2024 Trailblazer or Encore GX: Which Small SUV Fits You Best?

Choosing a small SUV can be quite challenging with all the options available on the market. The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2024 Buick Encore GX are two models that garner a lot of attention among buyers in the Toronto region. But which one is better suited to your needs? This article will help you understand the key differences between these two vehicles to help you make the best choice.

Powertrain

The Trailblazer starts with a 1.2-litre turbo engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, available exclusively with front-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the Trailblazer also offers a 1.3-litre turbo engine with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, an engine it shares with the Encore GX. However, the Encore GX offers all-wheel drive as standard with this engine. While both models share this powerful engine, the Trailblazer, being the more affordable option, offers a more accessible entry-level powertrain.

Fuel Economy

Both models are among the most economical in their segment. With the 1.3-litre engine, the Trailblazer is slightly more efficient, though the difference is negligible. Here are the fuel consumption figures for both models:

While the fuel consumption rates are quite similar, the slight edge in efficiency offered by the Trailblazer can add up to significant savings over time, especially for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road. Both vehicles utilize advanced engine technologies like turbocharging and direct injection to maximize efficiency without sacrificing too much performance, making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers who also value power.

Interior Space

Although both models share the same platform, there are some differences in terms of interior space.

The Trailblazer's slightly more generous rear headroom and legroom could be a significant factor for families or those who frequently have adult passengers in the back seat. The extra space can enhance comfort during long drives, making the Trailblazer a more suitable option for those who prioritize passenger comfort over long distances.

Cargo Volume

The Trailblazer also offers more cargo space, making it more suitable for long trips or activities requiring a lot of gear.

Technology

The 2024 Buick Encore GX sets a high standard with its sophisticated tech offerings. Central to its appeal is the all-new 11” diagonal Ultrawide Infotainment Display. This large screen not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the dashboard but also improves functionality by providing clear, easy-to-navigate menus and responsive touch controls. The display integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s systems, offering users a hub for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.

Beyond the display, the Encore GX is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which are designed to enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents. The vehicle’s commitment to safety is further underscored by features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, ensuring peace of mind for both driver and passengers.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer matches the Encore GX in many technological aspects, particularly with the inclusion of the same sizeable 11-inch centre display. This display is a focal point in the Trailblazer’s cabin, offering drivers access to vehicle diagnostics, media controls, and smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These wireless connectivity options free the cabin from the clutter of cords and allow for easier use of smartphone apps on the go, enhancing the driving experience with seamless access to music, navigation, and contacts.

Like the Encore GX, the Trailblazer is also equipped with an array of advanced safety technologies. However, it distinguishes itself with additional features such as Teen Driver technology, a system that allows parents to set controls and review an in-vehicle report card to encourage safer driving habits in younger drivers. This feature reflects Chevrolet’s commitment to safety across different demographics, making the Trailblazer a strong contender for families.

Luxury Touch: Buick Encore GX Avenir

The 2024 Buick Encore GX offers a level of luxury that the 2024 Trailblazer can't match, especially with the impressive Avenir trim. This model is captivating at first glance, featuring an intricate and expressive Avenir grille with a Black Ice finish. Premium 19" aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish are exclusive to the Avenir and are exquisitely framed by body-color wheel arch flares and lower rocker cladding. LED taillamps with unique clear lenses ensure the Avenir’s distinctive character shines through.

This model provides a level of luxury that the 2024 Trailblazer can't match. Therefore, for buyers interested in the most refined small SUV on the market, the Encore GX is the class leader. That said, both models have a lot to offer. It all depends on your needs.

Other Key Differences between 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2024 Buick Encore GX

Exterior:

When it comes to the exterior features, the 2024 Buick Encore GX and the Chevrolet Trailblazer showcase some distinct differences that cater to varying tastes and needs. The Encore GX is equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, giving it a more robust and elevated stance, while the Trailblazer offers more conventional 17-inch wheels.

QuietTuning versus Active Sound Cancelling:

Both models aim to provide a quiet and serene driving experience, but they employ different technologies to achieve this. The Encore GX features Buick’s QuietTuning technology, which includes acoustic laminated glass, triple door seals, and special suspension tuning to reduce, block, and absorb noise, making it a sanctuary of quietness and luxury. Conversely, the Trailblazer utilizes Chevrolet’s Active Sound Cancelling technology, which counters noise by emitting sound waves through the vehicle's speakers to improve overall cabin quietness. While the Trailblazer is recognized as one of the quietest SUVs in its class, the Encore GX edges out slightly quieter due to its comprehensive noise-reduction features.

Intellibeam Headlights:

Both SUVs come equipped with Intellibeam headlights, an advanced feature that automatically adjusts high and low beams depending on the surrounding traffic conditions. This technology enhances visibility during nighttime driving without blinding other drivers, promoting safety and convenience.

Pricing and Standard Features:

The Trailblazer stands out for its value, being priced a few thousand dollars less than the Encore GX’s Preferred base model. This makes the Trailblazer an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Encore GX compensates for its higher price tag by including standard luxury amenities such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—features that are not standard on the Trailblazer LT base model.

Overall, while the Trailblazer offers many of the same features as the Encore GX at a lower price point, the Encore GX justifies its premium by delivering a bit more refinement and a richer array of luxury features. These differences make each model appealing based on individual preferences for cost efficiency, comfort, and driving experience.