The Reimagined 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Is Better Than The Sum Of Its Parts
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- Опубліковано 16 лис 2020
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The Trailblazer nameplate used to ride on a mid-sized truck based SUV. Chevrolet has brought it back as a compact crossover that rides on the same architecture as Buick’s Encore GX. Blasphemy? Maybe not. Even without truck toughness, this pint-sized sport ute will appeal to buyers wanting a capable machine that can comfortably get them to the trailhead. And it’ll do it with plucky style. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped all-wheel drive Activ model.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe. - Авто та транспорт
Heartwarming to film this for the viewer who wrote to you about growing up there.
thumbs up for evil twin opening sketch! thx Tom
A turbo 3-cylinder and CVT in a Korean-built Chev: what an age we live in!
Best car reviews and besides that you can also see your old neighborhood!! Nice of you Tom!
Seltos/Soul is the answer in this class, but I like this little thing. I always thought the old Trailblazer was a heap, so I don’t really mind them sacrificing the name.
Ok, first of all the HR-V is the answer in this class. And second, even tho the old trailblazer had a truly terrible interior, this new one is bad too. It’s really small and super slow
@@e70_x5_guy4 actually u are both wrong. The Mazda Cx30 is the gold standard of this class. I just bought a new Trailblazer and it's very quick. By far the best vehicle I've owned so far. I would have bought the Mazda but it had less cargo space and room.
@@davidroehr1672 ok, the CX30 is pretty nice
@@e70_x5_guy4 it's far from small...and not even close to being slow....I have no idea what your basing that on.
@@johnscialfa7391 it is slow! 0 to 60 in over 9 seconds, 3 cylinder engine, 1.2L engine as standard, 1.3L engine is optional and neither have more then 160 horsepower even
Great review, the scenery was very beautiful as well. What a nice gesture to a family. Thanks for sharing.
A tiny 1.3L 3-cylinder engine with turbo charge on an SUV...lots of stress, wears fast, bad for long term reliability
Yup! Exactly. They are hoping you'll buy another one when this sorry example gets trashed in no time.
@@johng.4959 Yup Rip OFF!!
I mean the 1.4 is weak in the Trax!
Especially when it doesn’t seem to return any fuel economy benefit
@@BrianWood74 the Ecotec 1.4l takes a ecu tune so easily and is good for almost 200 hp and 240 trq. This with DI should be just as well.
That ending was so sweet it shook my world
Killer car and review!! Love the channel. And seriously, they really have something going on with TB, awesome little car!
Excellent job, as always. Very sweet of you to take a stroll around that viewer's old neighborhood. Brownie points to you. As far as the Trailblazer goes, that thing ain't half bad. I'm still getting used to the divorced headlight scheme that's been brewing among the carmakers, but it's not awful. The general complaint aesthetically has been the dinky antenna in the back, and I agree they should have opted for a shark-fin antenna. But other than that, good job , GM.
I'd never buy a non-Corvette Chevy. But I still like watching Tom's reviews.
One of the best seller in the segment for 2020!
Let Me Start this Again Another solid review as always Tom Your Evil Twin is My Idol! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Thanks for using Meguiar's.
Your reviews are better than just half bad. They are great.
Love the evil twin. As always great review.
Great review as always Tom! I was ironically driving the other day behind a Blazer and was unfortunately thinking the Trailblazer & Blazer are missed opportunities for the nameplate return considering the Bronco has been resurrected. Looks nice but I think Chevy could really use a crawler vehicle like the Bronco considering they have the architecture in trucks and historically have in the old Blazers. There’s already the Trax & Equinox so seems the Trailblazer was unnecessary.
I can see Trax going away in a year or two.
agreed...your neighborhood is so pretty
That’s a great looking vehicle! Well done Chevy.
Hey Tom once again a solid review, Your Evi
L
Tom, great job as usual! As for this Chevy....meh 🥱
That's such an awesome thing to do for the viewer - memories!
I kind of needed to have some good happen. Also, turned out to be the guys birthday.
@@DrivenCarReviews I know him and yep, it made his day which is wonderful. Great guy :)
Steve, at 3:08. Wow, excellent camera work capturing the stunning backdrop.
Last shot of the day. And who is Steve?
GM finally gives you the option to disable auto stop-start on a vehicle that actually uses it well. 😐
Historically, GM's auto stop has been some of the best I've experienced.
The New SubCompact CUV’s across the board are pretty compelling , minus anything Nissan w a CVT
Wayyyyy too expensive!! That crap shouldn't be more than 24k
You can get one for $24K.
