2020 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

June 16 2020,

2020 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

If you are in the market for a compact crossover that is affordable—but also emphasizes value—the new CX-30 delivers on those promises. This new addition to the Mazda family is already a 2020 Top Safety Pick award winner by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

However, many auto manufacturers are flooding the compact crossover market, and they aren’t quite hitting the mark established by the CX-30. Here, we compare it to a similarly priced newcomer for the 2021 model year—the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 takes a leap in power

One of the most distinguishable qualities of an impressive vehicle is the engine. Not all are created equal. 

The CX-30 features two engines that establish benchmarks in this segment. The entry GX trim includes a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an output of 155 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft of torque. The GS and GT receive a 2.5L four-cylinder that steps up to 186 horsepower and an exciting 186 ft.-lb of torque. All powertrains include a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and drive selection switch. The GT adds paddle shifters. 

The Trailblazer features two turbocharged engines, but with one less cylinder. A 1.2L produces 137 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque on the LS FWD and LT FWD trims. This engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission. The lower level of horsepower and lack of a transmission that offers a manual mode offers a less personalized driving experience compared to the CX-30. 

The second Trailblazer engine, a 1.3L that produces up to 155 horsepower, pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine burns a greater amount of fuel compared to the CX-30’s 2.0L with equivalent horsepower. It rates as low as 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 L/100 km on the highway, whereas the CX-30 has the best efficiency at 8.9/7.1 L/100 km. Overall, the CX-30’s 2.5L is, by far, the most powerful of both lineups. 

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has value inside and out

The CX-30’s value doesn’t stop with top performance. It also makes standard or available equipment that are either optional or not available at all, things like: Brake Assist, heated steering wheel, multi-zone air conditioning, mirror memory, rain-sensing wipers, integrated turn signal mirrors, seat memory and more. 

You can shop for your Mazda online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions about the 2020 Mazda CX-30.


Other Articles That May Interest You

The Daily EV Commuter That Handles Road Trips: CX-70 PHEV for Metro Vancouver Drivers

October 28 2025

The Daily EV Commuter That Handles Road Trips: CX-70 PHEV for Metro Vancouver Drivers

Plug-in hybrid technology makes sense for commuters who need electric efficiency for daily driving but won't accept range limitations for weekend trips. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV delivers 42 kilometres of pure electric range—a distance that aligns precisely with typical Metro Vancouver commutes—while maintaining the flexibility of a 2.5 L four-cylinder gasoline engine for longer journeys across...
Inline-Six vs. V6: Why the CX-90's Engine Configuration Changes Your Highway Drive

October 24 2025

Inline-Six vs. V6: Why the CX-90's Engine Configuration Changes Your Highway Drive

Most three-row SUVs use V6 engines because they fit efficiently under modern hoods and deliver adequate power. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 takes a different approach with its 3.3 L turbocharged inline-six engine paired with M-Hybrid Boost technology. This configuration choice affects more than just spec sheets—it changes how the vehicle feels during highway acceleration, mountain climbs, and daily...
Logo Access 360