The Chevrolet Trailblazer stands as a compelling offering in the small SUV category, combining striking design, versatile performance, and thoughtful technology in one compact package. This small but mighty SUV delivers unexpected spaciousness, adaptable cargo solutions, and modern features that cater to both urban explorers and weekend adventurers. With its bold styling, efficient powertrains, and comprehensive safety features, the Trailblazer represents the Chevrolet commitment to providing value without compromise in the competitive small SUV segment.

The Evolution of the Trailblazer

The Trailblazer name carries a storied history within the Chevrolet lineup, though today’s version takes a distinctly different approach from its predecessor. While the original Trailblazer was a midsize SUV based on a truck platform, the current iteration embraces a more compact, car-based crossover design that prioritizes efficiency and urban maneuverability without sacrificing capability.

This small SUV slots between the subcompact Trax and the compact Equinox in the Chevrolet SUV lineup. The modern Trailblazer maintains the adventurous spirit of its namesake while adapting to contemporary demands for fuel efficiency, technology integration, and versatile interior space.

Trim Levels and Design Options

The Trailblazer is available in four distinct trim levels, each with its own unique personality and feature set, catering to different lifestyles and preferences.

LS – The Foundation of Excellence

The LS trim establishes a strong baseline with 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and an 11-inch diagonal colour touchscreen complemented by an 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Centre. This entry-level trim offers impressive technology and practical features, including a fold-flat front passenger seat, a remote vehicle starter system, and an HD Rear Vision Camera.

LT – Enhanced Convenience and Style

Stepping up to the LT adds 17-inch high-gloss Black machined-aluminum wheels, Keyless Open functionality, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus silver-painted roof rails. The LT brings additional comfort and convenience features that make daily driving more enjoyable and stress-free.

ACTIV – Trail-Ready Performance

The ACTIV trim lives up to its name with off-road suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, and the more powerful ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine. Its distinctive black mesh grille with Titanium chrome accents and dual-outlet exhaust with trapezoidal polished tips give it a rugged appearance that matches its enhanced capabilities. This trim speaks to those who seek adventure beyond paved roads.

RS – Sporty Urban Appeal

For those who prefer street-focused performance with athletic styling, the RS trim delivers with 19-inch high-gloss Black machined-aluminum wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and distinctive RS badging with red interior accents. The high-gloss black mesh grille and sporty styling cues create a commanding presence that turns heads in urban environments.

Powerful Performance Options

Under the hood, the Trailblazer offers two efficient turbocharged engine options that strike a balance between power and fuel economy.

The base powerplant is an ECOTEC 1.2L turbocharged engine generating 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in front-wheel drive models, delivering responsive acceleration for city driving along with impressive fuel efficiency.

For those seeking more power, the ECOTEC 1.3L turbocharged engine produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes standard on ACTIV and RS trims and is available with either front-wheel drive with a CVT or all-wheel drive with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system provides confident performance in varied road conditions, particularly valuable during winter months.

With the proper equipment, the Trailblazer can tow up to 454 kg (1,000 lbs), making it capable of handling small trailers for weekend adventures. The ACTIV trim further enhances capability with its specialized off-road suspension tuning and protective skid plate for light trail excursions.

Interior Comfort and Versatility

The Trailblazer proves that compact dimensions don’t have to mean cramped quarters. Despite its small SUV classification, it offers impressive interior space, accommodating five adults and providing generous cargo capacity.

Headroom measures 1,016 mm (40 inches) in the front and 975 mm (38.4 inches) in the rear, while legroom is equally impressive at 1,039 mm (40.9 inches) up front and 1,001 mm (39.4 inches) for rear passengers. This spaciousness ensures comfort for all occupants, even on longer journeys.

Where the Trailblazer truly shines is in its cargo versatility. With the rear seats upright, it provides 716 litres (25.3 cubic feet) of cargo space. Fold those seats down, and capacity expands to 1,540 litres (54.4 cubic feet). The standout feature is the fold-flat front passenger seat, which allows the Trailblazer to accommodate items up to 2.5 metres (8.5 feet) in length—perfect for everything from lumber to kayaks to ski equipment.

The interior design balances functionality with comfort, offering available heated front seats and steering wheel, along with optional automatic climate control. Material quality varies by trim, with higher-end models featuring premium cloth or leatherette upholstery options with distinctive accent stitching.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The Trailblazer comes equipped with an impressive array of technology features that keep you connected, informed, and entertained.

All trims include an infotainment system with an 11-inch diagonal colour touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This enables seamless integration with smartphones, eliminating the need for cables. The 8-inch diagonal digital Driver Information Centre provides critical vehicle data in a clear, customizable format.

Available technology upgrades include wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and SiriusXM radio. The Trailblazer also offers Wi-Fi hotspot capability, keeping passengers connected on the go. For audiophiles, a premium Bose seven-speaker audio system is available, delivering rich, immersive sound throughout the cabin.

Comprehensive Safety Features

Safety takes priority in the Trailblazer with the standard Chevrolet Safety Assist package, which includes six advanced driver assistance features:

1. Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking work together to help prevent or mitigate front-end collisions.

2. Front Pedestrian Braking detects and helps avoid or reduce the harm caused by collisions with pedestrians.

3. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning helps maintain proper lane position.

4. Following Distance Indicator displays the gap time between your vehicle and the one ahead.

5. IntelliBeam automatic high beam assist adjusts headlight intensity based on surrounding traffic.

Additional available safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist, creating a comprehensive safety net for everyday driving situations.

Chevy Trailblazer: An Enhanced Driving Experience

The Chevrolet Trailblazer delivers an impressive balance of style, versatility, and technology in the small SUV segment. With its range of trims catering to different lifestyles, efficient powertrains, and surprising interior flexibility, the Trailblazer proves that compact dimensions don’t have to mean compromise. Whether navigating urban streets or exploring weekend getaways, this small but mighty SUV is engineered to enhance your driving experience with confidence-inspiring performance and thoughtful features.

5 Chevy Trailblazer Facts

1. The fold-flat front passenger seat creates a cargo length of 2.5 metres (8.5 feet), longer than some pickup truck beds.

2. The ACTIV trim features specific off-road suspension tuning that provides 15% more damping for improved performance on rough terrain.

3. The RS trim’s flat-bottom steering wheel draws inspiration from racing cars and provides more knee clearance for the driver.

4. The available hands-free power liftgate can be activated by a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper when your hands are full.

5. The dual-level cargo floor offers both carpeted and durable hard surface options, allowing you to switch between them based on your cargo needs.

Trailblazer Questions and Answers

What makes the Trailblazer different from other small SUVs?

• This SUV stands out with its impressive cargo versatility, including the fold-flat front passenger seat that accommodates items up to 2.5 metres long. It also offers distinct personalities with its ACTIV and RS trims, catering to off-road enthusiasts and those seeking sporty urban styling.

How spacious is the Trailblazer interior?

• Despite its compact exterior dimensions, it offers 1,039 mm of front legroom and 1,001 mm of rear legroom, with 716 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with the seats folded.

What engine options are available for the Trailblazer?

• It offers two turbocharged engines: a 1.2L producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3L generating 155 horsepower. The 1.3L engine comes standard on ACTIV and RS trims and is required for all-wheel drive models.

What safety features come standard on the Trailblazer?

• All models come standard with Chevrolet Safety Assist, which includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.

Can the Trailblazer handle off-road driving?

• The ACTIV trim is specifically designed for light off-road adventures with specialized suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, and all-terrain tires. While not a dedicated off-road vehicle, it handles dirt roads, gravel, and light trails with confidence.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*