If you’re in the market for a sharp-looking subcompact SUV that’s surprisingly spacious and has plenty of standard amenities, you’ll want to consider the Chevy Trailblazer. This crossover lives up to its name, blazing trails in a variety of ways, starting with its sleek exterior that commands attention in Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego, KS.
The team at Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet has crafted this review of the Trailblazer so you can become familiar with this smaller sibling of the Chevy Blazer. Read on to learn more about its stylish design, steadfast reliability, and stellar technology.
MAX CARGO VOLUME
STANDARD HORSEPOWER
EPA-EST. MPG
TOUCHSCREEN SIZE
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY™/ANDROID AUTO™
CHEVY SAFETY ASSIST
Obviously, the first thing most people notice about a vehicle is its design. From the exterior stance, shade, and lines to the interior space, trimmings and amenities, all aspects add to the allure of a particular model. The Chevy Trailblazer is ready to check all the boxes, making it a definite standout.
There’s no denying that the Trailblazer is one stylish SUV. For , Chevy redesigned the Trailblazer’s front end, grille, and lighting. Meanwhile, two sporty trims take that up a few notches with distinctive features:
- ACTIV – Off-road suspension, Black mesh grille with Titanium accents, skid plate, and more.
- RX – High-gloss Black mesh grille with RS badge, 19-inch high-gloss Black machined wheels, and heated flat-bottom steering wheel.
The Trailblazer’s exterior paints help it stand out even more, including Nitro Yellow and Fountain Blue, among others. Chevy has even introduced some new colors for : Cacti Green and Copper Harbor Metallic. You can further distinguish your Trailblazer when you choose a 2-tone scheme with a Summit White roof on certain trims.
One important aspect of any vehicle is how well it fits you and your crew—literally. Once again, the Chevy Trailblazer proves that it came to play!
Chevy Trailblazer Interior Dimensions
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Headroom (Front/Rear) | 39.98/38.4 inches | |
Legroom (Front/Rear) | 40.9/39 inches | |
Cargo Room (Behind Front/Behind Rear) | 54.4/25.3 cubic feet |
No matter where they’re seated, passengers of all heights will be comfortable, making every seat a good seat. Plus, there will be enough space for whatever you take along—or pick up along the way.
With its flexible configuration, the Trailblazer accommodates in many ways! The 60/40 second-row split-folding seats help with your ever-changing passengers-to-cargo ratio. Speaking of which, its standard flat-folding front-passenger seat extends to accommodate a cargo length up to 8.5 feet! Making it easier to access the cargo hold even when you’re carrying groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, the available hands-free power liftgate will lend a “hand.”
Performance is a 2-pronged aspect. To be considered fully reliable, a vehicle must supply both power and efficiency. The Trailblazer delivers. It gives you the get-up and go you need while providing the fuel economy you want.
The Trailblazer comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and makes all-wheel drive (AWD) available. Its standard 1.2L ECOTEC Turbo engine produces 137 horsepower (HP) and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission that’s precisely calibrated to provide the optimal gear ratio based on speed. In short, you’ll experience a smoother ride and more miles per gallon (MPG).
For an extra punch of power, the available 1.3L ECOTEC Turbo engine generates 155 HP and 174 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for the ultimate balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, Selectable AWD gives you control to engage it—or not—based on weather and road conditions. Rain, sleet, and snow don’t stand a chance!
We’ve already mentioned fuel efficiency, so it’s time to pony up the actual numbers. Its fuel economy varies slightly based on trim and whether your Trailblazer equips front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, although all four trims with AWD have the same specs.
Trims |
Drivetrain
|
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
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---|---|---|
LS and LT | FWD | 29 city/31 hwy MPG |
ACTIV and RS | FWD | 29 city/33 hwy MPG |
LS, LT, ACTIV and RS | AWD | 26 city/29 hwy MPG |
Regardless of trim or drivetrain, you’ll be able to keep the party going while keeping the pump in your rear view.
