2023 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER VS. FORD ESCAPE

In the ever-changing world of small SUVs, Chevrolet and Ford have two of the top choices. The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Escape stand out and run ahead of the pack with their handling, features, and performance. The team here at Spruce Pine Chevrolet Buick GMC has put together this comparison between the two so you can see the features of both and discover how the Trailblazer edges out the Escape when they go up against each other.

Unleashing the Power

You’ll get a choice between two powertrains with the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The entry-level option is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 137 horsepower, works with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and comes with front-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive, you can get a stronger 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that generates 155 horsepower. Instead of the CVT, this engine works with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The gas-powered Escape models offer two engines. The base is a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder with 180 horsepower that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The higher trims get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 250 horsepower. These come standard with all-wheel drive.

A Look Inside the Cabin Reveals the Trailblazer’s Charm

Even the entry-level Chevrolet Trailblazer comes with a well-equipped cabin. There are two rows of seats and room for up to five people in both the Trailblazer and Escape, with plenty of space for passengers to get comfortable. The Trailblazer even comes with a fold-flat front passenger space to make room for long items. In the back, it has a 25-cubic-foot cargo area behind the rear seats, which can open up to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Trailblazer’s cargo area also has a two-tier storage system, so there’s plenty of space to store your items. If you have the Trailblazer LT, it comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, while the ACTIV trim adds simulated leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Automatic climate control is available. The Escape also offers a power-adjustable driver’s seat if you step up from the base trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Technology at a Glance

Whether you choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer or the Ford Escape, you’ll get the latest technology features. The Trailblazer starts with a 7-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker stereo system. The optional Convenience Package adds an 8-inch touch screen, a household-style power outlet, extra USB ports, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A premium Bose stereo system is also available. The Escape starts with an 8-inch touch screen and Ford’s infotainment system that works with a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a Wi-Fi hotspot. Satellite radio and rear USB ports are available in the higher trims, and you can also get a digital instrument cluster and navigation.

Take Your Ride Off the Beaten Path

When you drive an SUV, even a small one, you might want to take your drive off the paved road. With the Trailblazer and Escape, you can get features to make it more capable when the pavement ends, but the Trailblazer ACTIV trim edges out the Escape’s off-road capabilities. Choosing the Trailblazer ACTIV gets you an off-road-tuned suspension, sport-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and dual exhaust outlets. The Escape gives the ST-Line trim underbody skid plates to help protect it when driving over dirt roads, but it doesn’t have the upgraded tires and suspension you can get with the Trailblazer.

Safety Systems for 360-Degree Protection

Both the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Escape come with comprehensive safety suites. As with any new vehicle, you expect to have advanced driver aids to help keep you alert and avoid collisions, and both vehicles deliver. With these two small SUVs, you’ll get the following:

• Forward collision warning.
• Automatic emergency braking.
• Lane-keeping assist.
• Automatic high-beam headlights.

The Escape also comes with a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. You can get these with the Trailblazer if you choose the Driver Confidence Package, which also adds rear parking sensors. If you have the Technology Package for the ACTIV or RS, it comes with adaptive cruise control. The LT and LS also offer adaptive cruise control as an option.

An Exterior Look That Turns Heads

The Chevrolet Trailblazer has different personalities depending on the trim you choose. The LS has 17-inch alloy wheels, lower grill shutters, and halogen headlights. The LT adds 17-inch black alloy wheels, roof rails, LED fog lights, tinted rear windows, and heated side exterior mirrors. The ACTIV has a bolder look with its dual exhaust, LED taillights, and unique styling elements. It also adds a tow hitch receiver so you can tow your boat, four-wheeler, or utility trailer without having to add a separate tow package. The RS has a sporty feel with a two-tone roof and 18-inch tires. The optional Sun and Liftgate Package adds a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power liftgate. This liftgate allows you to open it using a gentle kicking motion under the gate, so you can access the back even when your hands are full. The Escape’s Base trim has 17-inch steel wheels, while stepping up to the ACTIV trim gets you chrome exterior trim and a power liftgate. The ST-Line adds roof rails, and the ST-Line Select has LED fog lights and heated side exterior mirrors. You can step up again to the ST-Line Elite for LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels. Like the Trailblazer, the Escape offers a panoramic sunroof as an option, but it doesn’t come with a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Escape Stand Out

When you compare the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer with the 2023 Ford Escape, both of these small crossover SUVs have their strong points. If you want a model with some extra features to tackle back roads and a hands-free power liftgate, the Trailblazer is the model for you. Find out more about what this SUV has to offer at Spruce Pine Chevrolet Buick GMC. Contact us, give us a call, or stop by today.