Trailblazer: A Small SUV for All Seasons

Chevrolet currently has ten SUVs, and the smallest one is the Trailblazer. Yet the Trailblazer just might be all you need. It can comfortably seat four and five in a pinch while still providing a generous amount of cargo space. It is full of up-to-date tech, available all-wheel drive (AWD), is quite stylish, fuel efficient, and has a low starting MSRP of $23,100. Explore Barry’s Chevrolet’s smallest SUV.

Four Available Drivetrains

As small as the Trailblazer is, its engine may seem even smaller, but turbocharging overcomes its size. Standard on the entry-level LT and LS FWD models is an ECOTEC 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3. It produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, which makes it easy to move a little over 3000 pounds around town. All FWD models are paired with a continuously variable transmission, and together, they have an EPA estimate of 29 / 31 / 30 (city/highway/combined). On the other hand, all AWD models  are equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The mileage with this combination is 26 / 29 / 27.

Above the LS and LT trims are the RS and ACTIV, which share the top of the model hierarchy with the exact same starting MSRP of $27,100. The RS is the sportiest model, with 19-inch high-gloss black machined aluminum wheels, a matching gloss black grille, a flat-bottom steering wheel, red accents throughout the interior, and other unique features. The ACTIV is more off-road focused, with 17-inch wheels for a thicker sidewall, a functional skid plate, and other distinctive features. 

These models come standard with a 1.3-liter turbo inline-3. A 0.1-liter size increase may not sound like much, but the power rises to 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, making the Trailblazer feel quite responsive. Counterintuitively, this larger, more powerful engine results in better highway fuel economy with 29 / 33 / 31 for FWD and 26 / 29 / 27 on AWD models. The AWD model defaults to front-wheel drive to help you stay closer to the front-drive model’s efficiency. Until you engage the all-wheel drive system on-demand with a dash control. 

Stylish and Well-equipped Inside

Inside, the Trailblazer dashboard has the same upscale appearance as Chevrolet’s more expensive models. An 11-inch center touchscreen is standard on all models and is well-integrated into the dash adjacent to the instrument cluster cowl. All models are wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM. Also unexpected at this price point is an 8-inch driver’s information center and a tilt and telescoping steering column. Even more surprising may be the rear legroom, which at 39 inches exceeds that of the Malibu midsize sedan and several other larger vehicles. 

Standard Safety Tech

Trailblazer ensures your safety and confidence with standard features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and Automatic Emergency Braking. As you move up the model hierarchy, you’ll find additional comfort and convenience features like wireless charging, automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver seat, power liftgate, and even a Bose® premium 7-speaker audio system, among others. These features are designed to cater to your needs and make your driving experience more enjoyable. 

Trailblazer vs Trax

The Trailblazer is close in size, base power, and accommodations to the Trax, which is the least expensive in the Chevrolet lineup. The Trax is FWD only and only available with the 1.2-liter engine. It has a longer wheelbase, though the passenger space is effectively equal. Some standard Trailblazer features are upgrades on the Trax.

If you want the traction optimization of AWD for the wet and winter, the Trailblazer is your choice. If you are comfortable with FWD, it is worth looking at both the Trax and Trailblazer, which, of course, is what we invite you to do at Barry’s Chevrolet in West Union, OH. Both are excellent choices for anyone looking for a compact, versatile, efficient, stylish, and well-equipped ride.