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I was in a situation where I had rented a car – a category with a trunk – and there weren’t any available. Their running out of certain categories happens frequently nowadays. As such, I was assigned a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. This didn’t look like any of the Trailblazers I remember. For one, it was a lot smaller. It was also badged as AWD. I assumed there would be a Chevy 1.5L T I-4 under the hood. Previous Trailblazers of the New Millennium ran with a 4.2 L I-6, possibly the modernized, aluminized version of the same 250 c.i. I-6 of the last century. A friend bought one of these in the early 2000’s. I was once given one by a rental agency and its 4.2L I-6 was incredibly smooth, but given how quickly the fuel gauge headed west, I took it back for an exchange within a day. Before even settling into the car, I looked under the hood to find a 1.3L T 3-cylinder engine. Three-cylinder engines have become a lot more prevalent in Europe, even in small SUV-CUV types but typically in econoboxes. As for initial impressions, it looked like the car would be sensible to drive and operate its functions. This tuned out to be true. The seats are supportive and comfortable enough, together with some attractive stitching, The materials are not high grade, with the same tougher fabric which might be in the Malibu. In fact, except for some minor differences, transitioning from a Malibu to a Trailblazer is easy. The width of the cabin, the gauges and switches, and the urethane steering wheel and its controls are similar. In fact, in the Trailblazer, some things are better. The touch screen is engaged in the dash, with the center vents above it, providing for excellent dispersion of what the air conditioner was dishing out - which was very cool. Further down, the cubby for electronic devices is flatter and larger and the outlets and switches are all linearly arranged next to each other for easy use. Also, with the inherently higher seating position, the view is better and the shifter and console height are in a more user-friendly position. The exterior sheet metal shows good taste, and the character lines are nicely done. The front fascia with its lighting set-up is its strong point. Even the rear taillamps look good as they wrap the rear corners. Returning to mechanical specifications, the transmission was a geared one. The interwebs and its owner manual revealed this. If a new Trailblazer is AWD, the transmission is a 9-speed automatic. If it’s a 2WD, the transmission is a CVT. This is a very utilitarian and practical package, and it couldn’t be described as refined. However, the engine is not grainy but its rhythmic but not hushed hum is always present. When pushed, it just hums more audibly. The engine does what it’s supposed to do. With around 140 horsepower, this is not a powerplant with which to riskily pass, sprint up long grades, and think it’s a jackrabbit, despite its having a turbocharger. The transmission is a “humorous” one. I can’t think of another word. There’s the expression “children should be seen and not heard.” In this Trailblazer, it’s more like “children are heard but not seen.” As the gearbox marches through its 9 gears, the spool-ups are quick and you hear them, but the unit slushes into the next gear as if it was a CVT and you don’t even feel the shifts. However, if throttled, you will definitely feel the shifts and, in stop and go driving at lower speeds, it can hunt within the first 3 gears and do it in a jerky way. However, in composed linear driving, the shifts are seamless but the short intervals for each gear, complete with the “sound effects,” was humorous … at least to me. The Trailblazer is a nimble enough vehicle. It rides fairly smoothly, but can quickly become unsettled. Its ride quality is not as budget-like as that of the now gone Chevy Spark and Sonic, but not as pleasant as that in the Malibu or even what they were able to accomplish in the final-gen Cruze. Wind noise is reasonably controlled, but tire and suspension related noises aren’t as effectively soaked up. The road surface is always being communicated to the cabin, telling you this is not a premium vehicle. In the CUV-SUV category, I’ve only driven the much larger Chevy Traverse with a 3.6 VVT V6 … and we’re talking two different worlds. With the higher seating position, front and side visibility are good. The thick rear sail panel makes angled rear visibility challenging. This seems to be the norm in this typology of vehicles. This unit did not have parking or side traffic sensors, which are much needed, and a few lane changes were more challenging since I like to mix up looking over my shoulder and using the mirrors. With the rear seat up, storage space is good … thanks to the Trailblazer’s the boxy shape, and it’s very good with the split rear seat folded forward into the cabin. It would come in handy to move boxes or a bundle of items. There was a slot for a rear cover over the storage area, but it was missing. This is one of the reasons I try to avoid this typology at the rental counter. The windows are more tinted toward the rear, but I was still not comfortable with that. The rental agency said ‘but we sell insurance for your personal effects.’ I doubt someone has the time to replace apparel and items that have been purchased over a span of agent while traveling. Rental agencies don’t do a good job of monitoring this item. I’m sure that a private owner would keep the retractable cover in its place as needed. Inside, while the controls are logically placed, there is no remote hatch or fuel filler release. However, if the vehicle is locked, the fuel door cannot be opened. Fuel consumption can vary a lot and the instant fuel mileage readout will clue in the driver to that. I set the drivetrain to 2WD and “eco” mode, but it still has to lug around AWD hardware. The readout goes from unimpressive city driving fuel efficiency to very plausible mileage at steady highway cruise. The 9-speed automatic allows the Trailblazer with AWD to cruise at 65 mph at about 1,900 rpms. That’s why it can attain the higher fuel mileage, but it took going to 3 cylinders to attain that. It was very easy to transition to the Trailblazer from several other Chevrolet models, and especially the Malibu. Thinking of the similarities and differences, the Trailblazer could almost be viewed as a higher sitting and less refined riding 3-cylinder Malibu turned CUV-SUV. For a consumer at the intersection of needing the packaging this vehicle provides and its price point, the Trailblazer could make sense. - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING -
Chevrolet has released pricing of the new Trailblazer crossover that is coming to the U.S. market in early 2020. The base L model is the one that will start below $20k at $19,995. It comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, front wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission. Inside it carries a 7.0 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Standard on the L are 16 inch steel wheels with wheel covers. All-wheel drive is not available on the L. Moving up to the LS model which starts at $22,495 allows you to option into all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. Opting for all-wheel drive also means you get a 0.1-liter engine upgrade to the 1.3 liter 3-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower. Wheels are upgrades to 17-inch alloys. The LT will set you back $24,595, again standard with FWD and the 1.2-liter unless you spend an extra $2,000 for AWD and the 1.3-liter. However, you can opt for the 1.3-liter on its own at the LT level. The Activ (pictured, top) which starts at $26,395 is billed as the off-road trim. It comes with a revised fascia with a larger grille opening, unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, changes to the dampers, and the 1.3-liter standard in both FWD or AWD models. This time, AWD costs $1,500 to select. Then there is the RS (pictured, right) which also starts at $26,395. It also comes standard with the 1.3-liter engine with a $1,500 AWD option. The changes to the RS are mostly appearance changes to make it look more sporty. The Trailblazer goes on sale in Spring 2020. -
Chevrolet has released pricing of the new Trailblazer crossover that is coming to the U.S. market in early 2020. The base L model is the one that will start below $20k at $19,995. It comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, front wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission. Inside it carries a 7.0 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Standard on the L are 16 inch steel wheels with wheel covers. All-wheel drive is not available on the L. Moving up to the LS model which starts at $22,495 allows you to option into all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. Opting for all-wheel drive also means you get a 0.1-liter engine upgrade to the 1.3 liter 3-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower. Wheels are upgrades to 17-inch alloys. The LT will set you back $24,595, again standard with FWD and the 1.2-liter unless you spend an extra $2,000 for AWD and the 1.3-liter. However, you can opt for the 1.3-liter on its own at the LT level. The Activ (pictured, top) which starts at $26,395 is billed as the off-road trim. It comes with a revised fascia with a larger grille opening, unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, changes to the dampers, and the 1.3-liter standard in both FWD or AWD models. This time, AWD costs $1,500 to select. Then there is the RS (pictured, right) which also starts at $26,395. It also comes standard with the 1.3-liter engine with a $1,500 AWD option. The changes to the RS are mostly appearance changes to make it look more sporty. The Trailblazer goes on sale in Spring 2020. View full article
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Los Angeles - Chevrolet thinks that you don't want a Cruze anymore and instead you'll buy an SUV. Enter Chevy's answer for that, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts under $20,000 and for those taking notes, that's less than the current Chevrolet Trax even though the Trailblazer is the larger vehicle, fitting between the Trax and Equinox in size. Themed after the larger Blazer, the Trailblazer looks wider in person than its specs suggest. Powertrains match the Buick Encore GX on which this shares a platform. Powered by either a 1.2L turbo or 1.3L turbo 3-cylinder engine, the Trailblazer will deliver up to 155 horsepower. Both engines are mated with a standard Continuously Variable Transmission with selectable stop/start capability. A nine-speed automatic transmission is also available on Trailblazers equipped with the 1.3L engine and all-wheel drive. The AWD is selectable so that drivers can choose between traction or fuel economy as conditions dictate. The Trailblazer features 40/60 split folding second row seats, which enables the vehicle to accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long. Overall storage capacity is rated up to 54.4cubic feet10 with the second row folded. Trailblazer is equipped with a comprehensive list of safety technology: Forward Collision Alert Automatic Emergency Braking Front Pedestrian Braking IntelliBeam Headlamps (Auto High Beam Assist) Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Rear Vision Camera Teen Driver Rear Seat Reminder3 OnStar4 Additional optional active safety and driver assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control - Camera Rear Park Assist Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Rear Cross Traffic Alert HD Rear Vision Camera Trailblazer ACTIV is equipped with unique tires and shock tuning. The ACTIV dampers are tuned to enhance vehicle performance and ride comfort when traveling on gravel roads. The Hankook Sport Terrain 17-inch tires feature an aggressive shoulder design and an all-season tread pattern. The front fascia on Trailblazer ACTIV has been revised with the lower section designed for improved ground clearance. Additional exterior differentiation includes two-tone roof, standard roof rails and trapezoid-shaped exhaust tips. Trailblazer joins the Trax and Equinox in showrooms in Spring of 2020. View full article -
The Chevy Trailblazer Thinks You Don't Want a Cruze
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Los Angeles Auto Show
Los Angeles - Chevrolet thinks that you don't want a Cruze anymore and instead you'll buy an SUV. Enter Chevy's answer for that, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts under $20,000 and for those taking notes, that's less than the current Chevrolet Trax even though the Trailblazer is the larger vehicle, fitting between the Trax and Equinox in size. Themed after the larger Blazer, the Trailblazer looks wider in person than its specs suggest. Powertrains match the Buick Encore GX on which this shares a platform. Powered by either a 1.2L turbo or 1.3L turbo 3-cylinder engine, the Trailblazer will deliver up to 155 horsepower. Both engines are mated with a standard Continuously Variable Transmission with selectable stop/start capability. A nine-speed automatic transmission is also available on Trailblazers equipped with the 1.3L engine and all-wheel drive. The AWD is selectable so that drivers can choose between traction or fuel economy as conditions dictate. The Trailblazer features 40/60 split folding second row seats, which enables the vehicle to accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long. Overall storage capacity is rated up to 54.4cubic feet10 with the second row folded. Trailblazer is equipped with a comprehensive list of safety technology: Forward Collision Alert Automatic Emergency Braking Front Pedestrian Braking IntelliBeam Headlamps (Auto High Beam Assist) Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Rear Vision Camera Teen Driver Rear Seat Reminder3 OnStar4 Additional optional active safety and driver assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control - Camera Rear Park Assist Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Rear Cross Traffic Alert HD Rear Vision Camera Trailblazer ACTIV is equipped with unique tires and shock tuning. The ACTIV dampers are tuned to enhance vehicle performance and ride comfort when traveling on gravel roads. The Hankook Sport Terrain 17-inch tires feature an aggressive shoulder design and an all-season tread pattern. The front fascia on Trailblazer ACTIV has been revised with the lower section designed for improved ground clearance. Additional exterior differentiation includes two-tone roof, standard roof rails and trapezoid-shaped exhaust tips. Trailblazer joins the Trax and Equinox in showrooms in Spring of 2020. -
