Safety leads Chevy’s Trailblazer into a new category
Like a farm animal at feed time, it always comes back.
I doubt a history lesson is needed, but just to recap: American auto manufacturer GMdeveloped numerous popular mid- size SUVs in the early 2000s in all of their brands. From Oldsmobile’s Bravada, GMC’s Envoy and Chevrolet’s Trailblazer, they were a hit for both the category and for consumers.
In 2021, we now see the re- entry of the Trailblazer to the SUVmarket, yet this time as a compact competing with Ford and its EcoBoost.
In foreign markets, the compact SUV market is flooded with options from Korean manufacturers like Kia and sister brand Hyundai, as well as Japanese options, like Honda and Toyota; all of which we have recently tested.
For Chevrolet, in order to be competitive in this crowded segment, there has to be something that jumps off the page in either the looks or the pricing category, because we know that foreign entries historically have the dependability and reliability market cornered.
The Trailblazer comes with multiple motor and transmission options. On our RS, we experienced the 1.3L Ecotec Turbo engine, with 155 hp and 174 lb.ft. of torque aligned with a nine- speed automatic transmission. Some models, especially in the fourwheel-drive category, come with the 1.2L Ecotec Turbo which brings 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This option comes with the continuously variable transmission; which I have expressed my dislike of before.
The Trailblazer has stepped its game up in the safety category, where most manufacturers continue to focus their energy and Chevrolet is no different: Automatic emergency braking, forward- collision alert, front- pedestrian braking, following distance indicator and a rear-vision camera are all standard while rear park assist, lane changing alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert are available options.
Our Chevrolet Trailblazer week- long tester came with the RS allwheel drive package, which, while inflating the price some, still managed to stay below the $30K threshold before delivery. The RS model came with nicely equipped options as well as exterior appearance upgrades such as 18-inch high- gloss black wheels, roof rack and side rails and tinted windows.
While the market is flooded in the compact SUV category there are really only a few options in
the American-built market, most of which GMhas a healthy stake in. But for the Trailblazer, Chevrolet
made the winning bowtie.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
MSRP: $26,900
As tested: $30,580 MPG: 26 city, 30 highway, 29.4 as tested