seat flat to expand cargo volume and fit longer items.
The Corolla Cross has 25 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and a whopping 66 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, its front passenger seat does not fold flat.
Both models have a 60/40 split rear seat.
The TrailBlazer and the Corolla Cross share many of their standard infotainment features including:
The Trailblazer edges ahead in standard tech compared to the Corolla Cross. This begins with its larger 11-inch infotainment system, contrasting with the Corolla Cross's 8-inch one. Furthermore, the Trailblazer includes a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, a feature absent across the Corolla Cross lineup.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has two engine options.
The 2024 Corolla Cross only has one engine which is a 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 long list of standard safety and driver assistance features that are nearly identical. Notable features include:
The extensive lists go on with the only difference being that the Corolla Cross has standard adaptive cruise control, which is available on the Trailblazer’s second-tier trim, and traffic sign recognition. The Trailblazer, however, features several family-focused safety features that the Corolla Cross does not offer anywhere in its lineup. They include
If more interior space, a long list of infotainment features, and a suite of family-focused safety features makes the Trailblazer a winner for you, visit us at Jim Taylor Chevrolet in Rayville, LA, to take it for a test drive.
