Both Chevy Trailblazer engines are turbocharged three-cylinders, but they are not the same vehicle underneath. Choosing between the 1.2L and 1.3L affects your transmission, AWD availability, and everyday driving feel - three things that matter more on Bergen County roads than a spec sheet suggests.
Bottom Line: The 1.3L is the better engine for most Bergen County buyers - it is the only option paired with AWD, delivers smoother low-end torque, and comes with a conventional automatic transmission instead of a CVT.
- 1.2L: 155 hp, CVT transmission, FWD only - fine for flat highway commuting
- 1.3L: 155 hp, 9-speed automatic, required for AWD - better in traffic and mixed driving
- Both engines get 26-31 mpg in real-world Bergen County driving conditions
- The 1.3L adds roughly $1,500-$2,500 to the vehicle price depending on trim
The 1.2L Engine: Efficient and Capable for Commuters
The 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder is the base engine for the LS and FWD-equipped LT trims. On paper it produces 155 horsepower - the same headline number as the 1.3L - but the character is different. Paired with a continuously variable transmission, it delivers smooth, predictable acceleration suited to the steady-speed driving on Bergen County’s major arteries.
Where the 1.2L works best is on flat, consistent commutes. The Garden State Parkway to Hackensack, Route 17 through Paramus, and suburban streets with long stretches between lights all play to its strengths. Fuel economy is excellent - up to 31 mpg on the highway and around 28-29 mpg combined for most Paramus commuters.
The limitation shows up in mixed driving with rapid acceleration bursts. The CVT’s response to sudden throttle demand can feel slower than a traditional automatic. In city traffic near Ridgewood or Fair Lawn where you need to merge quickly or accelerate out of a gap, the 1.3L with its 9-speed automatic responds more immediately. For the full picture on how engine choice connects to trim selection, see our complete Chevy Trailblazer guide.
The 1.3L Engine: Better Feel, AWD Access, and a Real Gearbox
The 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder is the engine you want if AWD matters to you - and for Bergen County winters, it usually should. Chevy links AWD availability exclusively to the 1.3L, meaning if you need winter traction, the engine choice is made for you.
| Spec | 1.2L Turbo | 1.3L Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 155 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | ✓ 203 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | ✓ 9-Speed Auto |
| AWD Available | No | ✓ Yes |
| Highway MPG (FWD) | ✓ 31 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Combined MPG (AWD) | N/A | 30 mpg |
The 1.3L’s torque advantage is real. At 203 lb-ft versus 174 lb-ft in the 1.2L, the larger engine pulls harder at lower RPMs - exactly where you need it when entering the parkway or accelerating from a stop on an incline. Bergen County’s Ramapo Mountains and the rolling terrain of northern New Jersey give that torque advantage real-world relevance.
"When customers ask me to simplify the engine choice, I tell them this: if you want AWD or if you drive on any hilly roads in Bergen County, get the 1.3L. The 9-speed automatic feels like a proper gearbox, and you will notice it every time you accelerate onto the highway."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
Transmission Matters as Much as the Engine
The transmission difference between these two engines is often underplayed. The 1.2L uses a CVT (continuously variable transmission) - a unit designed for maximum fuel efficiency that delivers seamless but sometimes uninspiring acceleration. Under hard throttle, CVTs can produce a “rubber band” feeling as RPMs rise before the car accelerates.
The 1.3L’s 9-speed automatic shifts through discrete gears the way most drivers expect a transmission to behave. Acceleration feels more linear and responsive. For everyday Bergen County driving - stop-and-go near Paramus Park, highway on-ramps, and mixed-speed residential streets - most drivers prefer the 9-speed’s behavior after a back-to-back comparison.
Use our payment calculator to estimate monthly payments at either engine configuration:
Which Engine Is Right for Your Bergen County Commute?
Three questions determine the right choice. First: do you need AWD? If yes, the 1.3L is your only option. Second: does your commute include highway driving where 31+ mpg matters most? The 1.2L edges the 1.3L FWD on efficiency by a small margin. Third: do you regularly drive with passengers or cargo that adds weight? The 1.3L’s torque advantage is more noticeable under load.
Most Paramus-area drivers end up happier with the 1.3L because AWD availability and the 9-speed transmission address the two most common criticisms of the base setup. The fuel economy difference is modest - a few dollars a month at current gas prices. Browse new Trailblazer inventory at Paramus Chevrolet to compare in-stock trims with each engine configuration. Check current specials for available incentives on ACTIV and RS models that include the 1.3L.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Trailblazer 1.2L and 1.3L engines?
Both produce 155 horsepower but differ significantly in torque, transmission, and AWD availability. The 1.2L makes 174 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a CVT, while the 1.3L produces 203 lb-ft and uses a 9-speed automatic. Only the 1.3L can be paired with all-wheel drive. For Bergen County buyers who want AWD, the 1.3L is the only option.
Does the Trailblazer ACTIV use the 1.2L or 1.3L engine?
The ACTIV exclusively uses the 1.3L turbocharged engine. Since AWD is standard on the ACTIV, and AWD requires the 1.3L, you automatically get the larger engine. The ACTIV also comes with a 9-speed automatic rather than a CVT, which most drivers prefer in mixed-speed Bergen County driving.
Is the Chevy Trailblazer 1.3L engine reliable?
The 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder is shared with other GM vehicles and has accumulated a track record through several model years. Regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance at Paramus Chevrolet’s service department keep both engines performing well. The NHTSA recall database is a useful resource to check for any technical service bulletins on specific model years.
How much does the 1.3L engine add to the price?
Choosing the 1.3L engine via the AWD package on the LT adds roughly $1,500-$2,000 to the LT base price. On the ACTIV and RS, the 1.3L comes standard and the trim pricing reflects it. The net cost difference compared to staying with the 1.2L LS is typically $3,000-$5,000 when accounting for the higher trim requirement.
Do both Trailblazer engines require premium fuel?
No. Both the 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged engines are designed for regular 87-octane fuel. Premium fuel is not required and will not provide a meaningful performance or efficiency benefit. This makes the Trailblazer’s real-world fuel costs more predictable than turbocharged engines in luxury competitors that recommend premium.
Paramus Chevrolet serves Bergen County including Paramus, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Fair Lawn. Schedule a test drive to experience the difference between 1.2L and 1.3L configurations before you decide.