2021 Chevy Trailblazer Review

　　

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Slotting in between the tiny Chevy Trax and the larger Equinox, the new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the latest entrants in the burgeoning subcompact crossover class. The Trailblazer name has been absent since 2009 in the U.S. In many ways, this reboot follows the same playbook of the larger Blazer SUV that Chevy reintroduced last year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$129/mo  for Trailblazer L

　　Trailblazer L

　　L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $19,000 MSRPLS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $21,500 MSRPLS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $23,500 MSRPLT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $23,600 MSRPLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $25,600 MSRPRS 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $25,400 MSRPRS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $26,900 MSRPACTIV 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $25,400 MSRPACTIV 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $26,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For starters, the Trailblazer is similar to the Blazer in that it has hardly anything to do with its forebear other than the name. The old TrailBlazer (with a capital B) was a truck-based midsize SUV. This new Trailblazer (lowercase b!) is a smaller crossover SUV with car-based architecture. Also like the Blazer, the 2021 Trailblazer adopts some Camaro-like exterior styling cues for a uniquely aggressive appearance.

　　The Trailblazer also stands out slightly from other subcompact crossovers by offering the Activ trim level. Chevy has tuned it for off-road use by adding specialized all-season tires, revised shock absorbers, and a bit more ground clearance from a reshaped front fascia. The Activ also gets roof rails on a two-tone roof.

　　The Trailblazer's edgy styling fits right into this class of extra-small SUVs. And unlike rivals such as the Toyota C-HR, the Trailblazer doesn't sacrifice utility in the name of style. It has a pleasing amount of passenger and cargo space, a relatively comfortable ride, and decent power from the optional turbocharged 1.3-liter engine.

　　We've never been particularly fond of the Chevrolet Trax, especially compared to class leaders such as the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Honda HR-V. The new Trailblazer, however, is a strong competitor right out of the gate. It's worth checking out if you're shopping for a stylish and comfortable pint-sized SUV.

　　

Which Trailblazer does zzdcar recommend?

We suggest stepping up to the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine since the base engine feels underpowered. Beyond that, consider getting the midrange LT trim. It adds a lot of standard features you'll appreciate, such as cruise control and keyless ignition and entry, and grants access to most of the Trailblazer's optional packages.

　　

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer models

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV that's available in five trim levels: L, LS, LT, Activ and RS. It comes standard with a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and comes bundled with a stronger 155-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Feature highlights for each trim include:

　　L

　　This base trim starts you off with:

　　16-inch steel wheels In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot 7-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration Four-speaker audio system Chevy Safety Assist suite of advanced safety features: Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Automatic high beams LS

　　The LS trim adds only a few features that include:

　　17-inch alloy wheels Fold-flat front passenger seat Six-speaker audio system A few extra niceties (a compass, floor mats and vanity mirrors)LT

　　The LT trim gets you a lot more, including:

　　Roof rails Foglights Heated mirrors Tinted rear windows Keyless entry and ignition Cruise control Remote ignition Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated front seatsActiv

　　The Activ trim steps up its power and visual presence inside and out with:

　　Standard 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine Tires that are slightly better for off-roading Unique exterior styling elements Two-tone roof Simulated leather upholstery Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knobRS

　　The RS trim is similar to the Activ with only minor changes:

　　18-inch alloy wheels with standard tires Red interior accentsNotable option packages for the Trailblazer include:

　　Driver Confidence package (offered on the LT trim and above) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse) Rear parking sensors The Convenience package (offered on the LT trim and above) Auto-dimming rearview mirror Rear-seat USB charge ports Household-style power outlet Automatic climate control 8-inch touchscreen Satellite radio The Technology package is only available on the Activ and RS trims LED headlights Adaptive cruise control Upgraded infotainment system Wireless charging pad Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bose premium audio system High-resolution rearview camera

　　

2021 Trailblazer Highlights

Trim: LLSLTACTIVRSL

　　

Base MSRP	$19,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$129/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles