2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Remember the Chevrolet Trailblazer? Yeah, that midsize SUV that your family friends probably drove back in the 2000s. Well, the Trailblazer name returned for the 2021 model year as a subcompact crossover. Chevy felt it needed a model to slot between the Trax and Equinox in the US, so what better way to fill the gap than to dust off a name from the past to take advantage of nostalgia.

The Trailblazer shares a platform with the new Buick Encore GX, and goes toe-to-toe with rivals like the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Mazda CX-30. Unlike the last generation, which offered engines ranging from an inline-six to a Corvette V8, this new Trailblazer only comes with a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder mills. The most powerful 1.3-liter engine produces just 155 horsepower, but plenty of torque going out through either a CVT or nine-speed automatic.

The new Chevy Trailblazer is a sharply styled little package that manages to be more attractive than we'd all been expecting. Still, if you were near-sighted and forgot your glasses at home, the Chevy would bear a keen resemblance to the Kia Seltos, or an even closer one to the Hyundai Venue. That may not be such a bad thing given that its Korean counterparts are undeniably stylish. Slim halogen headlights are standard across all specs, though LED options are optionally available on the Activ and RS trims. The two highest trims also have LED taillights as standard. The cheapest Trailblazer - and all other trims except for the RS - gets 17-inch wheels. The apex trim gets upgraded with 18-inch aluminum wheels. The RS is also equipped with sportier styling and black embellished trim and badges. The Activ, meanwhile, is differentiated by standard roof rails.

The Trailblazer is slightly bigger than both the HR-V and the Seltos in terms of exterior dimensions and has a maximum length measurement of 173.5 inches, while the Activ and RS trims add a further 0.2 inches. As for width, all models stretch 71.2 inches from side to side. FWD models stand 65.2 inches from the ground up while AWD versions are slightly taller at 65.7 inches. The FWD RS is 65.3 inches tall. The lightest configuration would be the FWD LS trim that weighs in at 3,014 pounds, and the heaviest version is the AWD RS with a curb weight of 3,289 lbs. Ground clearances vary with the LS FWD managing 7.5 inches and the AWD RS boasting an eight-inch clearance.

Chevrolet makes a total of ten colors available for the Trailblazer, though some trims get specific access to some hues that others do not. Several colors have been discontinued for 2022, including Dark Copper, Scarlet Red, Midnight Blue, and Pacific Blue. The base LS spec is available in Summit White and several metallic shades. These include understated shades like Mosaic Black and Satin Steel. For the bold, Crimson, Mahogany Red, and Blue Glow should do the trick, while Iridescent Pearl Tricoat is a $645 option and Vivid Orange Metallic costs $395. The LT gets the same palette as the LS, while the Activ adds Zeus Bronze to the mix. Notably, this trim loses access to Crimson and Mahogany Red. The RS has the fewest colors to choose from but makes Oasis Blue exclusively available. For the Activ, Summit White and Zeus Bronze metallic top colors can be selected for a two-tone color combination, though the latter can only be had with the Summit White body color. Only the RS can have the roof hued in Mosaic Black and Crimson. It's worth noting that you can't opt for a Crimson roof with any other color except for Mosaic Black. If you want to stand out, Oasis Blue is the color you should choose.

The performance of the Trailblazer directly relates to its configuration, but still it's dependable regardless of the spec. The 1.2-liter turbo is only available on FWD models, and it's certainly adept at navigating the city. Both engines offer plenty of torque at lower speeds, which results in some temptation to put your foot down. The thing is, once your revs are up, your excitement will likely dissipate. These engines sound groany and rough at the top end, and it's undeniable that the Trailblazer is slow by most measures. Once you get going, it also has a no fuss approach on the highway, making it a decent enough all-rounder, but chasing an unpublished top speed is not advised. 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. A slight hint of turbo lag accompanies both engines, but the mid-range torque is decent enough to feel punchy.

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. We were not as impressed with the nine-speed automatic transmission on our Trailblazer RS tester. The nine-speed feels poorly mated to the engine, often struggling 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.

Although its RS badges may hint to the contrary, the Chevy Trailblazer is not an athletic driver. The steering feels light, making it great for quick city maneuvers, but it doesn't inspire confidence for sporty driving. We noticed plenty of body roll, which is an acceptable trade-off for ride comfort, but the Trailblazer's suspension is far from what we'd call supple. It's plush enough to avoid complaints, but the Encore GX felt softer and more comfortable. The 1.3-liter engine is hardly a tire scorcher, but we did notice a difference in acceleration with the AWD button engaged, getting the Trailblazer off the line with less of a chirp from the front wheels. Chevy includes a sport mode labeled with a checkered flag button ahead of the shifter, but it does very little to help the car live up to its RS badging. The Trailblazer feels like a car designed for city driving, with the occasional dirt road to your kid's soccer game.

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 - slightly better than the Honda HR-V's 28/34/30 mpg figures. Opting for the 1.2-liter turbo drops the figures down to 29/31/30 mpg. The worst performer is still impressive, the AWD-spec with the 1.3-liter engine and the nine-speed auto 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.

