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: The Chevrolet Trailblazer was all new for 2021 and receives mild updates for the 2022 model year. Roof rails, a trailering package and a heated steering wheel are new options, and satellite radio and electronic climate control are now standard across all trims. Chevrolet also dropped the base L trim from the 2022 Trailblazer lineup. This subcompact crossover SUV 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 LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS 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 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 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.
Class | Subcompact SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
Base Prices | LS: $22,795 AWD LS: $24,795 LT: $25,390 AWD LT: $26,995 ACTIV: $26,895 AWD ACTIV: $28,395 RS: $26,895 AWD RS: $28,395 |
Base Engine turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
Horsepower 137 |
Std. Transmission CVT |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 28 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder |
Horsepower 155 |
Std. Transmission CVT |
Avail. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
EPA City Range (mpg) 26-29 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-33 |