Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient at 39 MPG combined, against 16 MPG for the Chevrolet Trailblazer. At EPA assumptions that is about $2,250 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,573 | 4,100 |
| Most reported problem | Electrical system | Transmission |
| Crashes and fires | 152 and 52 | 178 and 71 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 63,000 miles | 79,000 miles |
| Recalls | 12 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 16 MPG | 39 MPG |
| City and highway | 14 and 20 | 45 and 33 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $4,200 | $1,950 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,573 complaints for the Chevrolet Trailblazer and 4,100 for the Ford Explorer. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 12 for the Chevrolet Trailblazer, 4 for the Ford Explorer.