2024 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison

The subcompact SUV segment is popular and continuously evolving as it is highly competitive. It is easy to see why. Excellent fuel economy, ample cargo room for everyday needs, elevated yet nimble ride, and available all-wheel drive (AWD) combined in an affordable package make for a harder bargain for larger vehicles to match. This says nothing of all the tech and safety features trickling down to this class from more expensive vehicles.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 and 2024 Chevy Trailblazer are compelling options with similar price tags. Let’s take a look at them side-by-side.

2024 Mazda CX-30

Like almost every Mazda, the CX-30 is the jock of its class. It struts around flexing more muscle, sportier style, and fancier duds than its peers. As such, the CX-30 can be a fun traveling companion, especially in more vigorous driving conditions. Pricing starts at $24,995.

Mazda CX-30 Highlights

More punch: After a slight tweak to the CX-30’s standard 2.4-liter engine in 2023, it makes 191 horsepower, and that’s before upgrading to the turbocharged version, which is good for 227 horsepower (250 with premium octane). The Trailblazer’s standard makes just 137. A Chevy dealer would probably point out that you can upgrade the Trailblazer to a 155-horsepower engine instead. That helps but doesn’t erase the competitive disadvantage here. It’s also worth noting that the Mazda engine’s metric volume is nearly twice as large as both Trailblazer options.

More refinement: If you think you shouldn’t have to sacrifice specific amenities just because you prefer a vehicle with a smaller footprint. The CX-30 offers as many as eight trim levels, some featuring the abovementioned turbo, natural leather seating surfaces, premium audio systems, and wireless phone charging. These creature comforts, among others, become standard as you move up the trim ladder (and the sticker price), while the Trailblazer only offers wireless charging as an option on most trims and doesn’t offer genuine leather at all.

Fun driving dynamics: Mazda doesn’t skimp on driving tech, either. Torque vectoring, which brakes each wheel individually to help the car corner without much body roll, is standard on the CX-30. It’s not even available on the Trailblazer. The AWD’s Off-Road Traction Assist monitors the speed of each wheel to keep the vehicle from spinning out in slippery conditions.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer takes a different path. It looks rugged, whereas the Mazda looks stylish. It wears a livelier color palette, whereas the CX-30 goes moodier. It uses turbocharged 3-cylinder engines to maximize fuel economy. And it bests the CX-30 in dimensions that might make it more useful for some drivers. No doubt, it’s an economical charmer, even if AWD is optional. Prices start at $23,100.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Highlights

More space: The Trailblazer has nearly three more inches of front headroom and rear legroom than the CX-30 and might make a better fit for some. Mazda’s sportier lines look pretty but limit its cargo space. The Chevy’s boxier angles give 5.1 more cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 9.2 more with them folded. If you’re not sure a subcompact could carry what you need, your odds are better in this one. With the front seat folded flat with the rear seats, the interior can accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long.

Better fuel economy: No matter which iteration of the Trailblazer you choose, even with its larger 19-inch wheels, it will be more efficient than the base model CX-30. At best, with the standard 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive, it can achieve 31 mpg in combined driving and 29 if you opt for the trims with AWD paired with the 1.3-liter 155-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder. The combined fuel economy for the CX-30 is, at best, 27 mpg.

Larger, more colorful screens: Although both vehicles received displays for 2024, the Chevy’s two displays measure about an inch larger. The color driver display expands to eight inches, while the full-color smartphone-connected touchscreen in the center console stretches to 11 inches. Also, if you prefer your infotainment system integrated into the dash rather than sprout out of it, the Trailblazer’s cockpit flows around the driver.

Similarities

Both subcompact SUVs offer stylish looks, similar pricing at lower trims, and equal warranty terms.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, some will consider the Mazda CX-30 more fun to drive. Its added power gives more peace of mind, especially if your driving involves hills, mountains, or passing on the highway. Whatever extra muscle you gain to carry stuff will be somewhat wasted if you need to maximize your cargo-carrying space with its smaller hold. Raw power aside, both vehicles feature similar tech and amenities for comparable prices. However, if you want to upgrade the premium feel of your daily driver, you can do that with the CX-30. Expect to climb up to nearly $40,000 at the top rung of its trim ladder. While the Trailblazer can be more economical at the dealer and the gas station, it’s no slouch regarding comfort and technology.

Specifications 

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