Comparing ACTIV and RS Trims in the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2025 Trailblazer

Choosing between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer is already a challenge given their appealing design, advanced technology, and versatility. Narrowing it down further to the ACTIV and RS trims adds another layer of decision-making. While both trims bring unique styling and capability, they cater to different driving needs and preferences. Let’s take a detailed look at what sets these trims apart in both models.

Main Differences Between the 2025 Trax and Trailblazer

Before diving into the trim-specific differences, it’s important to highlight what separates the Trax and Trailblazer overall. While both vehicles belong to Chevrolet’s compact SUV lineup, they serve slightly different purposes:

Size and Positioning: The Trailblazer is slightly larger and offers a more premium set of features, positioning it as a small SUV with enhanced versatility. The Trax, on the other hand, is designed as a subcompact SUV that emphasizes affordability and city-friendly maneuverability.

Performance Options: The Trailblazer comes with a more powerful 1.3L ECOTEC Turbo engine and an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, making it better suited for a mix of urban and off-road use. The Trax sticks to a 1.2L ECOTEC Turbo engine and is front-wheel drive only.

Interior and Cargo Space: The Trailblazer offers more cargo space and flexibility, including a fold-flat front passenger seat to accommodate longer items. The Trax remains spacious for its class but prioritizes passenger room and a lower price point over expandable cargo solutions.

Understanding these core distinctions helps clarify why the ACTIV and RS trims in each vehicle bring unique advantages and cater to different drivers.

Exterior Design: Sporty or Rugged?

Both the Trax and Trailblazer offer striking design elements in their ACTIV and RS trims, but their personalities differ.

- The RS trim leans towards an athletic and urban aesthetic. In the Trailblazer, this means a high-gloss black mesh grille with RS badging, 19-inch black machined-aluminum wheels, and a contrasting roof option. The Trax follows a similar pattern, with a black grille, 19-inch two-tone wheels, and red interior accents that highlight its sporty nature.

- The ACTIV trim is tailored for adventure. The Trailblazer ACTIV features an off-road-ready suspension, a functional skid plate, and 17-inch sport-terrain tires designed to handle rougher terrain. The Trax ACTIV, while not as off-road-focused, has an 18-inch black aluminum wheel setup, titanium-colored chrome grille accents, and a monochromatic exterior for a sleek, modern presence.

Interior and Comfort Features

The differences in styling extend to the interior as well. The RS trim in both models incorporates sportier elements, including red interior accents and a flat-bottom heated steering wheel. The ACTIV trim, on the other hand, offers a more refined approach with exclusive seat trim options and a power-adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort.

• In the 2025 Trailblazer, both trims come with Evotex seating surfaces, but the RS adds a sportier touch with red stitching and accents, while the ACTIV focuses on premium materials and comfort-oriented detailing.
• The 2025 Trax ACTIV provides two interior color options and an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, offering a more comfort-driven experience. The Trax RS maintains its sporty identity with red contrast stitching and a performance-inspired design.

Performance and Capability

Both the Trax and Trailblazer share Chevrolet’s ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine (Trailblazer) or 1.2L Turbo engine (Trax), providing a balance of efficiency and power. However, drivetrain options and suspension tuning distinguish the trims:

• The Trailblazer ACTIV includes an off-road-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), making it better suited for rougher conditions.
• The Trailblazer RS sticks to a more road-focused suspension setup, prioritizing sporty handling with its larger wheels and responsive steering.
• The Trax RS and ACTIV share the same engine, but the ACTIV trim is tuned with comfort and all-around driving in mind, while the RS provides a firmer, sportier ride.

Technology and Safety Features

Across both models, Chevrolet equips the RS and ACTIV trims with the latest technology.

1. A standard 11-inch infotainment touchscreen is included in both models, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2. The Trailblazer RS and ACTIV also offer an available Bose premium audio system for enhanced sound quality.
3. Chevrolet Safety Assist is standard across all trims, incorporating features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
4. Additional features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert are available on both trims for added driver confidence.

Which Trim is Right for You?

The decision between the RS and ACTIV trims ultimately comes down to driving style and aesthetic preference:

• If you prioritize a sporty, urban look with a performance-inspired feel, the RS trim in either the Trax or Trailblazer is the better choice. It offers a sleek blacked-out grille, larger wheels, and red interior detailing that enhances its aggressive styling.
• If you need a vehicle with rugged appeal, off-road capability, and a more refined comfort experience, the ACTIV trim is the way to go. The Trailblazer ACTIV, in particular, is the more adventure-ready option with its skid plate, AWD, and all-terrain tires.

Both trims provide distinct advantages, ensuring that whether you lean towards city sophistication or outdoor exploration, there’s a Chevrolet Trax or Trailblazer trim to match your lifestyle. Ultimately, the choice depends on how and where you drive most often. The RS trim is ideal for those who appreciate a bold, sporty presence on urban roads, while the ACTIV trim provides enhanced capability for those who seek versatility beyond city streets. By understanding the key differences, you can select the trim that best aligns with your driving habits and style preferences.

You might also be interested in these blogs: Comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2025 Buick Envista: A Det | Comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox to the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | Comparing the Fuel Economy of the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox