General Motors Co. in Detroit has announced the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV, a nameplate that has been on the shelf since 2009, will return next spring with a sticker starting below the $20,000 price point.
“Slotting between the Trax and Equinox, the addition of the Trailblazer provides us with a great opportunity to expand the Chevy SUV family to new audiences,” says Steve Majoros, director of passenger car and crossover marketing for Chevrolet. “With the new ACTIV trim, plus the sporty RS trim, we can appeal to customers’ varying active lifestyles.”
While the new SUV shares design cues with its line brethren, Chevrolet says Trailblazer has a character of its own, bringing a “bold and expressive look to the segment, and a new level of personalization.”
“The Trailblazer doesn’t simply let customers express their personal style,” explains Stuart Norris, design director of global compact SUVs at Chevrolet. “It encourages it with uniquely styled trims that allow buyers to select a vehicle that reflects their lifestyle. Its design is bold, confident, and full of personality.”
The Trailblazer’s exterior styling, which follows in the theme set by the Chevy Blazer, features Chevy’s signature dual-port grille, which gives its face a multilayered, dimensional appearance. The accent bar is integrated with the headlamps, helping to visually widen its stance, while a simulated front skid plate adds a sense of strength, according to the automaker.
Powered by either a 1.2-liter turbo or 1.3-liter turbo engine, Trailblazer will deliver up to 155 horsepower. Both engines are mated with a standard continuously variable transmission with selectable stop/start capability. A nine-speed automatic transmission also is available on models equipped with the 1.3-liter engine and all-wheel drive.
Trailblazer is available with Chevy’s selectable AWD, also found in the Blazer and Traverse. Selectable AWD allows drivers to decide whether to activate their AWD system in off-road or inclement weather situations, or to deactivate when AWD performance is not required, to achieve improved fuel economy.
ACTIV trim Trailblazers feature a new interpretation of the signature dual-port grille, with a larger opening for a more rugged look. The RS trim features a performance-inspired mesh grille with black Chevy bowtie and unique front splitter elements to define its sporty demeanor.
Inside, the Trailblazer features a driver-focused, dual-cockpit interior design with an integrated center stack. High-quality finishes and stitching are customized to allow for different appearances at each trim level. The center console provides several storage options with up to 3.5 liters of open storage and 4.4 liters of storage under the armrest, as well as dual cupholders.
All Trailblazers come with a comprehensive list of standard active safety and driver assistance features, including:
- Forward collision alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Front pedestrian braking
- IntelliBeam headlamps
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- Rear vision camera
- Teen driver
- Rear seat reminder
- OnStar
Additional optional active safety and driver assistance features include:
- Camera-based adaptive cruise control
- Rear park assist
- Lane change alert with side blind zone alert
- Rear cross traffic alert
- HD rear vision camera
- ACTIV tuned for off-road use
Trailblazer also will feature Chevy’s latest infotainment system, providing the ability to use two Bluetooth-paired phones concurrently, which enables passengers in the vehicle to use their cellphones hands-free or the driver to use multiple phones hands-free.
The audio system has available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and available SiriusXM with 360L, which delivers both a satellite and streaming listening. This system learns customer preferences and shares recommendations based on listening habits.
SiriusXM with 360L experience with more SiriusXM channels than ever before in the vehicle, plus the ability to make on-demand programming choices.