The cabin of the Trailblazer on higher trims is a pleasant surprise. It's delightfully simple and well laid out, and the evidence of discounted materials is not enough to make it a bad place to spend your time. It has the upper hand against the HR-V and manages to utilize plastics creatively enough to negate the feeling that you're sitting in your kid's Tupperware lunchbox. It falls behind the Kia Seltos in this regard, but most options in this segment do, so that's not a downside that's unique to the Chevy. The combination of function and space displayed through cheeky design makes the interior a winner in our books.

The inside of the Trailblazer is spacious enough for a small family to get by comfortably. It falls just behind the HR-V by a few measurements, but it offers an abundance of space both in the front and the rear. The Seltos provides slightly more room in the front, but not by a large enough margin to influence purchasing decisions. A six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat is standard on the LS trim, while ten-way power-adjustable seats are standard from the LT upwards. Heated front seats are also stock from this trim. Seating in the front and the rear offers enough comfort and support for longer journeys, and those in the rear will appreciate the 39.4 inches of legroom.

Cheap plastics are liberally used for the inside of the Trailblazer, though inventive design means it doesn't look inexpensive. Chevrolet also makes quite a few upholstery options available, though true variety only exists on higher trims. For the LS and LT, either Jet Black cloth upholstery or a combination of Jet Black and Medium Ash Grey can be selected. On the LT, leatherette upholstery options in the same colors are additionally available. The Activ makes two Jet Black combinations with either Almond Butter or Arizona accents as standard. The RS is available exclusively with Jet Black leatherette and cloth upholstery with red accents.

Trunk space is a measure by which the Trailblazer falls behind its main rivals, offering slightly more space than the HR-V behind the second row but offering way less than the Honda and the Kia Seltos in measurements with the seats folded down. The Trailblazer packs in 25.3 cubic feet behind its second row, slightly more than the HR-V's 24.3 cubes. With all seats folded, 54.4 cubes become available for larger cargo items. Unfortunately, this is less than the HR-V's 58.8 cubic feet and vastly behind the Kia's 62.8 cubes. But the passenger seat does fold flat to accommodate longer items in a pinch. As for in-cabin storage, slim door pockets will hold the expected amount of small items needed daily, while a large glove compartment, storage bins head and behind the shifter, and a cubby in front of the passenger seat can handle a bit more. Two cupholders are also standard in the front.

The Trailblazer is not a vehicle stacked to the rafters with standard comfort features at the base level, but things improve as you move up the trim ladder. The Trailblazer's biggest advantage is that standard safety features are impressive on all models, thanks to the standard inclusion of Chevy Safety Assist. The suite comprises automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and lane keep assist with departure warning. In terms of convenience features, the LS starts things off with a multifunctional steering wheel, a driver's seat that adjusts six ways manually, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Air conditioning and a rearview camera are also standard. Moving up to the LT adds quite a few features, including remote start, keyless entry, power adjustment on the driver's seat, heated front seats, and cruise control. Activ and RS models are equipped with a leather-clad steering wheel (now also heated for the 2022 model year), a leather shift knob, and a rear-seat center armrest.

The Trailblazer's standard infotainment is on par with rivals, with clear graphics and images, although optional extras improve it quite a bit. At base-level, a seven-inch touchscreen enables wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM radio, and two USB ports. All models get a six-speaker sound system. LT, Activ, and RS models get the option of an eight-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM and HD Radio functionality, but opting for the Technology Package on the Activ and RS models equips a seven-speaker Bose sound system and an SD card reader for good measure. This package also adds wireless charging, which is a rare feature even amongst brand-new cars. Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay are standard on all Trailblazers.

Certain Trailblazer vehicles for the 2021 model year have been affected by a recall for an issue relating to missing tire pressure information; this pertains to those Trailblazers equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires. There were three more 2021 recalls for a contaminated brake booster, missing seat bolts, and a jack that may fracture and fail. Reliability ratings are hard to come by because the Trailblazer is brand new, but Chevrolet provides a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty for the Trailblazer, followed by a corrosion warranty that is valid for the same period. One scheduled maintenance visit is also complimentary within the first year. The drivetrain gets a five-year or 60-000-mile warranty, and roadside assistance is standard for five years or 60,000 miles.

The IIHS hasn't released any official safety ratings yet, but the NHTSA gave the 2022 Trailblazer five out of five stars overall. However, it did lose some points on the front passenger side in the crash test and bagged a four-star score for both this and the rollover test. We'll have to wait for the Chevy Trailblazer's review from the IIHS for further safety information.

Chevrolet pulled out all the stops for the Trailblazer in terms of safety and driver-assist features. A rearview camera is standard, and every model has a ten-airbag system that includes front, front knee, front and rear side-impact, and head-curtain airbags. The standard Chevy Safety Assist suite on all models includes forward collision alert, pedestrian braking, and lane keep assist with departure warning. An available Driver Confidence Package equips rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring.