This is much better than CH-R. Did you TFL drive a CH-R up a incline? It couldn't make to the incline base at elevation.
You mentioned "Frostbite Falls"! From Jay Ward's "Rocky and Bullwinkle"! Tom Voelk, your reviews are completely well-judged, -balanced, -written, and -photographed. I watch every minute, true.
Got to love Bullwinkle. I feel like Frostbite Falls was referring to northern Minnesota where I grew up.
I gave you a like just for the intro!
I live in Northern Ireland and watch all your videos. I'd love you to visit my neighbourhood.
I would REALLY love to do that. Maybe in six months if Americans are allowed in.
V6 300 bhp = sold!
Keep going sir
Evil Twin eating a Costco Chicken Bake.
Technically the Trailblazer brand first appeared in the S-10 Blazer as an appearance package from 1999 - 2002.
I liked this car until you said $34k. Cars just cost too much new. I think cars are the reason so many people are broke. $34k at 60 months no interest is $566 a month. I know you should put money down but most don't and then they finance negative equity when they trade. Tom you do great videos and I will always watch them but when I do I think, that'll be a great used car.
You have the wrong car. He said the Buick is 34k.
I literally bought this vehicle for $25k...u can easily get at least 3-4k off the price plus with chevy deals even more
These types of cars make sense at around $25k. But it really doesn’t at $32k.
GM does tend to set their MSRPs high. Even still it's insultingly overpriced. I can't help but point to sedans to show that because they're actually good values now.
@@danielr9708 Yes, you can get a midsized sedan for the same price that is larger, roomier, rides smoother, is much quieter, is much quicker and gets the same or better fuel economy! But, it doesn’t look as cool!
They should’ve named this the Chevy Tracker.. and made Trailblazer name a Wrangler & Bronco competitor and Blazer a Durango & Explorer competitor
Looks sharp, but a small engine with high pressure turbos... Plus direct injection to accelerate carbon build up...
The cherry is that CVT. Not for me.
I appreciate the review though Tom! 👍
@3:15 The Buick Encore GX has the CVT, the Trailblazer has a 9-speed.
GM has been doing DI gas engines since 2006. They don't have VW problems with carbon when you use proper oil like Dexos 2 Gen 1.
The 1.3L 3 cyl turbo engine recently won a Wards top 10 engine award!
And the CVT is actually one of the best behaved ones on the market. Apparently you haven’t driven one yet.
@@jamies.9290 Correction… all FWD versions get the CVT and all AWD versions get the 9-spd transmission.
@@mark8684 Glad to hear it’s a well behaved and competitive powerful engine in that 2 month test by Wards Auto. I don’t have the luxury of owning several vehicles, but I am a GM 2018 Cruze owner.
Despite changing my oil every 4-5 thousand miles by the recommended manufacturer manual still has occasional misfires already with only 35k miles… Wanted to support an American brand, but I’m done with GM and will look at Toyota or Hyundai for my next car. Maybe it’s well made, but I took my chance with GM and am not confident with my own Chevy long term. Good luck to you.
Evil Twin should eat MORE SLOWLY, Tom!
The Smartphone slot is an innovative feature. Not bad at all!
They definitely should use a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (L.A.S.E.R.) for the kick to open tailgate target.
Which car maker will be the first to offer that option?
The power plug in the back is simply a GREAT feature! I'm wondering why it's so rare in the back of conventional cars. Any clue?
Your G/Y/Red light is an excellent sum up of this test! (as always!).
Stay safe.
"If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 MPG." - Bill Gates.
Do the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport!!!
The rear floor is completely flat on the FWD model. FWD with the 1.3L engine also gets 3 mpg better than the AWD version, and is quicker since it weighs nearly 200 lbs less!
So, unless you absolutely have to have AWD, I recommend the FWD version and you’ll save money to boot!
Hi Tom can you review the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? Thanks!! 😊😊
Tom a lot of people trashing the 1.3 reliability... but I took it for a test spin and I absolutely loved it... Am I crazy or are they missing something. Im thinking about purchasing one this week... My son's a car geek and says this is an excellent vehicle... What do you think?
Honestly, that's off my radar screen. I'd heard of some issues with the 1.5L a number of years back but not this one. What are you hearing? And remember, it's the internet...
John, I'm sold EXCEPT for the view out of the back while backing up from between 2 cars: can't see anything in the rear quarter windows....because there aren't any!
@@ofcbob6391 I use the side mirrors and back up camera.. didn't notice that...I ended up buying the Lt..trim,1.3l...fwd..on Wednesday..love it.great ride.
