Holden Trailblazer vs Honda CR-V
What's the difference?

Holden Trailblazer

$12,990 - $32,999

2018 price

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Honda CR-V

$41,900 - $64,400

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2018 Holden Trailblazer

2026 Honda CR-V

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.6L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Solid all-rounder
Plenty of torque at low revs
Off-road ability

Styling reflects premium grade level
Comfortable all-rounder on-road
Can easily hold passenger and cargo

Dislikes

Engine can be noisy
Suspension too firm
No rear diff lock

Could do with more gear for the price
Technology needs refinement and upgrade
Can sound whiny under load

2018 Holden Trailblazer Summary

SUV wagons based on their ute stablemates are by no means a new thing – just look to Toyota Fortuner (based on HiLux), Ford Everest (based on the Ranger) and Isuzu’s MU-X (based on the D-Max) for evidence of that.

But the strategy is not always a successful one and these ute-based wagons have already gone through a stage or two of tweaking and refining in an attempt by car makers to shed some of the lingering ute-related niggles (such as work-focused suspension tunes) and improve the final products so they're better suited to a life of work and play.

The 2018 Trailblazer (formerly known as Colorado7, and based on the Colorado ute) is another clear sign that these wagons are indeed getting better, but are those improvements good enough to attract the cash of an otherwise ute-fixated public?

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2026 Honda CR-V Summary

Honda has refreshed the CR-V, with more than half the line-up now featuring a hybrid powertrain. It’s a clear move to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

After a week behind the wheel, the question is simple - does this hybrid deliver on the family-friendly practicality the CR-V is known for, while also meeting its efficiency claims?

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Holden Trailblazer 2026 Honda CR-V

Verdict

The Trailblazer is a solid all-rounder and deserves the consideration of those in the market for a decent seven-seater 4WD. It does everything well without ever really excelling at any one thing.

Is it fantastic? No. Is it a game-changer? No. Does it represent pretty good value for money in the grand scheme of things? Yep.

The pick of the bunch for me is the LTZ – solid, off-road capable, and suburbs-friendly with just a hint of leather-appointed class. In the LTZ, you get everything worthwhile in the Trailblazer mob and if you’re a family man you won’t feel the need to fork out an extra $1000 for the Z71’s try-hard window dressing.

The Trailblazer is a mostly comfortable SUV wagon, stacked with features and is well worth your consideration if the Isuzu MU-X, Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner don’t float your boat.

Verdict

The Honda CR-V RS hybrid has plenty going for it. It’s a well-rounded package with good levels of comfort and practicality, and a driving experience that’s easy to live with day to day.

There are a few areas that hold it back from leading the segment. The multimedia system feels behind the curve for a flagship grade, and the engine can become vocal under load. Some rivals also edge ahead when it comes to outright equipment.

Even so, the CR-V still delivers where it counts. It’s efficient, spacious and comfortable.

Holden Trailblazer vs Honda CR-V What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Trailblazer vs Honda CR-V
What's the difference?