2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Overview

Chevy has revived the Trailblazer nameplate with an all-new subcompact crossover that boasts sporty looks but lacks the off-road capability of the much larger SUV that used to bear the name. The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer slots between the subcompact Chevy Trax and the mid-size Chevy Blazer, the latter of which inspires the new model's sinewy bodywork. The Trailblazer shares many components with the all-new and similarly sized Buick Encore GX, including its drivetrain and available engines. A duo of turbocharged three-cylinder engines is offered with a 1.2-liter being standard and a 1.3-liter unit serving as the upgrade. Neither one delivers quick acceleration, but the Trailblazer's spacious cabin and cheeky styling may be enough convince buyers to overlook its powertrain shortcomings.

What's New for 2021?

The Chevy Trailblazer is all-new for 2021, returning to the market as a subcompact crossover after Chevy ended production of a larger SUV of the same name in 2009.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

As with the Encore GX, the Trailblazer offers two different turbocharged three-cylinder engines, a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter. The former produces 137 horsepower and the latter generates 155 horses. The 1.2-liter engine comes only with front-wheel drive and is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the 1.3-liter offers optional all-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel drive system also replaces the standard CVT with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic. The acceleration of a 1.3-liter all-wheel drive Trailblazer failed to impress us at our test track, delivering a leisurely 9.4-second zero-to-60-mph time. Around town at slower speeds, the Trailblazer feels peppier than its test results suggest, but merging onto the highway or executing high-speed passing maneuvers require careful planning. While the Trailblazer doesn't offer a particularly athletic chassis, it handles curves ably enough—but its ride is often harsh over road imperfections.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most efficient Trailblazer, according to the EPA, is the front-wheel drive model with the larger 1.3-liter three-cylinder, which earned ratings of 29 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. Upgrading to all-wheel drive reduces those numbers to 26 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. We tested an all-wheel drive model and it delivered 31 mpg over 200 miles of highway driving. We haven't run a Trailblazer with the smaller 1.2-liter engine and front-wheel drive on our highway test loop, but the EPA fuel economy estimates for that model are 28 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The cabin's design isn't as cheeky as the exterior's, but it's spacious, functional, and outfitted with plenty of convenience items in the upper trims. The driving position is a high, SUV-like perch and there's plenty of space for two adults to be comfortable in the rear seat. Although most of the interior is rendered in black plastic, everything wears an attractive texture to avoid appearing cheap. Upper-level models add colored trim pieces and chrome embellishments that provide a more upscale look. Behind the rear seat is a generous cargo bay, and the Chevy provides not only fold-flat rear seats but also a folding front passenger seat to create space for extra-long items. It's a clever feature, but the Trailblazer doesn't quite match the cargo-carrying innovation offered by the Honda HR-V.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Trailblazer will be equipped with Chevy’s newest infotainment system, which will allow you to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard but an 8.0-inch unit is optional. It will have available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as Sirius XM satellite radio and opting for the Technology package allows for wireless connections to the two smartphone interfaces. A four-speaker stereo is standard on the base L but upgrading to higher trims brings either a six-speaker setup or a premium Bose stereo with seven speakers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn't performed testing on the new Trailblazer just yet, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has. Unfortunately, it earned only four of five stars from NHTSA as it did not perform well in that agency's front passenger-side crash test. Chevrolet equips every Trailblazer with a set of basic driver-assistance features and makes more advanced ones, such as adaptive cruise control, optional. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chevrolet's standard warranty coverage is dead average when compared to many of the Trailblazer's rivals. Looking for something with a longer warranty? The Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport all offer up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. The Trailblazer's first scheduled maintenance visit is complimentary, which is unusual among competitors, but the Hyundai outdoes the Chevy here with a free three-year maintenance plan.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

More Features and Specs