Trail Mix
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS
The Trailblazer nameplate first appeared at the crossroads of the millennium. It was introduced in 1999, as the top trim level in Chevy’s S-10 Blazer SUV. The badge (then spelled Trailblazer) was then spun-off as a separate model; a truck-based, midsize SUV, beginning in 2002. Chevy revives the name for the 2021 model year, now affixed to the entry level offering in the company’s growing, seven entry, SUV lineup.
Trailblazer joins Trax, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban. Cousin to the Buick Encore GX, Trailblazer is available in five trim levels (L, LS, LT, Activ and RS) with a starting sticker price range of $19,000-$25,500. Front wheel drive is standard, and All Wheel Drive is a $2,000 option on all but the base, L model.
By price, Trailblazer is Chevy’s base SUV. Sizewise, it’s second up, slotting in between Trax and Equinox. It’s substantially longer (6.3-6.5” depending on trim), than Trax, and 1.3” wider. This translates to more cargo room (25.3–54.4 cu.-ft. in Trailblazer, vs. 18.7-48.4 in Trax). The cargo bay is relatively wide and liftover height is comfortable.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS MSRP: $19,000 (base L) As Tested: $30,580 (RS, AWD)
The rear seatbacks fold flat (mostly), as does the front passenger seat (completely), on all but L trims. This allows for carrying reeeeally long items (up to 8½’) on the passenger side. Or, the space can be used as an impromptu desk (more about this later).
Chevy claims best-in-class rear legroom for Trailblazer, at 39.4”. In practice, it’s just big enough to hold six footers in both rows; something that can’t be said about all small SUV’S. Moving up front, the infotainment system features a 7” diagonal color touchscreen (8” optional), Bluetooth audio streaming (up to two devices) and Apple Carplay/ Android Auto compatibility. Onstar services are available, as is a 4G LTE Wi-fi hot spot. I think of mobile hot spots as the evolution of the onboard entertainment system. Rather than embedded screens, headphones and such, this option (along with a subscription for service) allows your family/ friends to use their phones and tablets to amuse themselves, while you’re driving (if they don’t find your driving amusing enough).
Riding a fresher platform, with added room and more zoom…
The hot spot also has other, practical applications. Last week, as I was working on my review of the 2020 Corvette, a storm blew through the Capital District. Suddenly it looked like Kansas
outside: wind howling, limbs crashing, and where’s Toto, and the next thing you know, the power went out. And stayed out, for about a day and a half. When it came back on, I jumped on my computer, intent on finishing my column. Before I could, though, my internet service crashed - again. This, on a sunny, mild afternoon, with nary a cloud in sight. So, after much cussing and gnashing of teeth about how I was going to get my work done, it dawned on me that my Trailblazer tester might be equipped with an activated, 4G LTE hotspot. It was, which allowed me to hop in, park my laptop on the folded front seat, and email the Corvette column in, to meet the deadline.
Inside, Trailblazer scores points for a clean design. HVAC controls (located in a pad midway up the center stack) are easy to reach and operate. The touchscreen/interface for the infotainment system is uncommonly user-friendly. Interior materials feature
few soft touch points. That’s consistent with the entry level price, though less explainable in loaded models like my Ute, that crest $30,000.
Chevy’s Safety Assist is a standard on all models; the package includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision assist, automatic high beams, tire pressure monitoring/tire fill alert and a teen driver feature. Unfortunately not part of that standard safety bundle is blind spot monitoring. Like many SUV’S, Trailblazer’s substantial roofline hinders the driver’s ¾-rear view. Blind zone alert is included as part of the (therefore recommended), $345 Driver Confidence Package, which also adds lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, and rear park assist. My Trailblazer was also outfitted with the Advanced Technology Package ($1,720) which bundles Chevy’s latest (3 Plus) Infotainment system, wireless device charging, wireless connectivity to Apple Carplay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, memory card input, HD radio, LED headlamps, 4.2” driver information center display, HD for the rearview camera and a seven speaker, Bose sound system.
As with its corporate cousin, Encore GX, Trailblazer offers buyers a choice of two, three cylinder engines. Standard on all FWD models is a 1.2 litre, three cylinder engine, linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission. The turbocharged 1.2L three makes 137 horsepower@ 5,000 r.p.m. and 162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,500 r.p.m. The EPA says you can expect 28 miles per gallon in city driving, 31 on the highway and 29 combined. Standard on Activ and RS trims and optional ($1,360) on LT is a 1.3L turbo three cylinder motor. It’s linked to a CVT on FWD cars, and a 9-speed automatic on AWD models. The 1.3 litre is rated at 155 h.p. @ 5,600 r.p.m. and 174 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,600 r.p.m. The EPA says that you can expect your mileage to be 29/33/31 (1.3/FWD), and 26/30/28 (1.3/AWD). I recorded 23 miles per gallon with the 1.3L/9-speed/awd combo. The 1.3L feels quite lively in ‘round town driving, and has a bit of a guttural growl when it’s prodded, which I enjoyed. High demand situations (highway merges, passing), invoke my standard, small engine disclaimer - passing takes planning. I have yet to drive the 1.2L, but it’s doubtful that less power (18 h.p., 12 lb.-ft.) would improve drivability. Trailblazer handles competently but doesn’t invite sporty driving. Ride quality is better than average for the segment; the Chevy feels more like a larger vehicle.
The Small SUV segment is highly competitive, and it behooves the car shopper to make the rounds and sample the wares. Trailblazer is worthy of a place on your shopping list. The LT with AWD and the 1.3L turbo (MSRP $26,695) might be the sweet spot in terms of value and four season drivability. Riding a fresher platform, with added room and more zoom, Trailblazer offers more for the money than Trax.