Overview

What's New for 2022

The Trailblazer offers four trim levels: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. The LT is the most popular model and it's our pick as well. We'll explain why.

LS

The LS starts at $22,795 and comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary controls on the steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, a flat-folding front passenger seat, and front and rear floor mats. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection.

LT

At $24,695, the LT builds on the LS by adding gloss-black 17-inch wheels, LED fog lights, roof-mounted side rails, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start, cruise control, heated front seats, keyless entry, tinted windows, and remote start. We recommend the LT because it includes plenty of additional features for less than $2K more than the base-level LS.

Activ

The Activ trim starts at $26,895 and comes standard with the larger 1.3-liter engine, a traditional nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, a slightly raised suspension, and an underbody skid plate. Additional upgrades include dual exhaust tips, unique 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, LED taillights, imitation-leather seat trim, a heated steering wheel, leather trim on the shift knob and steering wheel, and a rear-seat armrest.

RS

The RS also starts at $26,895 but has a sporty look compared to the rugged theme of the Activ. Standard equipment on the RS includes the larger 1.3-liter engine, 18-inch wheels, and black exterior trim.

The Trailblazer is unusual in that it uses three-cylinder engines. Two are offered: a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter, both turbocharged. The 1.2-liter comes on front-wheel-drive models only and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which is efficient but can make for engine droning under acceleration. The 1.3-liter is available with front-wheel drive and the CVT or with a more sophisticated nine-speed automatic in combination with all-wheel drive.

Our Trailblazer test vehicle had the 1.3-liter with AWD and it took some time to gather steam. But once on the move, it easily keeps up with traffic. To be fair, brisk acceleration is rare in this class with the notable exceptions being the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos with their optional turbo engine. Note that while most all-wheel-drive systems automatically engage when the front wheels start to slip, the Trailblazer's must first be switched on via a button on the center console. The engine has a gravelly engine note under acceleration. But on the highway, the chief irritant is road noise. The Trailblazer's suspension is firm, and the ride can be choppy but not harsh. The steering is direct, although handling isn't as lively as the Kona. With the Trailblazer's diminutive size, however, parking is a snap.

In tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Trailblazer received four stars out of five. It has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

All Trailblazers come standard with lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on all but the base L. Also standard is GM's Teen Driver feature, with which one can customize vehicle settings for a specific key fob to turn on safety assists, for example, and provide a readout of driving habits.

The Trailblazer's strengths and weaknesses are similar to its direct competitors. Tepid acceleration is the norm here, except for the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos with their optional turbo engine. Stellar fuel economy is also surprisingly hard to come by given the small footprint of these vehicles. Although, the Trailblazer is a few mpg behind most competitors, most notably the Nissan Kicks. The Trailblazer's interior- and cargo-space high points are shared by the Kicks and the Honda HR-V. But all of these competitors offer a stronger value proposition once you move beyond the bare-bones base trims.

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Honda HR-V

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Hyundai Kona

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Nissan Kicks