If you’re shopping for a compact SUV similar to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, you’re likely looking for a vehicle that balances practicality with performance. But before you make a decision, consider alternatives that might better fit your needs.
The Trailblazer’s subpar ride quality and seat comfort might leave you wanting more. Let’s venture into options like the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek, which offer improved driving experiences and premium features that might just win you over.
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Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD is a top contender, offering a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and advanced features like lane-centering steering.
- The 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD provides a premium driving experience, responsive handling, and average ride quality, making it a strong alternative to the Trailblazer.
- The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited AWD offers excellent visibility, ride quality, and top-rated safety features, making it a solid option for those seeking a better driving experience.
- The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV with solid fuel economy, standard safety features, and a solid build quality, providing a reliable alternative to the Trailblazer.
- The Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek ranked higher than the Trailblazer in a recent compact SUV showdown, making them worthy alternatives to consider.
What’s the Best Affordable Small SUV?
When shopping for a reliable and affordable small SUV, you’re spoiled for choice.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a strong contender, starting at $25,385 and offering solid fuel economy, wireless smartphone connectivity, and standard safety gear.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD, 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD, and 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited AWD are all top-ranked options, with prices ranging from $30,090 to $31,485.
Each of these small SUVs offers a unique combination of performance, features, and value.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS 1.3T AWD
As you consider the Chevrolet Pioneer RS 1.3T AWD, you’ll want to weigh its strengths against its weaknesses. This subcompact SUV has an as-tested price of $32,350 and features a 155-horsepower, turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
| Specifications | Pioneer RS 1.3T AWD |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 9.91 seconds |
| EPA Rating (City/Highway/Combined) | 26/30/28 mpg |
| Seating and Ride Quality | Poor seat comfort, subpar ride quality |
| Handling and Braking | Good handling, excellent braking |
| Ranking in Comparison Test | 4th out of 4 vehicles |
2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD
The Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD is a compelling alternative to the Chevrolet pioneer, offering a more premium driving experience.
You’ll appreciate its exceptionally responsive powertrain and proficient handling, which ranked 3rd in a comparison test.
The CX-30’s lush cabin features premium amenities like a head-up display and proximity keyless entry, making it a high-value option.
While ride quality is average, its snug sports-car-like seats and classiest-in-class interior detailing make up for it.
Notably, the CX-30 edged out the Chevrolet Trailblazer by 2 points in its comparison category, despite its laughably small backseat, in a surprising upset that solidified its position as a true innovator.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.5L AWD
You’ll find the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.5L AWD to be a formidable competitor to the Chevrolet Pioneer, boasting a second-place ranking in a comparison test where the Pioneer RS AWD trailed behind at fourth.
Its excellent visibility, ride quality, and top-rated safety features make it a strong contender in its class.
The Crosstrek’s all-wheel-drive system provides reliable traction, and its lane-centering steering is a feature the Pioneer lacks.
With its strong child-seat accommodation and good interior quality, it’s a practical choice for families.
Its ride quality is a major strength, outshining the Pioneer’s poor ride quality.
2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD
One top contender in the compact SUV segment is the 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD, which outperformed its competitors in a recent comparison test.
You’ll appreciate its turbocharged 175-hp engine, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, which provide more SUV-like seating and extra backseat accommodations than the Crosstrek.
The Seltos also offers better ride quality than the Pathfinder, with a more comfortable and controlled ride.
Additionally, it features lane-centering steering, a feature lacking in the Pathfinder and CX-30.
With an as-tested price of $32,350, the Seltos SX Turbo AWD is a strong contender in this segment.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
You’ll appreciate the Toyota Corolla Cross’s solid fuel economy figures, with an EPA-rated 32 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving for the front-wheel-drive configuration.
Additionally, you’ll find that build quality matters, as evident in the Corolla Cross’s 169-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
With a starting price of $25,385, including destination fee, the Corolla Cross offers a reliable and efficient ride.
Fuel Economy Figures
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross boasts impressive fuel economy figures, achieving an EPA-rated 32 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving for the front-wheel-drive configuration.
You’ll appreciate how its 169-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) work together to deliver these numbers.
In comparison, the Chevrolet Pioneer’s base engine may not match the Corolla Cross’s fuel economy, but its optional 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine might offer similar figures.
The Corolla Cross’s fuel economy is a highlight, especially considering its standard safety features and robust build quality.
