MSRP
- Surprisingly roomy, all-wheel drive is available on all trims, competitive interior tech features.
- Unhurried acceleration, forgettable driving demeanor, RS model’s large wheels compromise ride quality.
- The little Trailblazer delivers commodious interior space and a high driving position that make it seem bigger than it is.
HIGHS
LOWS
VERDICT
For Sale Near You
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Seating
5 Seats
Powertrain
Gas
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Limited Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Overview
The Trailblazer represents Chevy’s SUV writ extra small. It wears a handsome look inspired by its big brothers, the Equinox and Traverse. Upright dimensions provide good space inside for people and cargo, and all-wheel-drive Trailblazers offer similar soft-roading capabilities as their larger siblings.
Unlike Chevy’s bigger crossovers, the Trailblazer is powered by a puny turbocharged three-cylinder engine. A 137-hp 1.2-liter three is standard, while a more powerful turbo 1.3-liter is available and makes 155 horsepower. All-wheel drive can be had only with the larger engine.
Expert Tip: If you like what you see but want something that looks more upscale, Buick sells a version of the Trailblazer called the Encore GX.
What's New for 2027?
While Chevy will sell a carryover version of the Trailblazer this year as the Trailblazer Limited, it has made changes to the other models in the lineup for 2027. Only the Trailblazer Limited will be offered with the less-powerful turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three, as the larger turbo 1.3-liter three-cylinder becomes standard on the rest of the line. The LS and Activ trims will sunset after the Trailblazer Limited ends production partway through the model year, leaving the Trailblazer lineup with the LT, RS and a new Z71 trim, the latter of which offers underbody skid plates, more aggressive all-terrain tires, and standard all-wheel drive.
While Limited trims come with last year’s 11.0-inch infotainment display, the refreshed Trailblazers get a new 11.3-inch unit with updated software and Google's Gemini AI chatbot assistant. In the refreshed Trailblazer models, you will also notice a new column-mounted shift lever and a redesigned center console with more storage space and retractable cup holders.
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Pricing and Which One to Buy
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Engines: 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder, 155-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder
- Transmission: continuously variable automatic, 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrains: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
The Trailblazer comes with either of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder generates 137 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder that's standard starting with the LT produces 155 horsepower and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Given the difference in gearboxes—the nine-speed makes for a smoother, quieter driving experience— we’d say the several hundred-dollar upcharge for the LT over the Limited is well worth it.
Still, acceleration is leisurely with either powerplant, but that’s no surprise in this class. Around town at slower speeds, though, the Trailblazer feels peppier than its acceleration-test numbers would suggest, but merging onto the highway or executing high-speed passing maneuvers does require planning and some patience. Just stick to the right lane when you stuff this Chevy with people and lifestyle gear. Ride quality is agreeable on most models, but the RS comes with large 19-inch wheels that compromise ride comfort.
0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 8.7 seconds (1.3T)
In Comparison: Even with the more powerful 1.3-liter engine, our tests saw the Trailblazer amble to 60 mph in a relaxed 8.7 seconds. If you want something speedy in this class, look to the Mazda CX-30 with the optional turbocharged engine. This model managed a 6.2-second run to 60 mph at our test track.
Towing and Payload Capacity
- Max Towing: 1000 pounds
While the Trailblazer is not an obvious choice for towing, it is rated to tug up to 1000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 26 mpg (RS 1.3-liter turbo)
- EPA City Ratings: 26-30 mpg
- EPA Highway Ratings: 29-33 mpg
According to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive Trailblazer with the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Opting for the 1.3-liter engine and front drive improves the combined fuel economy to 29 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
All-wheel drive comes only with the larger engine, a combination that drops combined fuel economy to 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, an all-wheel drive Trailblazer RS returned 26 mpg. For more information about the Trailblazer's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: Climb inside the Trailblazer, and you’ll find the driver sits up high, much like in a larger SUV. There is more than enough room in the back seat for two adults to sit comfortably. Even though the interior is primarily trimmed in black plastic, it doesn’t feel tacky. Higher-end versions have chrome accents and colored trim pieces that make the cabin feel more expensive than you’d expect at this price point.
Second Row: Although the Trailblazer is a small SUV, its rear-seat passenger space is fairly generous—at least for two. A high seating position results in plenty of space for even tall passengers. Headroom is good too, but if you’re hoping to squeeze three across on the back bench, we’d suggest looking at a larger crossover.
Cargo Capacity: For such a small SUV, the Trailblazer excels at carrying whatever you’ll need to haul. Its roomy cargo area can be expanded by not only folding the rear seats but the front passenger seat as well. In our testing, we fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat; with the rear seatbacks folded, we fit a total of 19.
Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 11.0-inch touchscreen (standard), 11.3inch touchscreen (optional)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audio System: 4-speaker stereo (standard), 6-speaker stereo (optional), 7-speaker Bose stereo (optional)
In the Trailblazer Limited models, the driver gets an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster while an 11.0-inch touchscreen anchors the middle of the instrument panel. In the revised Trailblazer, an 11.0-inch digital gauge display and an 11.3-inch infotainment display are standard. The larger screen also runs an updated software interface that features Google’s Gemini AI chatbot assistant.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work wirelessly. A four-speaker stereo system is standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot. A six-speaker stereo is available, and a seven-speaker Bose stereo is too, but availability depends on trim level.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Chevrolet equips every Trailblazer with basic driver-assistance technology and makes more advanced tech, such as adaptive cruise control, optional.
- Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlamps
- Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors
For information about the Trailblazer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
When compared to many of the competitors, the Trailblazer's standard warranty coverage is unremarkably average. Searching for a small SUV with a longer warranty? Look no further than the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, all of which come with up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. The Trailblazer's first planned maintenance visit is free.
- Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: covered for the first visit
C/D Test Results and Specs
Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed since we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $29,995/$34,470
Options: power panoramic sunroof, $1495; Convenience package (automatic climate control, rear type-A and -C USB ports, wireless device charging, 120-volt outlet, auto-dimming interior mirror, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, power liftgate), $1195; Adaptive Cruise and Sound package (7-speaker Bose sound system, adaptive cruise control), $995; Fountain Blue paint, $395; Driver Confidence package (blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, rear park assist), $395
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 82 in3, 1338 cm3
Power: 155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/10.4-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact TX
245/45R-19 98H M+S TPC Spec 3178
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length: 173.5 in
Width: 71.2 in
Height: 65.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 50/45 ft3
Cargo Volume, behind F/R: 54/25 ft3
Curb Weight: 3390 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.7 sec @ 83 mph
100 mph: 28.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/26/29 mpg