In the ever-evolving landscape of compact SUVs, Chevrolet has two strong contenders vying for attention: the Equinox RS and the Trailblazer RS. Both vehicles carry the RS (Rally Sport) badge, promising a blend of sportiness and practicality. This comprehensive comparison will delve into various aspects of these two models, helping potential buyers make an informed decision.

Design and Exterior

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox RS stands out with its bold and athletic stance. The Rally Sport trim adds a sporty flair to the already sleek Equinox design. Key exterior features include:

• Distinctive black mesh grille with RS badging
• 19-inch Dark Android-painted aluminum wheels
• Black bowtie emblems and nameplate
• Unique rear fascia with dual-outlet exhaust
• LED headlamps and taillamps

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

Being the smaller of the two, the Trailblazer offers a more youthful and urban-oriented design. Its exterior highlights include:

• Dual-port grille with RS-specific black ice chrome-plated accents
• 18-inch high-gloss black machined aluminum wheels
• Standard two-tone roof in black
• LED headlamps and fog lamps
• Unique front and rear fascias with sporty accents

Both models showcase a commitment to creating visually appealing SUVs, with the RS trims adding an extra layer of sportiness. The Equinox has a more mature and substantial presence, while the Trailblazer exudes a more playful and city-friendly vibe.

Interior and Comfort

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox Rally Sport offers a spacious and well-appointed interior:

• Jet Black leather-appointed seating with red stitching
• 8-way power driver seat
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching
• 63.9 cubic feet (1,809 liters) of maximum cargo space
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer Rally Sport, despite its smaller footprint, doesn’t skimp on interior quality:

• Jet Black cloth/leatherette seating with red accents
• 6-way power driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching
• 54.4 cubic feet (1,540 liters) of maximum cargo space
• Single-zone automatic climate control

While both offer comfortable and sporty interiors, the Equinox RS provides more space and a slightly more premium feel. The Trailblazer RS, however, makes excellent use of its compact dimensions, offering surprising versatility for its size.

Performance and Powertrain

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox is powered by:

• 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
• 175 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Available all-wheel drive
• Fuel economy: Approximately 8.7 L/100km combined

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer offers two engine options:

• Standard 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder
  • 137 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
  • Front-wheel drive only
• Optional 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder
  • 155 horsepower and 236 Nm of torque
  • 9-speed automatic transmission (with AWD)
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Fuel economy: Approximately 7.6 L/100km combined (FWD)

The Equinox RS offers more power and a traditional 6-speed automatic, which some drivers may prefer. The Trailblazer RS, especially with the 1.3-liter engine, provides peppy performance for its size and potentially better fuel efficiency.

Technology and Infotainment

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox comes well-equipped with technology features:

• 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
• Six-speaker audio system
• Available 8-inch digital driver information center
• Wireless charging pad

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer doesn’t fall far behind in tech offerings:

• 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable
• Six-speaker audio system
• Available 4.2-inch driver information center
• Wireless charging pad

Both models offer similar infotainment features, with the Equinox RS having a slight edge with its available larger digital driver display.

Safety Features

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox RS comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Following Distance Indicator
• IntelliBeam auto high beams

Additional available features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer also comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering the same core features as the Equinox. Additional available features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• HD Rear Vision Camera

Both models prioritize safety with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The offerings are nearly identical, ensuring that regardless of which model you choose, you’ll have access to the latest safety technologies.

Driving Experience

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox offers a balanced driving experience:

• Comfortable ride quality suitable for long trips
• Responsive steering with sport-tuned suspension
• Quieter cabin due to better insulation
• Higher seating position for better visibility

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer provides a more nimble driving character:

• Agile handling due to its smaller size
• Sport-tuned suspension for a firmer ride
• Easy maneuverability in tight urban spaces
• Slightly noisier cabin at highway speeds

The choice between these two largely depends on personal preference and intended use. The Equinox RS is better suited for those prioritizing comfort and space, while the Trailblazer RS appeals to drivers wanting a more agile, city-friendly vehicle.

Practicality and Versatility

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox shines in practicality:

• More generous rear seat space
• Higher maximum cargo capacity
• 1,500 kg towing capacity when properly equipped
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer makes the most of its compact dimensions:

• Flat-folding front passenger seat for long items
• 40/60 split-folding second-row seats
• Adjustable two-tier cargo floor
• 454 kg towing capacity when properly equipped

While the Equinox RS offers more overall space and higher towing capacity, the Trailblazer RS impresses with its clever use of space and flexibility, especially with its flat-folding front seat.

Fuel Efficiency

2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The Equinox offers respectable fuel economy:

• Approximately 9.4 L/100km city
• Approximately 7.8 L/100km highway
• Combined rating of about 8.7 L/100km

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Trailblazer, especially with the 1.3-liter engine, provides excellent fuel efficiency:

• Approximately 8.4 L/100km city (FWD)
• Approximately 7.1 L/100km highway (FWD)
• Combined rating of about 7.6 L/100km (FWD)

The Trailblazer RS has a clear advantage in fuel efficiency, which could lead to significant savings over time, especially for those with longer commutes or who do a lot of city driving.

2024 Chevy Equinox RS or 2024 Chevy Trailblazer RS? 

The Chevrolet Equinox and the Chevrolet Trailblazer offer compelling packages in the compact SUV segment. The choice between the two largely depends on individual needs and preferences:

Choose the Equinox if you:

• Need more interior space and cargo capacity
• Prefer a more powerful engine
• Want a slightly more premium feel
• Require higher towing capacity

Opt for the Trailblazer if you:

• Prioritize fuel efficiency
• Want a more compact, city-friendly vehicle
• Appreciate a more youthful, sporty design
• Need maximum versatility in a smaller package

Regardless of which model you choose, both SUVs demonstrate a commitment to offering stylish, well-equipped, and practical compact SUVs. Test-driving both models is highly recommended to get a true feel for which one best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Q&A

Which model offers better fuel efficiency?

• The Chevrolet Trailblazer RS, especially with the 1.3-liter engine and front-wheel drive, offers better fuel efficiency with a combined rating of about 7.6 L/100km compared to the Equinox at 8.7 L/100km.

Does the Equinox RS have more cargo space than the Trailblazer RS?

• Yes, it offers more cargo space with a maximum of 63.9 cubic feet (1,809 liters) compared to the Trailblazer at 54.4 cubic feet (1,540 liters).

Which model has a higher towing capacity?

• The Chevrolet Equinox RS has a higher towing capacity of 1,500 kg when properly equipped, while the Trailblazer RS can tow up to 454 kg.

Do both models come with the same safety features?

• Both the Equinox RS and Trailblazer RS come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Keep Assist. They also have similar available additional safety features, making them equally well-equipped in terms of safety technology.