ChevroletTrailblazer

　　

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review

byKristin ShawContributor

　　Kristin Shaw has worked in the automotive industry as a freelance writer since 2012. Her first review was about a Ferrari F430, which is a great place to start for a lifelong enthusiast. She has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the past decade, and some of her favorites include the C2 and C8 Corvette, Lamborghini Aventador S, BMW X5 and Toyota GR86. Her dream car is a restomod 1957 Chevy Bel Air in turquoise. She's competing in her first Rebelle Rally, an all-female off-roading competition, in the fall of 2022 in a lifted Hyundai Santa Cruz. Her work has also been seen in The Drive, AutoWise, GearJunkie, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Wheels, Today, The Washington Post and more.

　　, rating written byKristin ShawSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Much smaller than the midsize SUV TrailBlazers of the early 2000s, the 2023 Trailblazer is better known for its small, easy-to-park size and decent fuel economy. Slightly larger than the Chevy Trax and smaller than the sprightlier Equinox, the Trailblazer is sized just right for those looking for a five-passenger crossover. In the third year of the Chevrolet Trailblazer's latest generation, the subcompact crossover SUV offers a spacious cabin and stylish features in an affordable package.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$128/mo  for Trailblazer LS

　　Trailblazer LS

　　LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $22,100 MSRPLS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $24,100 MSRPLT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $24,300 MSRPLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $26,300 MSRPRS 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $26,200 MSRPRS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $27,700 MSRPACTIV 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $26,200 MSRPACTIV 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $27,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Equipped as standard with a turbocharged 137-horsepower 1.2-liter engine and front-wheel drive, the Trailblazer has enough get-up-and-go to crest hills and pass on the highway. Those looking for a little more oomph may choose the all-wheel-drive option, which comes with a more powerful engine. Inside the nicely appointed cabin, technology features are plentiful and include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio controls and an intuitive touchscreen round out a comprehensive infotainment package that is pleasant to use.

　　With plenty of cargo room and a comfortable ride, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a solid choice in the subcompact SUV segment among other crossovers like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on its performance, comfort and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Trailblazer drive? We tested the Trailblazer in the Activ trim level, which has the upgraded 1.3-liter engine. With it the Trailblazer is surprisingly adept at getting around in day-to-day traffic, even if its as-tested 0-60 mph acceleration run of 9.4 seconds is well off the pace of rival SUVs with their upgraded engines. The nine-speed automatic transmission keeps the little engine in its sweet spot during acceleration, but we wish it was a bit quicker to downshift when you need to pass.

　　We're not enamored with the brake pedal in the Trailblazer. It's overly sensitive, making it difficult to be smooth when slowing down. The Activ trim level has off-road-biased tires, and they lack the grip to stop the Trailblazer as quickly as some of its rivals. Nimble handling isn't a strength for the Trailblazer either, but the reasonably accurate steering ensures the driver's confidence on most roads.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Trailblazer? The Trailblazer has a comfortable ride for a small SUV, especially at highway speeds. The front seats feel a bit firm at first, but after a few hours they remain comfortable and supportive. Around town, you'll feel some jostling when driving on rough roads, but the Trailblazer never crashes into potholes or feels too stiff. On the highway, the Trailblazer exhibits excellent ride comfort.

　　The three-cylinder engine, a design that's known for being a bit rough and noisy, emits only a subtle growl at full throttle. Road and wind noise isn't quite as well damped, but it's not excessive either and never gets tiring even during long stints behind the wheel. The climate control is easy to use and maintains good control over cabin temps, though higher fan speeds can get noisy.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below