THelping ensure that your pit stops will be few and far between is Automatic Stop/Start. When you bring your Trailblazer to a complete stop, it autonomously turns off the engine. Then, once you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator, the engine restarts. Thanks to its 13.2-gallon tank, you’ll be able to travel over 435 miles before having to refuel.
In this modern age, any vehicle worth your consideration comes equipped with a wide range of technologies. Some are designed for convenience or connectivity. Others are engineered to ensure the safety of everyone on board. In the case of the Chevy Trailblazer, you’ll be both well connected and well protected.
Bonus points to the Trailblazer for equipping many technologies you’d expect to have to upgrade to enjoy. Among its many standard features are:
- 11-inch HD color touchscreen
- Bluetooth® audio streaming for multiple devices
- Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- Wi-Fi® hotspot capable
- Voice command
The standard myChevrolet Mobile App lets you use your smartphone remotely to start/stop your vehicle, lock/unlock the doors, check fuel and oil levels, save your preferred settings, and more! Come on, get app-y!
Still, that’s only the beginning with this trail-blazing SUV. Available wireless device charging makes sure your phone stays fully powered while the cabin remains cord- and clutter-free. Enhance the sound of your playlist or podcast when you opt for the Bose® premium 7-speaker audio system. Thanks to expert engineering, every note or syllable will be crystal-clear.
A feature of the Trailblazer you won’t see listed among its amenities but is assured? Confidence. With standard Chevy Safety Assist, you and your passengers will have peace of mind thanks to:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam® High Beam Assist
It’s also worth noting that the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has awarded the Chevy Trailblazer its 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.
When your novice driver takes a turn behind the wheel, standard Teen Driver technology will assist. It engages certain safety systems while disabling others until front seat belts are fastened. An in-vehicle report card helps you coach your teen in better driving habits.
Some people refer to subcompact SUVs as “fun-sized.” While there’s no denying that the Chevy Trailblazer and the Hyundai Kona are both fun to drive, the Trailblazer packs more into its smaller size. This is especially true when it comes to the all-important areas of infotainment and safety technology. Clearly, the Trailblazer is both more fun and functional!
Trailblazer |
vs
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Kona
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Standard | WI-FI® HOTSPOT | Available |
Standard | VOICE COMMAND | Available |
5-Star Overall Safety Rating | NHTSA RATING | Unrated |
Compact SUVs like the Chevy Trailblazer and the Subaru Crosstrek can present “big” in different ways. The Crosstrek delves into the off-road space. Still, most drivers of these models prefer to stick to the pavement. Want a daily driver that’s well-equipped with more standard amenities, including a bigger infotainment hub? How about one that the NHTSA has given its highest safety rating? Your big decision just narrowed to a single choice: the Trailblazer.
Trailblazer |
vs
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Crosstrek
|
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Standard | WIRELESS SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION | Available |
11 inches | STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN | 7 inches |
5-Star Overall Safety Rating | NHTSA RATING | Unrated |
The Chevy Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos each got an exterior refresh for . Upon closer inspection, though, the Trailblazer has a fresher take on standard features. Unlike in the Chevy, you’ll need to pack a cord to use your phone in the Kia. At 11 inches, the Trailblazer’s standard touchscreen is larger than even the upgraded 10.25-inch display in the Seltos. For an expert-backed safety endorsement, trust the Trailblazer. Now, that’s refreshing!
Trailblazer |
vs
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Seltos
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Standard | TEEN DRIVER | N/A |
11 inches | STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN | 8 inches |
5-Star Overall Safety Rating | NHTSA RATING | Unrated |
Now that you’ve had a brief introduction to the Chevy Trailblazer, it’s time to become fully acquainted by spending some quality time together. Drivers near Manhattan, Junction City, or Wamego, KS, can schedule a test drive of the Trailblazer by contacting Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet. Get ready to blaze a few trails of your own!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Trailblazer for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
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