There’s a lot to look forward to in the automotive industry this year. Many fan-favorite lineups are getting their usual annual refresh, including the all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, which recently launched this spring. The original TrailBlazer was discontinued in 2009 and was promptly taken over by the Chevy Traverse, so this new refresh seems like a reboot, and it’s a welcomed one. Amongst similarly priced small-sized SUVs, there is a lot of value to be seen with the all-new Trailblazer that’ll surely catch your eye, and we see plenty of potential in this new lineup.
The all-new Trailblazer is ahead of the curve in many ways. Even at a base level, you’ll be receiving a striking number of features, many of which are usually not implemented at this price range elsewhere. Among these features includes a slew of safety features and a robust and tech-centric interior containing industry-standard apps and services. Whether you’re looking for ample cargo space, exceptional fuel efficiency, a stylish exterior, or all three, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a solid choice to satisfy all of those needs.
What About Trims?
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is offered in five trims. The selection begins with the L model starting at an MSRP of $19,000, which solidifies its place as a top-tier value SUV with a price under $20K. In this base trim, you’ll receive all the amenities that have become synonymous with newer vehicles, such as an infotainment system displayed on a 7-inch touch screen. This trim also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fully implemented, allowing you to connect your iPhone or any compatible Android device to the infotainment center and utilize media playback, make phone calls, or use your phone’s GPS navigation. Notably, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot comes standard on the base model, allowing your passengers to connect their wireless devices with ease and stream their favorite media such as movies or music.
There are two ECOTEC engines that can be fitted inside of the 2021 Trailblazer, and the L trim only supports one of the two on offer due to this trim’s FWD exclusivity. The engine inside of this base model is the ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo engine, which will produce 137 hp with 162 lb-ft of torque. You can expect very respectable fuel efficiency with this engine with an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway (29 combined).
The next available trim for the 2021 Trailblazer is the LS model, and it starts at an MSRP of $21,500. This trim comes with a few upgrades over the standard model, such as the 17-inch aluminum wheels replacing the 16-inch painted wheels seen on the base model. The Driver Information Center will receive a digital compass, and the 4-speaker audio system from the base model turns into a 6-speaker setup. Furthermore, this trim features a flat-folding front passenger seatback, which you may fold depending on the number of passengers or the type of cargo you’re storing.
The LS retains the same 1.2L engine from the base L trim if you choose the FWD variant, although, should you purchase the AWD version of this trim, you’ll be treated to the aforementioned engine upgrade. This engine is an ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine that’s both more powerful and efficient than its 1.2L counterpart. This engine produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, making it a 12% and 7% uptick to performance over the base engine.
Those who appreciate quality-of-life changes that are becoming more standard each year, will be pleased with the included features seen on the LT trim. The LT starts at an MSRP of $23,600 and contains additions such as LED fog lamps and a remote vehicle starter system. With this trim, your driver’s seat will now be a 10-way power-adjustable seat with built-in power lumbar support for maximum comfort while driving. Your front passenger’s seat will be upgraded to a 4-way manual adjustable seat, and your outside mirrors will become manual-folding mirrors that are both heated and power-adjustable. You’ll have the choice between FWD and AWD with this trim with the 1.2L found on the former and 1.3L on the latter, this time around however, the FWD variant can be upgraded to the 1.3L engine should you choose for an additional price. Additionally, drivers will likely be drawn towards the AWD variant of the LT as it contains a 9-speed automatic transmission allowing for smooth shifting.
Let’s say you wanted to perform some light off-roading on the weekends, then Activ is the trim for you. Starting at an MSRP of $25,400, this trim comes standard with the 1.3L engine and contains LED taillamps, high-quality sport terrain tires, and you’ll find a dual-outlet exhaust behind the rear that looks stunning with their trapezoidal polished tips. The last trim known as RS starts at the same MSRP of the Activ. RS when compared to Activ, includes the same engine, taillamps, and also features a dual-outlet exhaust, albeit with round polished tips instead. Instead of sport terrain tires, RS makes up for it with 18-inch high-gloss black finish machined wheels in its stead.
Safety Features Are Abundant
One of our very favorite features regarding the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer isn’t a single feature, but rather an amalgamation of features that are found standard on the base trim. There are plenty of safety features built into the Trailblazer, and we’re very excited to see a majority of these features implemented at no extra cost. Among this suite are features such as automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, lane keep assist plus lane departure warning, and Intellibeam headlights. A rear-vision camera also comes standard along with teen driver technology, which has become a fan-favorite for parents of newly licensed teenagers.
These safety features add to what was already an incredible value, especially for the base trim. Automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian braking, for example, has become an industry favorite and can prevent serious accidents. Intellibeam headlights are very useful as they can dynamically switch on and off depending on visibility and any oncoming traffic. There are more features that may be added at an additional price; these extra safety features include a lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert. You may also purchase the inclusion of adaptive cruise control, OnStar coverage, and can upgrade your rear-vision camera to an HD rear-vision camera for more visibility.
When Can I Get One?
You can get one today! The 2021 Trailblazer launched in the spring of this year and is now available for purchase. Be sure to visit your local Chevy dealer for more info and perhaps take one for a test drive for the hands-on experience. When an SUV starts at an MSRP lower than 20K, it’s never clear whether or not you’re receiving a decent value. With the 2021 Trailblazer, however, Chevrolet left no stone unturned when reintroducing this vehicle to the North American market since its cease of production in 2009, and it’s remarkable how much has been accomplished in the industry within the last 12 years of its absence. Chevy is setting the stage for all other manufacturers to follow when it comes to once top-end features now available at an affordable price, and the competition will be great to see.
