ACTIV All-Wheel Drive
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevy Trailblazer is a member of the growing in-betweener compact crossover segment (we really need to come up with a name for these things) that includes the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and Ford Bronco Sport. They're a bit bigger than subcompacts like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks, but smaller than the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the world.  That can very well be seen in their cargo capacities, which indeed fall in between those more defined segments. In the Trailblazer's case, it has 25.3 cubic-feet of space behind its raised back seat. On paper, that's about 5 cubes better than the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30. It's exactly the same as the Nissan Kicks, but that speaks more to that car punching above its weight class in luggage testing. The Kia Seltos has a bit more at 26.6 cubic-feet. As it turns out, the Trailblazer doesn't do as well as its number would suggest. However, it has a few special features that increase its versatility.  As with an increasing number of crossovers, the Trailblazer cargo area has two heights: a lower one for max capacity and a higher one to provide a flat floor when you lower the back seats. You can see the height difference in the pictures below. As always in such cases, I only test with the floor in its lower height. There was no cargo cover included with this test vehicle. As with every luggage test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).  So, this was a very tight fit. Something was preventing the power mechanism from closing, but it was easy enough to close it manually. As you can see below, the fancy bag could fit, but it was awfully tight. If there were actually things in the bag, I have my doubts. So despite what the numbers might say, this amount would be less the Subaru Crosstrek (below left) and basically the same as the Mazda CX-30 (below right). My guess as to why the Crosstrek can hold more: Its cargo area is wider, whereas the Trailblazer's is taller. Width is ultimately more useful for bags. Similarly, the Trailblazer may be taller than the CX-30, but appears similar in width. As such, it can basically hold the same luggage. The Kia Seltos, meanwhile, is indeed bigger than them all.  However, despite the Trailblazer not being as useful as its cargo capacity number would indicate, it counters with impressive versatility. For starters, that extra height will give it an advantage should you need to transport something taller and/or bulkier. I don't do a 60-Inch TV test, but if I did, I'm sure …
Full Review
The Chevy Trailblazer is a member of the growing in-betweener compact crossover segment (we really need to come up with a name for these things) that includes the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and Ford Bronco Sport. They're a bit bigger than subcompacts like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks, but smaller than the CR-Vs and RAV4s of the world.  That can very well be seen in their cargo capacities, which indeed fall in between those more defined segments. In the Trailblazer's case, it has 25.3 cubic-feet of space behind its raised back seat. On paper, that's about 5 cubes better than the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30. It's exactly the same as the Nissan Kicks, but that speaks more to that car punching above its weight class in luggage testing. The Kia Seltos has a bit more at 26.6 cubic-feet. As it turns out, the Trailblazer doesn't do as well as its number would suggest. However, it has a few special features that increase its versatility.  As with an increasing number of crossovers, the Trailblazer cargo area has two heights: a lower one for max capacity and a higher one to provide a flat floor when you lower the back seats. You can see the height difference in the pictures below. As always in such cases, I only test with the floor in its lower height. There was no cargo cover included with this test vehicle. As with every luggage test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).  So, this was a very tight fit. Something was preventing the power mechanism from closing, but it was easy enough to close it manually. As you can see below, the fancy bag could fit, but it was awfully tight. If there were actually things in the bag, I have my doubts. So despite what the numbers might say, this amount would be less the Subaru Crosstrek (below left) and basically the same as the Mazda CX-30 (below right). My guess as to why the Crosstrek can hold more: Its cargo area is wider, whereas the Trailblazer's is taller. Width is ultimately more useful for bags. Similarly, the Trailblazer may be taller than the CX-30, but appears similar in width. As such, it can basically hold the same luggage. The Kia Seltos, meanwhile, is indeed bigger than them all.  However, despite the Trailblazer not being as useful as its cargo capacity number would indicate, it counters with impressive versatility. For starters, that extra height will give it an advantage should you need to transport something taller and/or bulkier. I don't do a 60-Inch TV test, but if I did, I'm sure …
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Retail Price

$27,400 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 1.3L I-3
MPG 26 City / 30 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 9-spd auto w/OD
Power 155 @ 5600 rpm
Drivetrain all wheel
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