The Chevy Trailblazer went out of production back in 2008 after it was replaced by the softer Traverse. While not sold in the United States since then, the Trailblazer nameplate has enjoyed huge success in other parts of the world. At its peak in the mid-2000s, the Trailblazer sold well over 200,000 units per year so it would make sense for Chevy to bring it back. We've been hearing rumors about the Trailblazer's return since 2014 but so far nothing has materialized.

Recent rumors suggest the Trailblazer name could be attached to a larger, three-row variant of the new Blazer, which could be an interesting concept. But recent spy shots of a Trailblazer test mule have given us another idea.

Aside from the front end, this Trailblazer prototype is running with very little camouflage. We expect this facelift to add new front end styling but the rear portion of the car looks to be nearly identical to the Trailblazer currently sold in Australia, Asia, and South America. The second generation Trailblazer, which we never received in the US, has been on the market since 2012 and is now in desperate need of a refresh. It uses a range of diesel engines (none of which will likely come to the US) and a 3.6-liter V6, all mated to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. With this refresh, we wouldn't be surprised if the Trailblazer adds two cogs to its gearbox and we'd be shocked if the manual option made the voyage to the US.

It still seems like a long shot that the US will receive this version of the Trailblazer rather than a larger version of the new Blazer but at least we can dream. This Trailblazer is based on the same platform as the Chevy Colorado, meaning it is far more rugged than the Blazer, which is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5. The Trailblazer could give some much-needed competition to the Toyota 4Runner and could challenge the rumored-to-return Nissan Xterra.

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