Cars like these would be found on a rental lot or on the stage of the Price Is Right. :)
Price is Right only gives away Corolla's and Korean cars. With a few CH-R's and HR-V's. Plus the 4x2 Tacoma is a CA favorite! We have it on at work that is why I know.
@@normt430 This car is made in South Korea. Watching because my brother is looking to purchase. Has an hhr now and needs a vehicle that has plenty of storage. Flat front seat may be difference maker. His hhr has over 175k. Bought used with 60k.
@@ripvanrevs we had a 2013 Buick Encore(Chevy Trax) that was made in S. Korea and was a very good vehicle. I have since many that have gone over 150,000 miles on autotrader for sale. Looks like they are holding up well with mileage.
Join Trailbalzer Facebook page or forums to follow details on their owners(Same as Buick Encore GX).
Great review, but just heard that Chevrolet South Korea is having union problems with 'rotating strikes', and is threatening Chevrolet South Korea with a 'pull-out' from the country, if these rotating strikes continue, that's Heavy Kaka for GM period!
Hi Tom, A decade ago there were lots of smaller CUVs, hatches and wagons with a fold-flat front passenger seat. This is an incredibly useful feature a couple of times every year when you need to bring home some 2X4s or transport a ladder. These seats should be mandatory in any vehicle with a fifth door yet they have nearly disappeared, what happened?
A decade ago? I don't remember that many with the feature. Fit and a couple Volvos I owned did it.
@@DrivenCarReviews As far as I recall, the PT Cruiser was the first and I believe the Dodge Caliber was next. The Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe both had this as a standard feature in Generation 1 though it became an option with their redesign in 2009.
@@rightlanehog3151 Yes, also my 2004 Saturn Vue had this feature. Eliminated by the auto bean counters!
Thanks Tom for another great review but I've never owned a Chevy and probably never will, too many good Japanese and now Korean cars that are much more reliable.
Beautifull car👌
I have no experience with 4 wheel vehicles powered by small displacement 3 cylinder engines. But I have considerable experience with such engines in motorcycles, specifically several Triumph "triples." So before dismissing the configuration out of hand, it's worth keeping a few points in mind.
A 3 cylinder powerplant is a compromise between more common 2 cylinder bikes epitomized by Harley Davidson and 4 cylinder machines common among Japanese brands. For a given overall displacement a twin cylinder powerplant typically provides greater torque, especially low end torque, than a 4 banger as a result of the greater displacement of individual cylinders. On the other hand, the smaller displacement of individual cylinders in a quad cylinder engine has a higher top end with greater overall HP. Japanese four bangers are typically considerably quicker than twins but as Harley fans will point out a twin counters with a broader and more satisfying toque curve that's felt in acceleration. A "triple" splits the difference, providing broader torque than a 4 banger and typically a higher redline than a twin.
This is a gross simplification of the costs and benefits of triples vs 2 and 4 cylinder designs such as the challenge of controlling vibration in a four cycle engine with three cylinders. It does, however, suggest that GM engineers aren't necessarily crazy or simply driven by cost savings in the Trailblazer's 3 cylinder engine. The 155 HP and especially the 174 ft lbs of torque (at 1600 rpm) from a 1.3L engine is impressive.
I have a long standing grudge against GM for what they did to my beloved Saab brand. But I have to admit that the Trailblazer surprised me in terms of its bells and whistles (especially the fold down front passenger seat). Knock about $3000-$4000 off the fully loaded top trim to put it in the mid to high $20K territory and it's an intriguing suburban grocery getter.
Great review as always. Cool cuv but there are way better options available.
I completely agree
With better warranties too.
not really...there really isn't any subcompact SUVs that stand out. They all are pretty lacking in some areas. For the amount of cargo space and room there isn't many that can beat the Trailblazer. Even the Mazda Cx30 which is said to be the #1 ranked subcompact SUV is lacking in space.
Love the neighborhood...the suv not so much
Built in South Korea; does that mean this is a Daewoo?
You mean GM Korea?
It would be in other markets, but they kill that brand.
This car similiar to KIA sonet
Absolutely
Your review of that Trailblazer is excellent but I own a real Trailblazer that Trailblazer sucks compared to my old Trailblazer the 2002 four-wheel drive 4.2 Vortec Atlas inline 6
Credit where due, the gains US cars have made in the last 10 years is incredible- especially with interior quality. Can’t say I love the exterior look but inside was nice and it seems like a fair price. Really don’t understand the CVT, please leave that terrible ‘innovation’ in the Asian market which must love it going by the buy-in from their brands. At least there is a real transmission option, good to hear the 3 cylinder is smooth as they have a bad habit of being buzzy
This is more of a question. I have two RAV4 (2016 and 2019). Why hasn’t Toyota put a turbo engine in this class? I’m assuming the plug-in hybrid is a way to get more power using the same engine.
