2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review: A Little Bit of Everything
Aaah, the ever-popular crossover SUV - subserviently catering to the endless and everlasting needs and wants of the average American, at least when it comes to everyday driving that is. It's this ambition and lifestyle that the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer aims to subject itself to. It offers contemporary design, balanced performance, desirable creature comforts, conveniences, and safety features, and everyday practicality, all at a reasonably affordable price.It gets two turbocharged engine options: a 137 horsepower, 1.2-liter 3-cylinder unit and a 155 hp, 1.3-liter inline-3 unit. And with its cool, standout aesthetic, extensive feature-set, and pragmatic 5-door subcompact layout, the 2021 Trailblazer serves us well. It's a dog-eat-dog world as a CUV, however, with American favorites such as the fun and quirky Kia Soul, the versatile Honda HR-V, and the poised and engaging Mazda CX-30 dominating the arena. The question is, are the Chevrolet Trailblazer's well-rounded strengths enough to get it to the top of the pack?
2021 Trailblazer Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173.5 in | 103.9 in | 64.8 in | 71.2 in | 61.2 in | 61.3 in |
2021 Trailblazer Performance
2021 Trailblazer Interior
2021 Trailblazer Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Warranty Note | Basic | Drivetrain | Drivetrain Note | Rust-Through | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Roadside Assistance Note | Maintenance Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary 2021 Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles | 6 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles | 1 Year/1 Visit |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer A Good SUV?
With a low starting price of $19,000, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer crossover is a genuinely attractive offering within the crossover segment. It's an exceptional all-rounder, making it a great vehicle for families, and one that packs a whole lot of value, too. Though neither of its engines are particularly energetic, they both perform pleasantly in urban settings and are impressively thrifty. The Trailblazer has a contemporary design that many will like, and a modern, high-quality look and feel that's carried through to its interior fashionably well. Along with these choice perks, the Trailblazers modern technologies, array of features, solid safety rating, and tidy reliability expectations make it a very high-value proposition. It doesn't stand out in any one particular area, however, and some may find there's a lot more to enjoy from some of the alternatives in the market. Nevertheless, the current-generation Trailblazer is the first of its kind, the larger and much older version of the nameplate having been axed more than a decade ago. This iteration is most certainly a better car and a worthy contender in the ferocious CUV segment.
What Chevrolet Trailblazer Model Should I Buy?
If you're going to buy a Trailblazer SUV, we suggest prioritizing the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine for the extra vigor it packs. Couple it to the CVT and you get the most fuel-efficient Trailblazer config in the lineup. However, if you need the all-wheel drivetrain for snowy weather, you have to go with the automatic. Both of these combinations are possible from the LS upwards, but we also recommend you review the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazers optional extras. The Driver Confidence Package and the Convenience Package are good options, as they spec the Trailblazer out with a desirable selection of advanced driver-assists and safety features and upgrade the infotainment system with the eight-inch touchscreen. With all that said, the LT, which has access to all these desirables, is probably the best deal for the money.