If you’re looking for an affordable subcompact SUV with a cabin spacious enough to comfortably fit five, a modern infotainment setup, and enough available options to let you choose something that fits your needs, it’s worth seeking out a Chevy Trailblazer for sale near you. This small SUV can be configured for maximum tech features, style, or capability, but also comes with enough standard features that you won’t feel too much FOMO if the base model is the only one that fits your budget. Today, we’re going to take a look at the highlights of the Trailblazer and let you know what options you should keep an eye out for while choosing between various trims and packages.
Trim Breakdown
The Trailblazer is available in four different trim levels. The base LS is the most affordable choice with the most basic range of included features. The LT is a step up with a slightly higher price that gets you some added convenience tech and styling features as well as standard roof rails and tinted rear windows. The ACTIV and RS both have the same starting price, making them the top-tier trims. The ACTIV has an adventurous look and some rugged features, while the RS leans into an on-road sporty vibe with exclusive badging and a flat-bottom steering wheel. As we go through the Trailblazer’s various features, we’ll dive more deeply into some of the other differences between the trims.
Capability
There are two engine options available for the Trailblazer. The base 1.2L turbocharged I-3 delivers 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a CVT transmission. This is what you’ll get under the hood if you get either the LS or LT trim and stick with front-wheel drive. It’s a perfectly serviceable choice for most daily driving needs, and delivers 30 MPG of combined fuel economy, making it a solid setup for commuters looking to avoid pain at the pump.
Upgrade to all-wheel drive or the RS or ACTIV trim, and you’ll get the more powerful 1.3L engine instead. This powertrain gives you 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque to play with. When paired with front-wheel drive in the RS and ACTIV trims, it’s actually slightly more efficient than the 1.2L, giving you 31 MPG combined and up to 33 MPG on the highway. However, it is slightly less efficient for city driving at 27 MPG, so if you mainly run errands around town and want to maximize fuel economy, the base engine may be the better bet. All FWD models use the CVT regardless of the engine, while AWD models all use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
While many subcompact SUVs are only available with two-wheel drive, the Trailblazer also offers all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. All AWD models use the more powerful 1.3L engine and deliver better traction, which can come in handy on wet roads, dirt roads, and gravel driveways. The drawback to AWD is lower fuel economy. If you often travel on unpaved roads in rural areas, you might also consider getting the ACTIV trim, which comes with a functional skid plate and off-road-tuned suspension. While this won’t be enough to let you tackle tough off-road trails, it’s a solid layer of protection for places where you might be kicking up dirt or gravel into underbody components.
Interior
One of the big selling points of SUVs is their versatile interiors. The Trailblazer does a good job of giving you multiple configuration options. With all of the seats up, you can very comfortably seat four adults, and a full house of five probably won’t complain on a short drive. The 40/60 split-folding rear bench seat gives you three choices for converting passenger space into cargo space. You can fold down one, two, or all three seats to expand the cargo storage in the back. While this is standard fare on most SUVs, the Trailblazer’s standard fold-flat front passenger seat is more unique, allowing you to carry cargo up to 8.5 feet long.
Higher trim levels get you a variety of comfort and convenience perks. For example, the LS and LT feature a six-way manually-adjustable driver seat, while the RS and ACTIV trims have an eight-way power-adjustable version that makes it easier to get your position where you like it. (This seat is optional in the LT, and not available in the LS.) The higher trims also have heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry, which lets you lock and unlock the doors without using the key fob for easy access to the cabin.
Infotainment
While many comfort and convenience features differ depending on whether you get an entry-level trim or a top-tier option, the basic infotainment setup is standard across the board, which is good news for tech-savvy drivers on a budget. Every Trailblazer comes standard with an 11-inch HD color touchscreen in the center of the dashboard and an eight-inch digital gauge display behind the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, as are USB data ports.
While many tech features are standard on the Trailblazer, there are some available upgrades for those who want more convenience features. Extra USB ports are an available upgrade on all trims except for the base LS as part of the Convenience Package, which also includes automatic climate control, a 120-volt power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and wireless charging. LT models with this package also get the power driver seat and power liftgate, while ACTIV and RS trims also get a hands-free power liftgate that can be programmed to open to a set height.
Safety and Driver Assistance
While driver assistance technology like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist was once generally relegated to higher-level trims, it’s becoming more and more common to see it as standard fare on base trims, even for entry-level models like the Trailblazer. Indeed, the Trailblazer LS comes standard with both of these features as well as a following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, and automatic high-beam headlights It also includes Chevy’s Teen Driver feature, which lets you put safeguards in place if you’re using the family SUV to teach your young one how to drive. If you want additional features, you’ll want to add on the Driver Confidence package, which gets you rear parking assist, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. All of these have sensors and warnings to help you stay aware of your surroundings in a variety of situations, from driving on the highway to backing in or out of a parking spot.
It’s Easy to Blaze Your Own Trail
The Trailblazer is an accessible SUV that’s designed for people who want something basic and affordable, so it makes sense that it has a simple lineup that’s easy to navigate. With only four trims, choosing the one that’s right for your budget and taste is easy. Once you’ve picked a trim and decided between FWD and AWD (a fairly simple choice between traction and fuel economy), you’re basically all set. If you want a little more customization, you can dive into the packages, and then you’re ready to hit the road.