Toyota does not like turbo technology at all. Other than hybrids, it is extremely conservative when it comes to its powertrains, leaning on engines that have been around a long time and incrementally updated. It also doesn't like BEVs, claiming there are more benefits to using the battery supply in hybrids (or developing hydrogen).
Tom..I have to admit I was a fan of the old “Car Talk” radio show that was on for years. Ray had suggested looking at the RAV4 as a really reliable vehicle.
9:07 was that a Pontiac reference?
Might be...
Brookstone..:)
Trade his Highlander for a Chevy? Really! He needs to talk to my daughter about her
"Trailblazer".
I like everything Im hearing & seeing about this vehicle - except the price. A bit too expensive.
Bet you $10 you'll get $5K off the price just walking into a dealership. It's the GM way.
On any of the car for sale websites that dealership advertise you will find some very good deals by region.
Call me crazy but this reminds me of the Hyundai Venue (Canadian name). Tom, thoughts?
Okay, you're crazy. This feels much more substantial than Venue.
@@DrivenCarReviews To get a feel for how unsubstantial the Venue is, how does Venue feel compared to the 1st generation Soul?
For the same price you could buy an Outback that would have a better resale value should you ever decide to sell, and probably better reliability.
Subaru boxer engines and CVT transmission are relibale?
@@normt430 If you believe Consumer Reports.
@@acemacgruber6593 CR ranks Subaru very high. Much higher than they should be today.
@@normt430 According to Norm.
@@acemacgruber6593 plenty of sources have addressed Subaru recalls js high as a percentage of U.S. sales. And the recalls weigh in on profits it makes the news. Google it!
This car gets okay reviews. But the 1.2l with cvt has zero interest for me. Because of budget, that removes this from the shopping list. If they offered a manual with the 1.2l I might shop it, The CVT out of warranty is a no go for me. Even though when my brain is turned on this is a no go, I have to say this is a cool package that I am drawn to. If I wanted to lease, I would look at it. I think it will sell well.
it's currently the best selling subcompact SUV right now. I just bought one and I cant even tell it's a 3 cylinder. It drives better than the 4 cylinder SUVs I've owned. The majority of the vehicles Ive owned had a CVT in them and I never had a problem with them
I think these latest 3 cylinders are a bit of a gimmick IMHO. Especially asking near 30K for such a small engine that is always working harder than a four cylinder.
Probably not a gimmick. Most Ford Bronco Sports will use that engine.
The price point is too high. You really have to get the the top trim to appreciate this car. Imports do better with lower trim amenities, fit and finish. Not to mention they are cheaper. It’s the same with most GM vehicles. I don’t mind a fully loaded Malibu but an LT just seems bargain basement compared to a Camry SE.
To quote Life of Brian: "Here now, don't you wanna haggle?"
I paid 25k for mine...the only thing it didnt have was the panoramic sunroof which I dont really need. Plus there are some pretty good deals that take an additional $1500 off on top of getting another 2-3K off just by haggling
The Trailblazer IS an import. It’s made by GM South Korea.
I agree with you regarding the Malibu; truly cheap and stark unless you move up to the top trim and not competitive with Kia, Hyundai or Toyota.
I'm a little bit disappointed with GM anytime you make a successor you make it better than the last not worse or mediocre
Damn, who needs THAT much toilet paper???
Is that a Venue or a Seltos? :-)
Venue is really disappointing but Trailblazer is nicely done, good job Chevrolet
It's a Hyundai with an American name
3 cyclinder! Really! So why does it cost more than one with more cylinder? Bad experience with this 3 cyclinder lawnmower engine
How is this a Hyundai?
You can't see it? Really!
@@DrivenCarReviews built by gm Korea everything made in korea so if you can't see the resemblance between the cuv you need glasses
Much rather have a Bronco Sport
Not a word about available power trains. Why doesn't anyone care about engines, transmissions, and axle ratios anymore?
Can live without the heated steering wheel, but no rear seat vents.....Boo!
Both this Encorr GX are a miss without rear seat venting!
just what we don't need another cross over that some foolish person will drive off road. And get stuck.
It's remarkable how GM can make a mid priced car look cheap. This thing whispers, "Hey you... we just barely gave a sh** about this car". If GM doesn't care, why should any of us?
$34K. Ha! Great review, though.
$32K actually. And chances are a steep GM discount. It's the way The General does it.
