2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Performance

The performance of the Trailblazer directly relates to its configuration. The 1.2-liter turbo is only available on FWD models, and it's adept at navigating the city, but no more. Both engines offer all of their torque at low engine speeds. The thing is, once your revs are up, your excitement will likely dissipate. These engines sound strained and rough at the top end, and it's undeniable that the Trailblazer is slow by all measures. It is breathless on the highway, and chasing an unpublished top speed feels like it will take a very long time. The 1.3-liter turbo manages a 0 to 60 mph time of 9.4 seconds, according to independent testing, meaning the quicker of the available engines is by no means sporty - it's optional on the LS and LT, and standard on the ACTIV and RS. For those concerned with all-weather capability, all Trailblazer models are available in AWD configuration, automatically equipping the 1.3-liter engine. Chevy also lets you turn off the AWD system when you don't need it to save fuel. Correctly-equipped Trailblazers can tow up to 1,000 lbs.

Chevrolet's lineup for the Trailblazer range of vehicles makes two engines available along with two transmissions. The configurations vary according to trim, and certain specs are exclusively available with specific setups. The LS comes standard with the base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft and is mated to a CVT, while the LT makes the 1.3-liter available. However, the latter trim doesn't offer the nine-speed automatic transmission as an option for the engine in FWD guise, just with AWD. ACTIV and RS models are exclusively available with the 1.3-liter turbo and the CVT as standard, though opting for AWD will add the nine-speed automatic transmission to the configuration by default. The 1.3-liter turbo produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft.

We tested the 1.3-liter engine with the CVT in the Buick Encore GX, and found both to pair nicely together. The CVT drops down ratios in a hurry, making it easy to make use of the engine's meager power. The nine-speed automatic transmission can occasionally hesitate to select the correct gear for the power band. Unless you need the AWD system for snowy weather, we suggest sticking with the FWD-CVT combination; it feels smoother and more refined.

Gas mileage figures vary slightly according to engine and drivetrain configurations, but for the most part, frugal fuel economy is something the Trailblazer does well. The most frugal of the lot is the 1.3-liter turbo hooked up to the CVT and FWD, returning EPA estimates of 29/33/31 mpg. Opting for the smaller 1.2-liter turbo bizarrely drops the figures to 29/31/30 mpg. The worst performer is the AWD 1.3-liter with the nine-speed auto, which returns figures of 26/30/28 mpg. When the 13.2-gallon is full, you can expect about 410 miles from the lightest option and around 370 miles from the heaviest.