Starting at
Starting at
| 250 | Horsepower | 155 |
| 65.2 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 54.4 cu.ft. |
| 2,200 lbs | Towing | 1,000 lbs |
Who said a subcompact SUV can’t be fun to drive, efficient, affordable, and well-equipped? These characteristics are often considered mutually exclusive and unattainable. However, automakers like Ford prove otherwise, as we see when comparing the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2024 Chevy Trailblazer.
The Bronco Sport and Trailblazer occupy the same segment, with Ford and Chevrolet doing an excellent job designing these vehicles to look stylish and versatile. The models also build on name recognition, with the Bronco Sport sharing a name with its legendary big brother, the Bronco, and the Trailblazer reintroducing a name that had an impressive tenure decades ago. But is this name recognition enough to give the Trailblazer an edge over the Bronco Sport?
At first glance, the 2024 Trailblazer is more affordable, starting at $23,100, compared to the 2024 Bronco Sport at $29,795.[a] However, there’s truth that you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to vehicles. The Trailblazer might have a lower price tag, but that means settling for less on an entry-level trim with few features. Ford refuses to ask as much, giving drivers far more across the impressive lineup for the 2024 Bronco Sport.
But how else do the SUVs differ? Why are we certain your search for a well-rounded and value-oriented SUV will end with the 2024 Bronco Sport? It’s time to find out as we take a closer look at how Ford edges Chevrolet out of the race with the stylish, versatile, and value-packed Bronco Sport.
Chevrolet and Ford recognize drivers’ unique needs by building diverse lineups that appeal to various budgets, styles, and performance demands. For 2024, the Trailblazer has a four-trim lineup that’s impressive––at least until it is compared to rivals like the 2024 Bronco Sport.
The 2024 Trailblazer's starting price puts you behind the wheel of the Trailblazer LS. As the SUV’s base model, the LS is modestly equipped. The driver’s seat is framed by an eight-inch driver information center display and an 11-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also features the Chevy Safety Assist suite, an HD rearview camera, cruise control, and LED headlights. Still, it leaves more premium features like tinted rear windows, remote engine start, and keyless entry to the Trailblazer LT.
The Trailblazer doesn’t truly impress until you spend more on a trim like the ACTIV or RS. These two top trims offer distinct personalities, with the RS boasting a sporty look while the ACTIV is designed to be more adventure-ready. For example, the ACTIV sits on 17-inch wheels with sport-terrain tires, but the RS sits on 19-inch wheels with all-season tires. Both trims have a high gloss black mesh grille, but the RS has dark chrome accents. Of course, the ACTIV is more rugged, thanks to its off-road-tuned suspension and underbody skid plate.
While the Trailblazer ACTIV looks the part of an adventurer, investing in the 2024 Bronco Sport leaves no doubt that you can venture on and off the pavement. The Bronco Sport lineup starts with the Big Bend, which rolls off the production line with Ford’s renowned Terrain Management System with five GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes. This system is integral to the Bronco Sport’s performance and complements other adventure-ready components, from its safari-style roof to its heated side view mirrors and rubberized cargo floor.
Climbing the Bronco Sport lineup means enjoying more capability and features in trims like the Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, and Badlands. The Heritage blends the past and present with its Oxford White painted roof and exclusive interior elements. The Free Wheeling is new for 2024, differentiating itself with its two-tone black roof, Race Red-painted wheels, and sunset design cues. Lastly, the Outer Banks and Badlands offer the most capability, technology, and features, including everything from heated seats to seven GOAT modes, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and Ford Trail Control for the ultimate experience off the pavement.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer are versatile and engaging, but one ultimately outshines the other in the segment. While Chevrolet is renowned for its in-house engine designs, the Trailblazer’s dual-engine lineup creates a big gap that leaves the SUV legions behind the Bronco Sport. Ford outdoes itself by giving the Bronco Sport a two-engine lineup that offers more power right off the starting line.