It's always dangerous business reviving a famous model name, particularly when you restore a famous SUV's moniker as the smallest and cheapest crossover in your lineup. Look beyond the title, though, and the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a good SUV. The only problem is, it manages to be good at everything, but it's not the best in any particular category. So while it does have its merits, it may just be in for a tough time with the competition. We'll give credit where it's due. Both powerplant choices are decent at low speeds, making city driving drama free, and the CVT does an excellent job of maintaining efficient fuel economy figures. Available AWD is nice, given that not all of its competitors offer the same. The Trailblazer also possesses a quality interior, though that opinion is largely based on higher trims. Technology is a high-point, especially with cool features like wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The seating is particularly comfortable and spacious for a subcompact, and while the ride quality could be better, it's not too harsh for the segment it competes in. The Trailblazer checks in with a great starting price that balloons quickly, but with future discounts and incentives, we see a lot to love here.

The Trailblazer has a base price that's slightly lower than rivals, starting at $21,600 for the entry-level LS spec. In standard FWD guise, the LT costs $23,800, and the Activ jumps to $25,700. Opting for the RS trim will set you back the exact same $25,700. Equipping AWD is possible for all models. On models equipped with the 1.2L engine, AWD requires adding the 1.3L instead, with an overall cost of $2,000. On the LT 1.3L, AWD adds $1,605, while on the Activ and RS, you'll pay $1,500. All of these prices are exclusive of the $1,195 destination and handling fee.

There are four trims in the 2022 Trailblazer range: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. There are two engine choices, namely a base 1.2-liter turbocharged or a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine driving the front wheels through a CVT. If you select the AWD option, the 1.3-liter engine is the only option, as is a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The base LS runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and has as standard a multifunction steering wheel, manually adjusted driver's seat, a six-speaker audio system, and air-conditioning. The infotainment touchscreen measures seven inches and incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an AM/FM radio and Bluetooth streaming. Safety kit includes ten airbags, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and pedestrian braking.

LT trim adds keyless entry, remote start, cruise control, a ten-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, and front seat heating.

The Activ's steering wheel and shifter knob are trimmed in leather, its 17-inch alloy wheels are finished in gloss black, it has a chrome-plated front and lower-rear facia, and it runs on sport terrain tires.

The RS's six-speaker audio system get an amplifier and on the outside, 18-inch alloys are used, as well as RS bumpers, black trim, and blacked-out badging.

There are a few available packages worth considering for the 2022 Trailblazer. Possibly the most important one is the Technology Package inclusive of adaptive cruise control, an eight-inch touchscreen, a premium Bose sound system, HD Radio, SiriusXM, an SD card reader, and an HD rearview camera. It also adds LED headlamps to the exterior. This package is only available on the Activ and RS trim for $1,620.

Next up is the Driver Confidence and Cruise Package that adds lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist, cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert for $495 for the LS. The Convenience Package, available from the LT, adds automatic climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, a 120-V outlet, and an auto-dimming mirror for $520. Lastly, the Sun and Liftgate does exactly what it says and adds a panoramic power sunroof and a hands-free liftgate for $1,770.

When buying a Trailblazer, the bare minimum requirements include the more powerful 1.3-liter engine. This immediately rules out the LS unless you want AWD. We suggest the Activ or RS trims because they offer the best features and styling. The two trims both start at $25,700, so you are choosing between a sporty appearance or a rugged look. We'd then add a few packages Driver Confidence Package and Convenience Package for less than $1,000 total, then tack on the well-equipped Technology Package for $1,620 to get wireless charging, the larger touchscreen with wireless phone connectivity, and adaptive cruise control. All-in, the car just passes the $28,000 mark.

The new Chevy Trailblazer slots in well below the Blazer, and costs a lot less. The Blazer is a much larger and more attractive crossover in comparison, so the heavier price tag may just be worth it. Chevy sticks to its guns and offers a lackluster 2.5-liter engine for the Blazer, but the available 227-hp 2.0-liter turbo and 308-hp V6 do their part to make up for it. The Trailblazer doesn't even provide an engine that produces more than 155 hp, so if power is a primary concern, the Blazer is the way to go. The Blazer also has a better interior which is probably attributed to its larger price tag and offers more space, both in terms of passengers and cargo. Notably, the Blazer's fuel economy figures are nowhere near as impressive as its smaller, three-cylinder relative. The Blazer is the better choice for those who value true power and some extra luxury in terms of comfort and standard features. But if you don't need all the space, ability, and additional kit, the Trailblazer packs in enough of the necessities and niceties to make how much (or how little) you pay for it, entirely worth it.

The Trailblazer manages to be substantially cheaper than the Equinox by about $4,000, though you wouldn't assume that based on appearances alone. The Equinox has just been restyled for 2022 and is larger, classified as a compact SUV, and thus offers more space from the inside. Despite being significantly more affordable, the Trailblazer shares almost all of its safety features with Equinox. It's not difficult to be more powerful than the Trailblazer, but the Equinox only just manages it with its 170-hp 1.5-liter engine to drag the extra weight around. Last year's 252-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has been dropped from the lineup. It offers more trunk space, with 29.9 cubic feet on offer in comparison to the Trailblazer's 25.3 cubes. The Trailblazer being cheaper and more frugal in terms of fuel economy might just tilt the odds in its favor, especially now that the Equinox has lost its 2.0-liter trump card.