The Chevy Trailblazer turns heads everywhere with its futuristic and rugged design. But how does it stack up against the newly refreshed and surprisingly elegant 2025 Buick Encore GX? Let's break down the many details of these two popular subcompact SUVs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2025 Chevy Trailblazer starts at $24,395 and goes up to $28,995. The Buick Encore GX starts at $27,295 and goes up to $32,795.
- The Trailblazer is one of the most affordable SUVs on the market today—perfect for buyers on a budget looking for a new SUV!
- Only a few tweaks have been made to both models for 2025.
2025 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2025 Buick Encore GX Updates and New Features
Let's begin our journey with the Trailblazer. It underwent a major design refresh for 2024, so this year’s model has only a few tweaks. One color—Marina Blue Metallic—has been added to the SUV’s palette and its base powertrain can now use E85 fuel.
The same goes for the Encore GX—only minor changes apply 2025, according to Car and Driver. The Encore’s engine can also now run on E85 fuel in addition to ‘E10’ gas. All trims now remote start and a new color, Aquamarine Blue, joins the palette across the board. The colors, Sunrise Red Metallic and White Frost Tricoat, have been discontinued on Preferred or ST trims, while Avenir’s Cinnabar Red and Copper Ice Metallic are new options.
2025 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2025 Buick Encore GX Engine Power, Performance, and Fuel Economy
Trailblazer and Encore GX engine choices are the same:
- A standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder (137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque) mated with continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission.
- An optional turbocharged 1.3-liter (155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Both are standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive—the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with front-wheel-drive gets 30 mpg city/and 31 mpg highway. The smaller engine’s E85 is less economical—just 22 mpg in combined city/highway miles.
The 1.3-liter engine paired with front-wheel drive increases those numbers—a combined 31 mpg (29 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway)—while all-wheel drive, which comes with the larger engine only, has a rating of 27 mpg combined.
2025 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2025 Buick Encore GX Comfort and Storage Options
The Trailblazer’s interior is trimmed with black plastic, but higher-end versions feature chrome accents and colored trims for a little more of a luxe feel. Its front seats sit high up for a better view, which is unusual in a subcompact (this is usually seen more in larger SUVs.)
Two adults can sit comfortably in the back. The Trailblazer’s already roomy cargo area can expand further by folding down its rear seats, and a passenger also folds down for longer items.
The Encore GX’s cabin is a bit tighter for taller occupants, but it is otherwise easy getting in and out of and has a luxe touch thanks to its quality materials. Cargo space is ample—the Encore GX's back seats and front-passenger seat also fold down completely.
2025 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2025 Buick Encore GX Infotainment and Technology Features
The Trailblazer and Encore GX have the same size screens—an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster next to a larger 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Two USB ports are standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A six-speaker stereo system is also standard with an available Bose seven-speaker system as part of its Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package.
The Encore GX's snappy infotainment system is housed in a curved panel extending from behind the steering wheel. It features standard Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
Which SUV Fits Your Needs—the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer vs 2025 Buick Encore GX?
Both the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer and 2025 Buick Encore GX bring something unique to the table. Whether it’s the Trailblazer’s affordability or the Encore GX’s premium feel, both offer great features.