Chevy unveiled the 2021 Trailblazer today, filling a space between the Chevrolet Trax and Equinox in the lineup. This follows the recent release of the Buick Encore GX that fills a similar but more premium space. Picking up on styling from the larger Blazer and the Camaro, the Trailblazer takes an aggressive, sporty posture. Yes, there also will be an RS version, but no word yet on what powertrains will be available. Chevy is finally going to start offering active safety features as standard, something the competition started doing a few years ago. The standard active safety features are Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Optional will be Adaptive Cruise Control - Camera, Rear Park Assist and a High Definition Rear Vision Camera. The 2021 Trailblazer will enter dealerships in early 2020. -
Chevy unveiled the 2021 Trailblazer today, filling a space between the Chevrolet Trax and Equinox in the lineup. This follows the recent release of the Buick Encore GX that fills a similar but more premium space. Picking up on styling from the larger Blazer and the Camaro, the Trailblazer takes an aggressive, sporty posture. Yes, there also will be an RS version, but no word yet on what powertrains will be available. Chevy is finally going to start offering active safety features as standard, something the competition started doing a few years ago. The standard active safety features are Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Optional will be Adaptive Cruise Control - Camera, Rear Park Assist and a High Definition Rear Vision Camera. The 2021 Trailblazer will enter dealerships in early 2020. View full article
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Rumorpile: Chevrolet Trailblazer In The Cards For The U.S.
William Maley posted an article in Chevrolet
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 6, 2013 The Chevrolet Trailblazer could be coming to the U.S. if a recent report proves to be accurate. Edmunds learned from an internal source that a version of the Trailblazer could be going on sale in the U.S. in 2014. It's not clear if the vehicle will retain the name or be built in the U.S. The Trailblazer made its debut at 2012 Bangkok Auto Show and went on sale last year in a number of markets, including Thailand and Brazil. The model uses the same body-on-frame architecture with the midsize Chevrolet Colorado and comes with a variety of engines and the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Chevrolet has gone on record time and time again that the Trailblazer will not be sold in the U.S. "We have no plans to add another SUV/crossover to the portfolio. We are pleased with the way Equinox, Traverse and Tahoe/Suburban are performing in the marketplace," said Chevrolet spokesman Mike Albano in a email. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 6, 2013 The Chevrolet Trailblazer could be coming to the U.S. if a recent report proves to be accurate. Edmunds learned from an internal source that a version of the Trailblazer could be going on sale in the U.S. in 2014. It's not clear if the vehicle will retain the name or be built in the U.S. The Trailblazer made its debut at 2012 Bangkok Auto Show and went on sale last year in a number of markets, including Thailand and Brazil. The model uses the same body-on-frame architecture with the midsize Chevrolet Colorado and comes with a variety of engines and the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Chevrolet has gone on record time and time again that the Trailblazer will not be sold in the U.S. "We have no plans to add another SUV/crossover to the portfolio. We are pleased with the way Equinox, Traverse and Tahoe/Suburban are performing in the marketplace," said Chevrolet spokesman Mike Albano in a email. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Hello Everyone, I am looking for input from those that might have some inside knowledge on the Chevy Trailblazer AWD SS. I am currently looking at buying a 2008 White AWD SS with only 36K miles, one owner, An Arizona couple that has had it garaged. I know the magazines talk highly about this suv and say check out the brakes, tires, make sure no aftermarket performance mods have been done. CarFax comes back clean with all maintenance done on it, no accidents and confirming the single owner. So the big question, being 4 years old with only 36K miles on it, what else should I look at on this baby. There does not seem to be a whole lot of info on problems or repairs. I am starting to see many of them show up at local dealers with between 50 to 150K miles. The corvette V8 engine seems to have solid reviews as does the power train in general. Motor Trend mentions that these SUV's can eat up the Goodyear RS/A tires and Corvette disc brakes, but does not mention much else. This auto is not fully loaded as it has cloth seats rather than the upgraded leather and it does not have the NAV system, but does have the sun roof. Also I run Mobile 1 on all my other GM auto's. Any reason I should not run it on this bad boy? Thinking of going all synthetic for it. Your thoughts and input is greatly appreciated.
