2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

2021 Trailblazer Photos
 Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
6.5

High style makes the Chevrolet Trailblazer stick out in the crowd, but lackluster powertrains, boring driving characteristics and stiff competition dulls its shine. The Trailblazer is way better than the Trax, but it's far from best in segment.

Industry
7
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is Chevy’s latest entry in a constantly growing legion of tiny crossovers. Despite its name previously being used for a midsize SUV, the new Trailblazer is substantially smaller and bridges a gap between the subcompact Trax and compact Equinox. It accomplishes that task with a lot more style than either of those rather drab people movers. It’s cute, distinctive and we like it. Unlike the bigger and mechanically unrelated Chevy Blazer, the Trailblazer doesn’t stand out for its driving dynamics. Instead, Chevy makes up ground with its relatively large back seat and versatile cargo area. Also of note are its two unique trim levels: the outdoorsy Activ and sporty RS. From the curb, either of these will stand out from the crowd of other boring small crossovers. That's a good thing, and in general, the Trailblazer is perfectly competitive for this growing segment of small crossovers that slots in between subcompacts and compacts. That said, its driving experience leaves much to be desired, and it's pretty expensive when compared to its very strong competition. That includes the Mazda CX-30 or Kia Seltos, while align with the Trailblazer RS, as well as the more rugged Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Crosstrek, which are stronger choices looking to take their little SUV on outdoor adventures. What’s new for 2021? The Chevy Trailblazer is a totally new model for 2021. What’s the Trailblazer interior and in-car technology like? The Trailblazer’s interior design and styling resembles other Chevy crossovers. That means it's rather uninspiring to look at with plenty of black plastic switchgear, but it doesn’t feel cheap or especially low-rent for the money. The Activ may lack an 'e' in its name, but at least it has some nice touches like a neat cloth pattern on the front doors and brown-painted dash trim (pictured above right). The RS gets a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and red interior accents (picture above middle). The available eight-way power driver seat allows for a long range of movement and would be suitable for taller drivers. The Trailblazer can be loaded up with tech competitive for its segment. A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard, and an 8-inch is optional. Both feature wireless Apple CarPlay (that works quickly and easily) and wireless Android Auto, but can also accept a traditional wired connection. Those who use the wireless functionality will find the wireless phone charging pad handy, letting them store the phone in a cubby ahead of the shifter. The instrument panel isn’t fully digital, but a small screen between the tach and speedo can cycle through a number of informational readouts. GM also makes its handy rearview camera mirror available as an option. How big is the Trailblazer? The Trailblazer slots neatly into the growing subset of "in-betweener" crossovers between subcompacts and compacts that includes the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and Ford Bronco Sport. That means it's bigger than than Chevy's subcompact crossover, the aging Trax, but not significantly so. Sitting in the back is …
Full Review
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is Chevy’s latest entry in a constantly growing legion of tiny crossovers. Despite its name previously being used for a midsize SUV, the new Trailblazer is substantially smaller and bridges a gap between the subcompact Trax and compact Equinox. It accomplishes that task with a lot more style than either of those rather drab people movers. It’s cute, distinctive and we like it. Unlike the bigger and mechanically unrelated Chevy Blazer, the Trailblazer doesn’t stand out for its driving dynamics. Instead, Chevy makes up ground with its relatively large back seat and versatile cargo area. Also of note are its two unique trim levels: the outdoorsy Activ and sporty RS. From the curb, either of these will stand out from the crowd of other boring small crossovers. That's a good thing, and in general, the Trailblazer is perfectly competitive for this growing segment of small crossovers that slots in between subcompacts and compacts. That said, its driving experience leaves much to be desired, and it's pretty expensive when compared to its very strong competition. That includes the Mazda CX-30 or Kia Seltos, while align with the Trailblazer RS, as well as the more rugged Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Crosstrek, which are stronger choices looking to take their little SUV on outdoor adventures. What’s new for 2021? The Chevy Trailblazer is a totally new model for 2021. What’s the Trailblazer interior and in-car technology like? The Trailblazer’s interior design and styling resembles other Chevy crossovers. That means it's rather uninspiring to look at with plenty of black plastic switchgear, but it doesn’t feel cheap or especially low-rent for the money. The Activ may lack an 'e' in its name, but at least it has some nice touches like a neat cloth pattern on the front doors and brown-painted dash trim (pictured above right). The RS gets a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and red interior accents (picture above middle). The available eight-way power driver seat allows for a long range of movement and would be suitable for taller drivers. The Trailblazer can be loaded up with tech competitive for its segment. A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard, and an 8-inch is optional. Both feature wireless Apple CarPlay (that works quickly and easily) and wireless Android Auto, but can also accept a traditional wired connection. Those who use the wireless functionality will find the wireless phone charging pad handy, letting them store the phone in a cubby ahead of the shifter. The instrument panel isn’t fully digital, but a small screen between the tach and speedo can cycle through a number of informational readouts. GM also makes its handy rearview camera mirror available as an option. How big is the Trailblazer? The Trailblazer slots neatly into the growing subset of "in-betweener" crossovers between subcompacts and compacts that includes the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and Ford Bronco Sport. That means it's bigger than than Chevy's subcompact crossover, the aging Trax, but not significantly so. Sitting in the back is …
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Retail Price

$19,000 - $27,000 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 1.2L I-3, 1.3L I-3
MPG Up to 29 city / 33 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 2-spd CVT w/OD, 9-spd auto w/OD
Power 137 - 155 hp
Drivetrain all wheel, front-wheel
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