The 2024 Trailblazer’s base power plant is a 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged inline-three that Chevrolet pairs with a continuously variable transmission. CVTs are remarkably efficient, but that doesn’t make up for the engine’s lack of power. The engine produces just 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, making the Trailblazer slower to accelerate and respond than rivals like the Bronco Sport. The numbers prove as much, with Ford outfitting the 2024 Bronco Sport with a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-three that produces 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Ford’s use of an eight-speed automatic transmission also gives the Bronco Sport an advantage when it comes to performance and maintenance. Automatic transmissions are far easier to maintain and more reliable, with continuously variable transmissions being notorious for having issues and being more challenging to repair. This expense is something to account for, considering Chevrolet only lets you upgrade to a nine-speed automatic transmission when the Trailblazer is outfitted with its optional 1.3L EcoTec turbocharged inline-three and all-wheel drive. Even then, the power plant fails to impress, producing merely 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Ford’s wild card for the Bronco Sport’s powertrain lineup lives up to expectations. Even though the base inline-three already delivers a higher output than the Trailblazer, Ford ups the ante with a 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four. Also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0L EcoBoost pushes the Bronco Sport to its best performance and delivers 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This significant jump in power gives you more opportunities to take advantage of the Bronco Sport’s Terrain Management System and GOAT modes as you explore various terrain, from navigating your weekday commute and maneuvering through rush-hour traffic to venturing beyond the pavement.
Aside from powertrains and output, the drivetrain is another important consideration. While trims like the ACTIV suggest the Trailblazer can easily navigate a trail, the reality is very different. The Trailblazer comes standard as a front-wheel drive model but can be upgraded to all-wheel drive. However, the 2024 Bronco Sport is a four-wheel drive road warrior, with Ford acknowledging that drivers want and deserve all-season and all-weather confidence on any type of terrain.
Tech-Savvy Subcompacts
The 2024 Bronco Sport and 2024 Trailblazer are tech-savvy subcompact SUVs designed to enhance every experience behind the wheel. These SUVs rely on advanced technologies working in front of and behind the scenes to heighten our situational awareness, keep us informed, and mitigate the potential for collisions. But how do the models differ, and how is the 2024 Bronco Sport more feature-rich?
The Bronco Sport and Trailblazer boast modern cockpits framed by expansive digital displays, with both models featuring digital driver instrument clusters and center touchscreens. The Bronco Sport has an undeniable advantage because of the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is more intuitive and seamless than the Chevrolet infotainment system. This advantage makes connectivity seamless via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford also offers updated technologies like voice-activated navigation that guarantee you stay on route without ever taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
Beyond keeping you connected, the 2024 Bronco Sport and 2024 Trailblazer have many safety and driver-assist technologies that affect your experience. The automakers have standard safety suites with Chevy Safety Assist and Ford Co-Pilot360. These suites outfit the SUVs with comparable technologies, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping systems. However, the Bronco Sport offers more advanced features, courtesy of the available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite that equips the SUV with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition, as well as Evasive Steering Assist.
The Bronco Sport’s more extensive lineup of driver-assist features extends to its drive modes, which offers another significant difference that gives the SUV an edge over its Chevy rival. The 2024 Trailblazer has up to three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and either Snow/Ice or AWD. This minimal system gives you a clue to the Trailblazer’s performance and handling, especially compared to the Bronco Sport’s Terrain Management System with up to seven GOAT modes. Designed to go over any type of terrain, the Bronco Sport lives up to its promise and gives you the technology to confidently explore as you switch between Normal, Eco, Sport, Sand, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl.
Did you initially start your search thinking the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer was the perfect subcompact SUV to add to your garage? While many assume as much because of the Trailblazer’s budget-friendly price tag, comparing it to the 2024 Bronco Sport paints a clearer picture. Ford offers far more for your money with the Bronco Sport, making it the most well-rounded and value-packed SUV in its class.
You’ll experience these characteristics firsthand on our lot at Kings Ford, your Bronco Sport destination and automotive home away from home. Ford goes above and beyond to offer more value, which inspires us to do more for our customers. We’re here to help you find the perfect vehicle and exceed your expectations with our personalized approach that helps you celebrate your purchase every mile ahead.
Working with our team also means gaining an automotive partner for life. We’re dedicated to helping you get the most from your Bronco Sport, overseeing everything it needs to run its best. From exploring our selection to overseeing routine oil changes, helping you shop for new tires, and tackling modifications and upgrades, there’s nothing we won’t do when it comes to bringing your Ford dreams to life.
