2022 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 and 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer are sporty, fun-to-drive small SUVs that are as stylish as they are affordable. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Mazda CX-30

2022 Mazda CX-30 Starting Price: $23,500 (est.) | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Upscale styling; premium interior; most power in class; standard all-wheel drive; sporty and enthusiastic handling; comprehensive driver assists; available 2.5 Turbo model.

Below Average: Infotainment system learning curve; snug rear seating; stingy feature list requires purchasing top trim level.

Consensus: The CX-30 bridges the gap between a sports car and an SUV. Its standard safety features and high seating position provide the best of both worlds. A long list of options includes an available 2.5-liter turbo-inline-4 engine with cylinder deactivation on the premium trim level.

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Starting Price: $21,600 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Stylish looks; affordable pricing; roomy interior; good standard infotainment and safety tech.

Below Average: So-so performance from both engines; has a case of the jitters on rough roads; cruise control is available at extra cost.

Consensus: The Trailblazer borrows the name from a Chevy SUV of that past that was actually much larger. This one has a low starting price, good standard features, and decent fuel economy.

CX-30 vs. Trailblazer: Town and Country

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that pushes the envelope in what we expect from such a vehicle. Smaller than the CX-5 compact but larger than the discontinued subcompact CX-3, it offers style, an engaging character, and a wide array of standard technology and safety features.

The interior has a near-luxury vibe and feels larger and airier than the CX-30’s size would suggest. Still, some second-row passengers may feel slightly cramped. With its enthusiastic road manners and handling characteristics, this could be the best-driving subcompact SUV in the segment today.

New for 2022: All CX models will now receive standard all-wheel drive. The CX-30’s standard power comes from a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G inline-4, producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Those with a taste for more power can choose the 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 to get 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87 octane or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel.

Pricing is not available yet for the 2022 CX-30, but we expect that everything will increase slightly. That includes the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4, leather seating, Bose premium audio system, head-up display, navigation, and more.

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a 4-door SUV with hatchback and seating for five passengers. We think it offers substantial room for a subcompact. There’s plenty of rear-seat legroom and if you fold those forward, you can carry upwards of 54.4 cubic feet of cargo.

Unlike the sporty hatchback-looking CX-30, the Trailblazer is more of an upright SUV that sports a faux skidplate, contrasting roof, and prominent body cladding. Despite these off-road styling cues, the Trailblazer comes in front-drive with all-wheel drive an option costing $1,500 to $2,000 depending on trim level.

If you were expecting a beefy 4-cylinder or a stout V6, you might be better off looking at one of the Trailblazer’s competitors instead. That’s because, under the hood, buyers will find a base 1.2-liter turbocharged-inline-3 making 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. A 1.3-liter turbo-inline-3 offers a more impressive 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.

While the front-drive models include a continuously variable transmission (CVT), buyers may find the AWD model more satisfying to drive with its 8-speed automatic.

Similarities

Tidy exterior dimensions; choice of engines; NHTSA 5-star safety ratings.

Mazda CX-30 Advantages:

More power; 4-cylinder engines; standard all-wheel drive; sleek styling.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Advantages:

Fuel economy; cargo space.

Which One is Right for Me? 

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offers an alternative to the segment’s boxy standard looks. It has a premium look inside and out and offers great power and crisp handling

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer sports more traditional SUV styling. Trailblazer starts at a lower price, but adding all-wheel drive eliminates that advantage.

Ready to buy a 2022 Mazda CX-30 or a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer? Shop now for one on sale near you.