There are different phases of the car-buying process, and the first is the fun one. Whether online or at a Chevy dealer, you get to relive those precious times as a kid when your parents took you to a toy store and let you pick something out. Cars are like toys for grownups, and while you probably no longer need your parent’s permission to make a purchase, you could be faced with a similar dilemma: Which one should you choose? Even if you already know that you want a Chevy SUV, there are quite a few fantastic models available, including the stylish compact Equinox and the ultra-fuel-efficient Trailblazer. If these two are on your list, this guide is here to help you out. I’ll be taking a look at both models to see how they compare to one another and the trim levels they offer.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
The 2025 Equinox only has one engine choice, but it’s a potent one. It’s a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for all-wheel drive instead of the standard front-wheel drive, the torque actually increases to 203 lb-ft. The Equinox comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but an eight-speed automatic is available in all-wheel drive models.
With the 2025 Trailblazer, you’ll have two engines to pick from. The base is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that offers 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. To take things up a few notches, you can instead go with a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder that generates 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This SUV also comes with standard front-wheel drive and a CVT, with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic available as an option, but only for the larger engine.
If you drive a lot, surely you don’t want a vehicle that will cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe another body part), every time you need to fill up. In this department, both of these Chevy SUVs shine. However, the smaller Trailblazer unsurprisingly does a bit better. The 2025 Equinox gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, while the 2025 Trailblazer gets 30 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive will reduce fuel economy slightly.
Space and Comfort
If you’re looking for a sizable SUV that will keep you comfortable even on long journeys, you can’t go wrong with either the Equinox or Trailblazer. Both have two spacious rows that offer plenty of room for five people. Cloth upholstery is standard in both models, but EvoTex leatherette is available for a more premium feel. They also offer ample space for your stuff. The Equinox has 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, and that more than doubles to 63.5 cubic feet when they are folded down. And even though the Trailblazer is a subcompact model, it also has quite a bit of room for your stuff, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear row and 54.4 cubic feet when it’s down.
Safety Features
In addition to being powerful and fuel-efficient, both the Equinox and Trailblazer have been designed with safety in mind. They both come standard with the following:
- Forward Collision Alert: When out on the road, your SUV will monitor what’s happening in front of you. If a possible crash is detected, it will quickly notify you.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: If you don’t—or can’t—react fast enough to that alert, your vehicle will slow itself down and even come to a full stop if need be.
- Lane Departure Warning: It can be shockingly easy to lose focus while driving and start drifting out of your lane, and if this happens, you will get a warning.
- Lane Keep Assist: It’s important to heed that warning, but if you don’t, your SUV can guide itself back to where it should be.
- IntelliBeam Headlights: With this feature, you don’t have to worry about continually turning the high beams on and off at night when oncoming traffic approaches, as your vehicle will take care of that for you.
Trim Levels
Even if you know which model you want, your decision-making isn’t over. Now, you have to think about a trim. The 2025 Equinox has three options, while the 2025 Trailblazer comes in four different trims.
Equinox LT
You may not need to look any further than the base LT trim for the Equinox, as it is loaded with amenities. First, you’ll be driving on 17-inch alloy wheels, and thanks to active noise cancellation, every ride will be a quiet one. In addition, the Equinox LT has standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Technology is a real strong suit for this SUV. It comes with a Google-based infotainment system with an 11.3-inch touchscreen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You will also get four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo system.
Equinox RS
If you want your ride to be a little sharper, the sporty RS trim comes with 19-inch Carbon Flash wheels, and it also adds roof rails, a hands-free power liftgate, and even heated windshield wipers. Inside, you will find seats covered in synthetic leather upholstery, with power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger. The Equinox RS also has wireless device charging, a universal garage door opener, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Equinox ACTIV
If you’re itching to get off-road, the ACTIV trim is for you, as it has all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels and functional underbody skid plates. An optional two-tone color scheme with a white roof adds some extra sportiness. In addition to pretty much everything else found in the two lower trims, it comes with faux suede upholstery.
Trailblazer LS
The base LS comes with a lot of features. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and includes a unique fold-flat front passenger seat to accommodate longer items. There are numerous tech features inside, including an 11-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, a four-speaker stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Four USB ports let you keep all of your devices charged.
Trailblazer LT
The LT trim adds a six-speaker stereo, remote start, and keyless entry. It also comes with roof rails. Available options include wireless device charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Trailblazer ACTIV
You’ll find a variety of extra comfort amenities in the ACTIV trim, including synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Plus, this trim is ready to hit the trails with an off-road-tuned suspension and functional skid plates. You can also add a seven-speaker Bose sound system and a hands-free power liftgate.
Trailblazer RS
The top-of-the-line RS comes with pretty much everything found in the lower trims, along with 19-inch alloy wheels. However, what makes it really stand out is its sporty styling. With blacked-out badging, black trim, and red interior accents, this is an athletic subcompact SUV.
Which Chevy SUV Is Right for You?
Now that you know the ins and outs of these two Chevy SUVs, hopefully, you have a better idea of which is the best choice for you. The Equinox is perfect if you’re looking for something sporty and spacious. If what you are after is outstanding fuel economy and a little ruggedness, you can’t go wrong with the Trailblazer. And if you still feel like that kid in the toy store who can’t decide, go take some test drives to figure out which one you like playing with the most.
