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 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Chevy Trailblazer are compelling options with similar price tags. Let’s take a look at them side-by-side.
2025 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 $26,415.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
More punch: The CX-30’s standard 2.4-liter engine makes 191 horsepower, and that’s before upgrading to the turbocharged version, which is good for 227 hp (250 with premium octane). The Trailblazer’s standard 1.2-liter 3-cylinder 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 above-mentioned 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 all-wheel drive’s Off-Road Traction Assist monitors the speed of each wheel to keep the vehicle from spinning out in slippery conditions.
Read our Mazda CX-30 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-30 for sale near you
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer takes a different path. It looks rugged, whereas the Mazda looks stylish. It wears a livelier color palette, while 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 all-wheel drive is optional. Prices start at $24,395.
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.
Targeted trim levels: Decades of truck building have honed Chevy’s aptitude for creating trim levels targeting specific tastes. This talent surfaces even in the subcompact Trailblazer, featuring two such grades. The outdoorsy Activ trim presents a rugged, get-off-the-pavement appearance with 17-inch black wheels, all-terrain rubber, and a spirited two-tone paint scheme. It also features an off-road tuned suspension and skid plates. The RS trim delivers a sportier appearance with black exterior accents, red interior accents, a unique mesh grille, dual-exit exhaust with chrome tips, and 19-inch wheels.
Larger, more colorful screens: A metric currently used to judge a vehicle’s interior is its array of displays, their size, and resolution. Although both vehicles sport displays, 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.
Read our Chevrolet Trailblazer Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer for sale near you
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. However, you’ll be looking at a transaction price approaching $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. For driving dynamics, performance, and upgradable furnishings, the nod goes to the CX-30. For passenger/cargo space, creative trim levels, and its front-wheel-drive mileage, its the Trailblazer.
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 | 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg | 30 city/31 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 1.3-liter turbo 2-cylinder; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 104 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 174.1 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 71.2 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 64.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 36.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 55.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 53.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet | 25.3/54.3 cubic feet |
