Chevrolet Equinox -vs- Trailblazer

[oceanscape]

I live in the UK so have no idea about either of these two vehicles. However, we are travelling to CA this summer and need a rental car. There will be five of us and lots of luggage so I am looking for a 4x4. We will be doing lots of driving so a good degree of comfort would be nice.

The two coming out at the best price are the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Could anyone recommend one over the other? How are they in terms of size/spec?

A ford explorer is also an option, but that is a little more $$

Thanks so much for any advice!!

 

[Michie]

An Equinox will get better fuel mileage. I have been driving one off our lot and it averages about 25 on the highway. A Trailblazer will get about 15 if you are lucky!!

 

[Michie]

Just saw that you would be renting not buying!! The Equinox rides more like a car than the Trailblazer. The Trailblazer sits up higher, so if you are vertically challenged you might keep that in mind!

 

[Blondie]

I'd go with the Trail Blazer. We rented an Equinox and a Trail Blazer in the past. I didn't like how the Equinox drove, felt like I was driving a go cart! The Trail Blazer drives like your typical SUV like a Ford Explorer or GMC Envoy. I think you'll find greater comfort and more room with a Trail Blazer. When we do lots of driving, I'll opt for comfort over gas mileage every time.

 

[njzieglers]

I own one of each, I don't think you'll be comfortable with 5 people and lots of luggage in the Equinox. The Trailblazer seats 2 in the front, 3 in the second row, and the entire cargo area for luggage. You can also bungy some luggage to the rooftop luggage racks.

 

[oceanscape]

Thanks for the help, everyone!

I think we will go for the TrailBlazer - unless you think a Ford Explorer would be worth the extra $20/day?

When we do lots of driving, I'll opt for comfort over gas mileage every time.

I completely agree!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Chevrolet.com has a vehicle comparison area where it compares their vehicles with something comparable from their competition. The Equinox compares with the Ford Escape and the Jeep Liberty, while the Trailblazer compares with the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Trailblazer would be the larger, with more room inside for people and luggage, but like someone else said it could be a problem for someone short since it sits higher up.

 

[golfgal]

A mini-van would give you much more passenger room then a Trailblazer and still have space for your luggage, etc. They also drive a lot smoother and have better gas mileage. There is no need for 4x4 in California in the summer and they tend to be a much stiffer ride.

Every Ford Explorer I have ridden in drives like a tank. I would NOT spend extra to get one of those.