2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Pros: Good passenger and cargo room for a subcompact SUV; generous list of available safety and technology features; fuel economy

Cons: Some so-so interior materials; base engine lacks power

CG Says: For 2021, Chevrolet introduces a new subcompact crossover SUV that revives the name of a midsize SUV it sold from 2002-2009. The new Trailblazer slots in between the subcompact Trax and compact Equinox in Chevrolet’s SUV roster. It shares its basic platform with the more-upscale Buick Encore GX, though the Trailblazer is a bit longer in both wheelbase and overall length. The Trailblazer measures 173.5 inches long overall—about 10 inches shorter than the Equinox and six inches longer than the Trax. The Trailblazer model lineup ascends through L, LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV trim levels. The ACTIV is an off-road-oriented model with higher ground clearance, a skid plate, off-road suspension, and sport terrain tires. Two turbocharged 3-cylinder engines are available—the base 137-horsepower 1.2-liter is paired with a CVT automatic transmission and is only offered with front-wheel drive; the 155-horsepower 1.3-liter gets a CVT in front-wheel-drive applications or a 9-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. The new Trailblazer packs good passenger and cargo room into a small package, and offers respectable fuel economy and spunky, expressive styling to boot. The 1.3-liter engine provides decent power in around-town driving, and the ride quality is also respectable for the class. Both size-wise and price-wise, the new Trailblazer straddles the line between the subcompact SUV class and the compact SUV class, and that along with its competent execution will make it a “just right” fit for some small crossover buyers.