The 21st century has seen an SUV takeover of the US auto market, with SUVs accounting for more than 45% of new vehicle sales. A big reason for this is the rise of the two-row SUV. Commonly manufactured on a crossover platform, these five-seat sport utility vehicles offer varying degrees of off-road and adventure capability while remaining practical for everyday commuting. According to GoodCarBadCar.net, in 2023, ten of the top eleven best-selling SUVs in the US were two-row models, with options ranging from subcompacts to midsize SUVs.
Seeing this trend, Chevrolet has gone all-in on two-row SUVs with four models to serve North American drivers. The Trax, Trailblazer, Equinox, and Blazer are all available at your local Chevy dealer, giving prospective Chevy SUV buyers plenty of options. But what’s the difference between them? In this overview, I’ll provide the lowdown on the two-row Chevy SUV lineup with the benefits and highlights of each. Use it to help you decide which SUV offers the capabilities and features you want.
Chevy Trax: A Stylish, Affordable Subcompact SUV
This is the low-budget, entry-level vehicle in the two-door Chevy SUV family with a starting MSRP of just over $20k. A low price doesn’t mean a low-quality ride, though—and with five trims and many customization options, the Trax is here to serve your needs. Admittedly, the Chevy Trax isn’t going to set any land speed records. It’s powered by a 1.2L turbocharged inline-three engine with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, making it the smallest SUV Chevy powerplant. On the plus side, this gives the Trax admirable fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined, and models from 2025 onward can use E85 fuel.
The Trax uses a six-speed automatic transmission and only comes with front-wheel drive, meaning its use is limited to roads. It will ride and look sharp, though, with a specially-tuned suspension beneath clean body lines. Inside, you get a fully loaded tech experience highlighted by an 11-inch touchscreen on high-end trims (eight inches on the lower trims). You also get an HD rear vision camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB data ports, active road noise cancellation, and a six-function Chevy Safety Assist suite. Its cargo space is excellent for a subcompact, with a maximum of 54.1 cu.ft.
Plenty of other features are available on some or all trims to further elevate the Trax. These include wireless charging, all-weather floor mats, remote start, and a sunroof. This is a great way to break into the two-row SUV market without breaking the bank.
Chevy Trailblazer: A Versatile and Efficient Subcompact
Drivers interested in a subcompact but who want a little more power and off-road prowess should check out the Trailblazer. It’s the smallest Chevy two-door SUV, at 174.1 inches long and 71.2 inches wide, but it packs a strong punch. The base engine is the same as the Trax, but you can upgrade to a 1.3L turbocharged inline-three that gets 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque for an extra burst. With FWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Trailblazer is the most efficient Chevy SUV, checking in at an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined.
More significantly, though, the Trailblazer can be ordered with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. This lowers the fuel economy but greatly improves stability on wet roads, dirt roads, and light trails. With the ACTIV trim, the Trailblazer receives off-road suspension tuning, sport terrain tires, and a skid plate to protect the underbody. (The ACTIV trim is also available on the Trax and Equinox, though exact features vary.) You can add a trailer hitch and harness to tow up to 1,000 lbs, which is enough for a dirt bike, small watercraft, or pop-up camper. Certain trims can also be ordered with a panoramic power sunroof and power liftgate.
Technology-wise, the 11-inch infotainment screen, eight-inch instrument cluster, and six-speaker sound system have become standard on all trims. Chevy increased the standard airbags from six to ten, which helped the Trailblazer earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors, and added a standard driver-side seat-back pocket. Despite being smaller than the Trax, the Trailblazer has a tad more second-row legroom and cargo space, meaning a comfortable ride in a small size.
Chevy Equinox: A Tech-Savvy Compact SUV
Do you feel the need for something bigger than a subcompact? The Chevy Equinox delivers on all fronts. It’s 9.1 inches longer and 3.7 inches wider than the Trailblazer, giving you a more spacious interior and a boost to 63.5 cu.ft. of maximum cargo area. That makes a difference when you’re packing for a weekend getaway or need to get your camping gear to the lake.
But the Equinox is bigger in more ways than just physical size. The pulse comes from a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for up to 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to overcome the added weight. FWD models use the CVT, while the AWD Equinox was recently upgraded to an eight-speed automatic that greatly improves shifting smoothness. When properly equipped, towing capacity ups to 1,500 lbs. Handling gets even smoother with a MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear suspension.
Beginning with its 2025 refresh, the Equinox is the most technologically advanced Chevy two-row SUV. All trims have an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 11-inch digital instrument cluster, built-in Google Automotive Services, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, 5G connectivity, and remote start. Wireless charging comes on most trims, and Chevrolet has standardized additional safety assistance features like rear parking assist, reverse automatic braking, and the OnStar One Essentials package.
Chevrolet has also added Automatic Stop/Start to help fuel efficiency. Finally, the Equinox has all-LED exterior lighting and squared-off wheel wells for a more rugged personality.
Chevy Blazer: An All-Terrain Midsize Crossover
If you don’t quite need a three-row SUV but still want some serious power from your ride, the Blazer is the best bet in the Chevy catalog. It has two engine options that sail past other Chevy two-row nameplates. The main 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the top-end 3.6L V6 engine is a strong 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. AWD is again available on all trims, and the Chevy Blazer RS has a twin-clutch AWD system that can independently power each tire whether you’re turning or trying to get unstuck.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard for both engine combinations, and with StabiliTrak traction control, you’re getting even more grip. The fully independent suspension grants great performance on all surfaces, and the Blazer is the best tower of any Chevy two-row SUV; it can haul up to 4,500 lbs with practical upgrades like heavy-duty cooling, hitch guidance, and sway control. As an added touch, you get capless fuel fill for faster and more sanitary fill-ups.
Its cargo capacity is only slightly higher than the Equinox, with Chevy opting to use the extra size for driver and passenger comfort. The roomy interior includes 41 inches of front legroom and 39.6 inches of rear legroom, plus excellent head and shoulder room. Technology-wise, the Blazer admittedly isn’t as impressive as the Equinox; the standard infotainment screen is only 10.2 inches, the digital gauge cluster is as small as 3.5 inches, and it doesn’t support 5G. You do get a digital compass for off-road navigation, and the Blazer also comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and LED daytime running lamps.
A Two-Row SUV for Every Driver
Even within the two-row SUV market, drivers have unique needs and desires, which means they need an SUV to meet them. While there are similarities between them, each two-row Chevy SUV has a clear focus and target audience:
- The Chevy Trax is a low-cost, high-value SUV with excellent personalization and tech.
- The Chevy Trailblazer is another subcompact that can handle tougher driving conditions.
- The Chevy Equinox is for people who want the best over-the-road vehicle technology available.
- The Chevy Blazer delivers the biggest interior and best off-road performance.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of the two-row Chevy SUV scene. Keep it in mind as you head to your local Chevy dealer for your next ride.