FWIW, I've been a subscriber for a long time, but I've stopped getting email notifications, sadly.
I'm going to sue. Or you could just check every Tuesday.
Yep..close a plant in Ohio..move production overseas..sell the U.S. plant to a Japanese glass manufacturer..put people out of,work...produce a vehicle that does not compare to the the original..the American way..screw GM
I would consider Ford Escape instead if I were to buy a US brand SUV (which is very unlikely) unless Chevy offers big discount on it.
no surprises. GM gave up on domestic small cars after the Vega.
I’m happy with my 2018 Lordstown, Ohio built Chevy Cruze, but then GM got rid of the plant. We’ll see how long my Cruze holds up, but it’s my last GM.
It's all about that money, unfortunately.
@@BarcelonaBlitzer My daughter's 2016 Cruze's transmission died at 90000 miles. Mechanic told me they are notorious for that. Must have been all those highway miles. Pure garbage.
"Shifts are nice and crisp" - the whole point of CVT is to make a smooth shift-less experience while keeping the engine at optimal RPMs. I don't get why one would want to feel "crisp shifts"?
LeadHammer- He was referring to the 9 speed auto in this vehicle while comparing the CVT found with the different engine that was in the Buick he drove.
CVT = garbage
Because sloppy shifts are not as satisfying.
620 $ dollars packaged.. GM meeting..610 is too Cheap ,other GM meeting , Don't be silly 630 is Way to high..620 it is..
It's a Chevy, so I assume it does not have a suite of active safety equipment like ALL of it's Asian competitors. Your twin was probably hangry. You a should know not to interrupt yourself when eating.
The exterior of this car is confusing and horrible at the same time.
A person usually only buys one car at a time. Why is GM wasting a sale making this very mediocre car? Probably also losing some customers, the one who buys this and all the people he/she will badmouth GM .
Great review as always. Too bad Chevy forgot the motor. I hope it does better than my daughter's 2016 Chevy Cruze's transmission that konked out at 90000 miles. Chevy= junk. Will fall apart and cost $$$
Hmmm I don’t like how they used such a prestigious name for a small crossover...
Wow, a 1.3 liter 3 cylinder engine in USA car !!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbeliveable, since gasoline in the USA is very cheap I thought Americans would drive 6.2 V8 gasoline swallowers for the next 100 years, because let’s be realistic Tesla is still a car for Hollywood posers.
Escape hybrid for basically the same money blows this away in every conceivable way.
Comparably equipped the Ford would be over $6K more expensive when it comes to MSRP.
LOL
Hilarious
Who actually buys these things?
Obviously a lot of people. This is the best selling subcompact SUV right now and for good reason. I just bought one and it's prob the best vehicle I've ever owned so far. People love to hate on it even though they have never driven or owned one
All this boutique bs why only 100k subs 😂😂😂😂😆😆. If you stop wining about money I think ppl subs more
The new Ford Bronco Sport is a lot better than this one lol!
This vehicle is crap smh!
One of the best sellers in the segment for 2020.
@@normt430 what that suppose to mean alot of people buying crappy cars🤔
@@chikidd24 as Tom mentions this is not a bad choice. Usually the Buick is better than the Chevy at least it was with Encore/Trax. Maybe GM improved the Trailblazer since there are so many other choices in this segment with 2WD and AWD.
@@normt430 🗣crappp!
@@chikidd24 someone likes and GM is selling a ton of them. I would normally go for the Buick version as we had a 2-year lease on the Encore back in 2013. But would have to compare for myself if what Tom says about the Chevy being a better deal is true.
There is a reason the Trax and Encore sell the most in their respective segment...
Overpriced!
So much plastic. Pure junk.
Getting famous off of comments day 174, so I can live the dream, live life to the fullest🤙
I am giving you 4 likes through my accounts as well as my parents'. Hopefully it helps
Hey it’s this guy
This is a disgusting car any way you look at it. No one in America should purchase this vehicle, it will have reliability problems and its name is a travesty. The worst vehicle in America candidate right here.
Hahaha sorry to let you know but its the car that spends the least time in the dealer lot right now
@@reynaldomancillas6285 yeah probably the most reliable car with the Chevrolet name on it. made in Korea.
@@toronado455 who said anything about reliable, im just saying that it's the car that spends the least time in lots IN AMERICA
The single seat second row fold down should 100% be aligned with the front passenger seat, so you can line up both without wasting the middle seat
I'm told it's because it's easier to fit something like a short kayak in, which is too wide to fit in the figuration you mention.
@@DrivenCarReviews that's interesting. I guess a 40/20/40 would solve both!