When the new Trailblazer was announced, there was a collective groan from auto industry enthusiasts. They wanted a beefy off-roading that was possibly going to rival the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler. What they got was a cute, little subcompact crossover.
There’s no question as to why Chevy makes the modern Trailblazer. The subcompact and compact SUV segments are hot right now. Really hot. They needed something to fill the sales space between the Trax and the Equinox. Why they chose the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s name is another story for another day.
This particular Trailblazer comes with the buyer’s choice of two engines – a turbocharged 1.2-liter or a turbocharged 1.3-liter. Both are attached to a continuously variable transmission but neither is what you’d call exhilarating. As tested, the larger engine provides just enough horsepower to not be miserable to drive.
The Trailblazer is advertised as being right-priced but options add to the total quick. Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
Though it feels stable on the ground, the Trailblazer seems to be trying to walk the line between engaging and comfortable to drive. It doesn’t work. The Trailblazer is the right size and has the correct center of gravity to want to be thrown through the twisties but its loose steering leads to uninspired handling so that’s a no-go.
The suspension, on the other hand, is jittery and stiff rather than supple. Like Vanilla Ice said, “If there’s a pot hole, yo I’ll find it.” Between the road, engine, and transmission noise that is passed on to the passengers and the reverberations from every crack and crevice, prove that Trailblazer’s mechanics are more of a failure than anything else.
When it comes to the interior, the Trailblazer earns its praise. Its seats are relatively comfortable though adults won’t want to sit in the rear ones for long. The car appears to be well-made with good fit and finish. It has higher than average cargo space.
[rebelmouse-image 22105546 photo_credit=”Photo courtesy of Chevrolet” pin_description=”” dam=”1″ caption=”For ease, the Trailblazer’s front seat also folds flat.” alt=”2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer” expand=”1″]
For ease, the Trailblazer’s front seat also folds flat.
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The model has gotten the good bits from the General Motors infotainment and climate control parts bin. It has a 7-inch infotainment touch screen with an 8-inch available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, and a rearview camera are also standard.
The car’s safety tech includes forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Those are all pretty standard for the class.
Test test unit 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer sent for review was an Activ grade model (yes, there’s no “e” at the end of “Activ” and no, we don’t know why). That’s just one fo the five trim levels the Trailblazer is offered in for 2021, it’s first model year in existence with the new crossover body style. Chevy checked the all-wheel drive option box on the model, which added $1,500 to this particular model’s base $24,245 price tag. Another $3,300 in extras later and the test unit’s cost came in at $31,225.
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a well-appointed interior.
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
That’s not cheap. You can get a mid-grade Nissan Rogue, a fully equipped Buick Encore GX, base model Ford Bronco 2-Door, or a mid-grade Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for the same money, and have enough extra to take your family on a road trip for a long weekend away from home.
The problem is, unlike the Encore GX, Bronco 2-Door, and Sonata Hybrid, the Chevrolet Trailblazer just isn’t compelling. There’s plenty of other options in the class that do nearly everything the Trailblazer is capable of doing, but better.
The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos come with a better warranty. Mazda’s CX-30 delivers an enthusiastic and dynamic drive. The Encore GX is better appointed. There’s also the new Volkswagen Taos, which was developed specifically for the U.S. market and a number of all-electric options that are out now and coming soon.
