2024 Volkswagen Taos vs. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Comparison

The market for small, city-friendly SUVs is full of strong contenders. Two of them are the 2024 Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trailblazer, which we compare here.

They can be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), and thanks to their small turbo engines, they are easy on the fuel budget. Considering their low prices, you also get a surprising number of tech features and driver aids.

Because of their modest proportions, the Taos and Trailblazer can also squeeze into small gaps in traffic. Best of all, you don’t have to sacrifice legroom or carrying capacity; Taos and Trailblazer offer a lot of each.

Let’s dive deeper into what the Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trailblazer have to offer.

2024 Volkswagen Taos

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos starts at $25,420, including factory-to-dealer delivery costs. This model year, the Taos comes with VW the IQ.Drive standard of driver aids that include adaptive cruise control. Four trims are available: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. Similar to the arrival of the regular IQ.Drive, the SE Black model is new for 2024.

The Taos is powered by a 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder mated to either an 8-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel drive (FWD) models or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for all-wheel drive models. (AWD). Front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is optional on the S, SE, and SE Black. The top-of-the-line SEL has standard AWD.

Volkswagen Taos Attractions

Peppy Performance: During many miles of road testing, we’ve consistently found the Volkswagen Taos’ driving dynamics to be superior to many competing models. Its sharp handling is well matched by a ride that is firm but well balanced. Its turbo 4-cylinder has plenty of pep for city and highway driving, too.

Digital Cockpit: This slick-looking digital instrument panel measures 8 inches in the Taos S, SE, and SE Black, or 10.25 inches in the SEL (where it’s called Digital Cockpit Pro). Navigation instructions, music settings and other vehicle information are broadcast directly in front of the driver, which means looking slightly away from the road to view the infotainment screen mounted on the dash.

Free maintenance: One great perk that Volkswagen Taos buyers get to enjoy is two years or 20,000 miles of free maintenance, whichever comes first. This includes its bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties that last four years/50,000 miles.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Examples of Taos close to you

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in four trims — LS, LT, Active, and RS — with prices starting at $24,395, including delivery. This model year’s subtle styling brings new front styling, exterior color options and updated wheel designs.

Serving as the standard powerplant is a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. This engine is only offered with front wheel drive.

We recommend choosing the optional 155-hp 1.3-liter Turbo 3-cylinder. Not only does it have more punch than the lethargic base engine, but it’s also available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Highlights of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet Safety Support: Like IQ.Drive in the Volkswagen Taos, Chevrolet Safety Assist is a suite of safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, high beams automatic and the following distance indicator. This is standard on every Trailblazer.

User-friendly infotainment system: Let’s not forget that this model year also brings a combination of an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument display. It looks modern and is easy to operate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports are all included.

Example of a Small Bravery Activity: Even small SUV buyers are ready for a little fun. With this in mind, the Activ model has underbody skid plates and a firmer off-road suspension system, and rides on 17-inch black-tinted alloy wheels. Inside, this model adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Volkswagen Taos does not offer such a complex trim.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Trailblazer models close to you

Similarity

Easy to drive and fit your SUV budget, the Volkswagen Taos and Chevy Trailblazer have a lot to offer. They also do not focus on security and technology tools. You also get almost the same amount of cargo space and rear legroom. The Taos holds the edge with the former (especially with the rear seats folded down), while the Trailblazer is worse with the latter.

Conclusion

Looking at our final scorecard — not to mention our ranking of the Best Subcompact SUVs of 2024 — it’s the Chevrolet Trailblazer that wins hands down. Granted, the base engine has limited passing power, but we love the design and engineering that’s gone into Chevy’s smallest, most affordable SUV. It’s surprisingly spacious, and updates have brought it up to date with tech touches.

The same can be said about the Volkswagen Taos. In fact, we’d say it’s more comfortable to drive and equally as satisfying in terms of interior space and cargo volume. But being optioned to its highest trim means the pint-sized VW’s price rises by more than $30,000. That starts pitting it against larger and more versatile SUVs.