How much smaller is the Trailblazer than the Blazer?
The Trailblazer is Chevrolet’s compact SUV, while the Blazer sits in the midsize segment. In practical terms, the Trailblazer is about 18 inches shorter in overall length than the Blazer.
Size in numbers
Below are the official dimension figures for recent model years to illustrate the size gap. Note that trims and model years can cause small variances, but the general difference in length remains around the same order.
Trailblazer dimensions
The Trailblazer occupies the smaller footprint; key measurements are:
- Length: about 173 inches
- Wheelbase: about 102.9 inches
- Width: about 70.7 inches
- Height: about 65.8 inches
- Cargo space behind the second row: about 25 cubic feet (around 54 cubic feet with seats folded)
Cargo figures vary by trim; the cited measurements reflect common spec pages for recent years.
Blazer dimensions
The Blazer is larger and offers more interior room; key measurements include:
- Length: about 191–192 inches
- Wheelbase: about 112.5 inches
- Width: about 76.0 inches
- Height: about 66 inches
- Cargo space behind the second row: about 30–31 cubic feet (up to about 63 cubic feet with seats folded)
As with the Trailblazer, cargo numbers vary by trim and year; the Blazer generally offers more interior space overall.
Why the size difference matters
The longer length translates to more interior space and a larger footprint, affecting handling in tight spaces and efficiency in urban driving. The Trailblazer’s compact size yields easier parking and city maneuverability, while the Blazer emphasizes passenger and cargo capacity for families and longer trips.
Quick takeaway
In practical terms: the Trailblazer is roughly 18 inches shorter in length than the Blazer, equating to about a 9–10% smaller footprint in overall length. The variance in other dimensions follows the same pattern: the Trailblazer is narrower and shorter in wheelbase, with less cargo capacity behind the second row.
Summary
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is the more compact option, measured at roughly 18 inches shorter in overall length than the Chevrolet Blazer. This translates into a smaller interior and cargo footprint, but greater urban maneuverability for the Trailblazer. For buyers weighing city practicality against interior space for gear or passengers, the size gap is a primary factor in the choice.
Why is Chevrolet discontinuing the Blazer?
The gas-powered Chevy Blazer is being discontinued after the 2025 model year to shift production to an all-electric facility, reflecting a broader move towards electric vehicles. This decision comes as internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV sales have been declining, and Chevrolet is focusing on the Blazer EV as a key part of its future product strategy.
This video explains why Chevy is discontinuing the gas-powered Blazer and focusing on the electric version: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Feb 16, 2025
- Strategic shift to EVs: General Motors is converting its factory in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, to an all-electric facility, which will produce the Blazer EV and other EVs like the Equinox EV and Cadillac Lyriq EV.
- Focus on EV growth: The company is prioritizing the Blazer EV as a more central part of its portfolio and its overall strategy to increase electric vehicle output.
- Declining gas model sales: Sales of the mid-size gas-powered SUV have been on a downward trend for several years, with many buyers opting for larger three-row SUVs or smaller compact SUVs instead.
- EV challenges: While the gas model is being retired, the Blazer EV has faced its own challenges, including initial software issues that temporarily halted sales in late 2023. However, sales of the Blazer EV have since grown significantly.
Did the Trailblazer used to be bigger?
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuted in 2002 as a mid-size SUV that superseded the smaller Blazer (which was discontinued after the 2005 model year). It was offered as a five-passenger model or an extended-length, seven-passenger TrailBlazer EXT.
How big is the Blazer compared to the Trailblazer?
The Chevy Blazer is significantly larger than the Trailblazer, being about 17.8 inches longer, 5.5 inches wider, and 2.3 inches taller. This difference in size translates to more passenger and cargo space in the Blazer, with up to 64.2 cubic feet of max cargo space compared to the Trailblazer's 54.4 cubic feet. The Trailblazer's smaller size makes it more agile and easier to maneuver in cities, while the Blazer offers more interior room and a stronger road presence.
You can watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer, including their dimensions and interior space: 1mBerger ChevroletYouTube · Feb 8, 2021
Exterior size
- Blazer: Approximately 191.8 inches long and 76.7 inches wide.
- Trailblazer: Approximately 174.07 inches long and 71.2 inches wide.
Interior space
- Passenger Volume: The Blazer has a larger passenger volume. Both SUVs seat five passengers and offer similar front and rear legroom.
- Cargo Space:
- Blazer: Up to 64.2 cubic feet behind the first row and 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row.
- Trailblazer: Up to 54.4 cubic feet behind the first row and 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row.
Which one is right for you
- Choose the Trailblazer if: You prioritize fuel efficiency, a lower starting price, and a smaller vehicle for easier city driving and parking.
- Choose the Blazer if: You need more interior space for passengers and cargo, a more powerful engine option, and a larger road presence.
This video compares the Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer, highlighting their differences in performance and fuel efficiency: 54sCountry ChevroletYouTube · Nov 7, 2020
What's the difference between a Trailblazer and a regular Blazer?
The Chevy Blazer is a larger, more powerful SUV with a higher towing capacity and more cargo space, while the Trailblazer is a more compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable option. The Blazer is better for families needing more space and towing, whereas the Trailblazer is ideal for city driving and buyers on a budget. Both seat five passengers, and the Trailblazer's smaller size makes it easier to maneuver in tight urban environments.
This video compares the Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer, highlighting their size, powertrain, and cargo capacity: 59sGarber Chevrolet SubaruYouTube · Aug 8, 2024
Chevy Blazer
- Size: Larger, with a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin.
- Performance: Comes with more powerful engine options, including a V6, and a higher maximum towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds.
- Cargo: Offers more cargo space behind the first row (up to 64.2 cubic feet) and second row (up to 30.5 cubic feet).
- Pricing: Generally more expensive, with starting prices around $34,500 for the 2023 model.
Chevy Trailblazer
- Size: More compact, making it easier to park and navigate in cities.
- Performance: Features smaller, more fuel-efficient engine options, but has a much lower towing capacity of up to 1,000 pounds.
- Cargo: Provides less cargo space than the Blazer, with up to 54.4 cubic feet maximum and 25.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in use.
- Pricing: More budget-friendly, with a starting price around $22,000 for the 2023 model.