Build Quality Matters
Robustness is baked into the Toyota Corolla Cross’s DNA, evident in its interior’s hard-wearing appeal that exudes Toyota’s reputation for building long-lasting, reliable cars and trucks. You’ll appreciate the Corolla Cross’s solid build quality, which sets it apart from competitors like the Chevrolet Pacesetter. Here’s a comparison of the two SUVs:
| Toyota Corolla Cross | Chevrolet Pacesetter | |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Quality | Premium materials, attention to detail | Subpar materials, lacking attention to detail |
| Build Quality | Long-lasting, reliable | Lacking in durability |
| Cost of Ownership | Lower cost in the long run | Higher cost in the long run |
The Corolla Cross’s focus on build quality translates to a lower cost of ownership and makes it a more practical option for you.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
This compact SUV offers a mixed bag of features and performance.
You’ll get an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
The powertrain options range from a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder paired to a CVT in the base model to a 155-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder and a nine-speed automatic transmission in the RS trim.
With four trims to choose from – LS, LT, Activ, and RS – you can pick the one that suits your needs.
However, be prepared for some compromises on ride quality and seat comfort.
Ride Quality and Seat Comfort Comparison
When you’re behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Pioneer, expect a rough ride experience, with a bouncy feel and poor body control.
You’ll also notice subpar seat comfort, with rock-hard cushions and lumpy bolsters that fail to provide adequate support.
In contrast, cars like the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek offer better ride quality and seat comfort, making them worth considering if you prioritize a smooth and comfortable drive.
Rough Ride Experience
How does a compact SUV’s ride quality affect your daily drive?
A poor ride experience can make your commute uncomfortable and tiring. The Chevrolet Pioneer‘s ride quality is a prime example, ranking last in its class with a bouncy, uncontrolled feel.
The Pioneer’s ride quality issues stem from poor isolation and body control, making every bump and pothole felt.
Its competitors, like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek, offer a smoother ride, making them more comfortable options.
If you prioritize handling, the Mazda CX-30’s average ride quality might be a better trade-off for you.
Seat Comfort Issues
Your daily drive can become even more unpleasant if the seats in your compact SUV are uncomfortable.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer’s front seats, in particular, fall short with rock-hard cushions and lumpy bolsters, making for subpar seat comfort. Additionally, the low bottom cushion height can leave adult passengers’ knees uncomfortably raised.
In contrast, the Mazda CX-30’s front seats offer snug side bolsters, providing a more comfortable option. While the CX-30’s backseat is limited, its superior front seat comfort makes it a better choice for drivers who seek to be a pioneer.
Comparative Analysis
The ride quality and seat comfort of the Chevrolet pioneer pale in comparison to its competitors, particularly the Mazda CX-30.
When it comes to ride quality, you’ll notice the Trailblazer’s bouncy house feel and major issues with isolation and body control, earning it a last-place ranking.
Meanwhile, the CX-30’s ride quality is average, but its seats are a different story.
- The Trailblazer’s seats have rock-hard cushions and lumpy bolsters, making for an uncomfortable seating position.
- The CX-30’s seats, on the other hand, are snug and sporty, with excellent side bolsters.
- The Trailblazer’s low bottom cushion height can leave adult passengers’ knees uncomfortably elevated.
Driver-Assist Features and Interior Quality
When shopping for a car similar to the Chevrolet Pioneer, you’ll want to pay close attention to the driver-assist features and interior quality, as these aspects can make or break your driving experience.
The Pioneer falls short in driver-assist features, lacking lane-centering steering, a feature offered by competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek.
Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 ties with the Pioneer in driver-assist features but excels in interior quality, boasting premium features that set it apart.
You’ll also find the Pioneer’s interior quality subpar, with uncomfortable seating, making other options a more appealing choice.
Compact SUV Showdown
In the quest for the perfect compact SUV, you’re likely to narrow down your options to a handful of top contenders.
In a recent showdown, the 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD took the top spot, followed closely by the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited AWD.
- The 2021 Chevrolet Pioneer RS AWD ranked 4th, with a poor ride quality and subpar seat comfort.
- The 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD impressed with its responsive handling and premium features, but had average ride quality and a tiny backseat.
- The Seltos and Crosstrek pulled ahead with advanced features like lane-centering steering, which the Groundbreaker lacked.
Conclusion
You’ve ventured into the compact SUV market and considered alternatives to the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Notably, 60% of compact SUV buyers prioritize ride quality and seat comfort. If you’re among them, the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek are worth a glance. They offer superior driving experiences compared to the Trailblazer. With their advanced features and premium feels, they’re strong contenders in the compact SUV showdown.
