Move Over, Kona: Why the Chevy Trailblazer Is Our Subcompact SUV Choice

The Hyundai Kona has been fully updated for the 2024 model year. It looks great, and we wish Hyundai nothing but success with their subcompact crossover SUV. However, if you’re considering the Kona, we’d also recommend checking out a Chevy Trailblazer for sale.

While Chevy has already started showcasing the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer, there are a lot of things to like about the 2024 model. Packed with all the right features, its “can-do” attitude appeals to drivers with a variety of budget concerns and allowances. Offered in four trims, we find that the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer comes out as our favorite in a showdown with the 2024 Hyundai Kona. Take a look at what we like most about the Chevy Trailblazer and why those in the market for a small SUV should give it a serious look.

The Basics: Trailblazer vs. Kona

Both the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer and 2024 Hyundai Kona are offered in a variety of trims, both front-wheel and all-wheel drive and two potential engine options.

The Trailblazer is offered in LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV trims. The LS and LT front-wheel drive trims are powered by a 1.2L turbocharged engine that provides 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded Ecotec 1.3L turbo engine is standard on all other options, including the RS and ACTIV front-wheel drive models and all models equipped with all-wheel drive. This engine provides an eager 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. While this engine isn’t exactly track-worthy, it provides plenty of pep for city and highway driving. Furthermore, with its combined fuel economy of 31 MPG for front-wheel drive models and 27 MPG for all-wheel drive models, it manages to hit the sweet spot between performance and economy.

The base engine in the 2024 Hyundai Kona is more powerful than the Trailblazer’s 1.2L engine, but also more prevalent. Offered in all SE and SEL models, the Kona’s 2.0L I-4 engine is good for 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It also provides similar fuel economy to Chevy’s Ecotec option, getting 31 MPG combined on front-wheel drive models and 27 MPG with al-wheel drive.
This is the recommended engine for most Kona drivers. Those looking for more power can select the N Line or Limited trims, the top Kona trims, and the most expensive. These models come with a 1.6L turbo engine. We can’t deny that the 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque this engine produces would be fun. However, its fuel economy of 28 MPG combined with front-wheel drive and 26 MPG combined with all-wheel drive are a bit less practical for daily driving.

Different SUVs for Different Drivers

One of the main differences between the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer and the 2024 Hyundai Kona is the number of drivers who will appreciate the vehicle. While each vehicle is offered in four distinct trims, the Trailblazer is offered for four distinct different driver needs, along with several options and packages that can be added to ensure your Trailblazer is exactly the right vehicle for you.

The Trailblazer LS and the Hyundai Kona SE are both excellent base models. The Trailblazer includes a standard 11-inch HD color touchscreen as the entry point to the infotainment system, accompanied by a standard six-speaker audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Chevy also has a standard eight-inch driver information center compared to the Kona’s 4.2-inch gauge cluster. It also opens access to two packages that add additional comfort and convenience features to the base LS trim. The LS Confidence Package adds Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, while the LS Convenience Package includes deep-tinted rear glass and remote start. It is quite impressive that the Trailblazer offers so many choices on its most basic trim level.

Options and packages are not available on the Kona’s lower trims. They don’t appear to be part of the Kona lineup until the SEL trim. Drivers who select this trim may opt for the Convenience Package, which adds heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear mirror, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the Trailblazer LT includes a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, it can be outfitted with the LT Cold Weather Package, which provides heated front seats and steering wheel, the Driver Confidence Package, which adds Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. The Trailblazer LT can also be outfitted with the Convenience Package, which adds wireless charging, an auto-dimming rear mirror, and extra charging ports and power outlets. Rather than Hyundai’s “all or nothing” approach to extra features, Chevy provides options that don’t require customers to spend money on features they don’t want or need, allowing them to select which trim best fits their budget and lifestyle.

A Range of Capability

Experienced drivers know that there’s more to the commute than the number of features or packages offered. Sure, we all love more comfort and convenience, but what about the way you actually use your vehicle?

For Chevy drivers, the RS is the sporty trim, while the new ACTIV trim has the abillity to take drivers beyond the basic pavement. Kona drivers can get their performance fix with the N Line model, but the Limited model is designed with luxury in mind. The Kona is not offered in an off-road-friendly format, though all-wheel drive is offered on each model.

If you are interested in taking your Trailblazer along the road less traveled, the ACTIV trim comes equipped with a specialized off-road tuned suspension and skid plate. Heated Evotex front seats and steering wheel make it more amenable to all-weather driving, and drivers can opt for top-shelf amenities like a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system and all-weather floor mats.

The RS trim also includes a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel and heated Evotex front seats, with the driver’s seat gaining power adjustability. On the outside, drivers will ride high on 19-inch wheels painted in high-gloss black to match the mesh grille. Black roof rails and a dual-outlet exhaust system give the RS a more aggressive stance than the rest of the Trailblazer lineup.

The Hyundai Kona has gloss black mirrors, roof rails, and a dual exhaust. It also has a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. It comes with a Bose premium audio system. However, it is significantly more expensive than the average Trailblazer RS. If budget is no obstacle, the Kona Limited offers plenty of luxury features, like ventilated front seats, a power-operated sunroof, a Surround-View Monitor, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink connectivity.

Find Your Next Adventure with the Chevy Trailblazer

Though there are plenty of small SUVs on the market today, the Chevy Trailblazer remains one of our top picks. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver that will be kind to your budget or an SUV that can stand up to the daily commute, annual road trips, and more, there’s a model in the 2024 Trailblazer lineup that excels in that area. The Hyundai Kona is a nice vehicle, but we like the fact that Chevy gives drivers more freedom of choice. After all, your car is a big investment. Why not choose one that gives you everything you need and none of what you don’t want?