History/Overview
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is an all-new model at the entry level of the brand’s crossover range, where it replaces the Trax as Chevy’s smallest utility vehicle. It shares its oily bits with the Buick Encore GX that arrived as a 2020 model (and is covered in its own buyer’s guide entry).
Available Trims
Chevrolet offers the Trailblazer in LS, LT, Activ and RS trims. All variants use three-cylinder turbo engines: a 1.2L powers the LS and front-drive LT, while a stronger 1.3L is optional in LT FWD and standard in LT AWD, Activ and RS. In front-wheel drive Trailblazers, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) puts power to pavement in front-drivers, while AWD cars get a nine-speed automatic.
Standard Features
LS trim comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, black front and rear fascia trim, body-colour door handles, automatic on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, a six-speaker stereo, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, air conditioning, power windows, power mirors, cloth upholstery, and tire pressure monitoring.
All Trailblazers also come standard with a Chevrolet Safety Assist suite comprising forward collision detection, automatic braking, following distance indicator, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.
LT adds rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, black painted wheels, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, roof side rails, silver front and rear fascia, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar, active noise cancellation, cruise control, heated front seats, keyless entry, remote engine start,
Activ trim brings LED taillights, chrome-plated front and rear fascia, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, a rear centre armrest and leatherette seating.
Finally, the RS adds 18-inch wheels and cloth-and-leatherette seating.
Key Options
LS trim can be optioned with a driver confidence package of park assist, blind spot monitor with cross traffic alert, and cruise control.
LT packages include one that bundles a sunroof with a hands-free tailgate, and another with adaptive cruise, leather-trimmed wheel and a 4.2-inch colour driver info display. A premium seating package brings leatherette upholstery and a leather wheel; and a convenience pack bundles automatic climate control with an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Activ and RS add a tech package with satellite radio, a larger infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, and adaptive cruise control.
Fuel Economy
Chevrolet’s fuel consumption estimates are 8.4/7.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 1.2L engine, FWD and CVT. The 1.3L engine with AWD and the nine-speed is rated 8.9/7.8 L/100 km.
Competition
The subcompact crossover field is a fast-growing one, so the Trailblazer’s list of competitors will grow in years to come. Right now, it lines up against the Nissan Qashqai, Honda’s HR-V, the Hyundai Kona, Kia’s Seltos, the Toyota C-HR, the Subaru Crosstrek, Ford’s Ecosport, the Jeep Renegade, the Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi’s RVR, and the Fiat 500X.
