We have a 2021 Trailblazer RS and we love it. The gas mileage is actually well over 30mpg and it’s very comfortable. We drove it from Indiana to Colorado and back on vacation and it did amazing. Plenty of storage space and great to zip around in. No complaints here!
Is yours front wheel drive or all wheel? I’m honestly surprised at how poor the gas mileage is for a 3 cylinder turbo. My 2019 AWD Nissan Rogue has a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine, no turbo, and I easily get 26-27 MPG mixed, and I don’t baby it. When I used to baby it when it was new, I was getting ~30-32 MPG, mixed. Acceleration is excellent up to 80ish mph as well, with the benefit of no turbo lag. Granted the Nissan isn’t full time AWD, it only engages the AWD below about 30 mph, which is really the only time its beneficial (off the line).
@@berto1014 it’s FWD all the time with push button AWD. I really like that option so it’s not AWD all the time. And that helps the mileage. With it getting over 30MPG it’s still really good. The 3 cylinder actually has a ton of torque from a stop.
@@dakotagoldwood6385 I appreciate the response. I had a Buick Encore while my truck was in the shop earlier this year and I'm not sure if it was a 3 or 4 cylinder but it definitely had a turbo. Off the line it was sluggish until the turbo spooled at about 3k rpms after which the thing took off like a bat out of hell. I was pretty surprised at how lively it became. It even squeaked the tires when it shifted lol.
@@berto1014 If you had the original Encore, it was a 1.4L 4 cylinder turbo with a 6-sp auto. I actually drove one when my Encore GX, which is the cousin of the Trailblazer, was getting the liftgate fixed. I didn't like the original Encore's powertrain. That said, I haven't driven the 2022 Encore with the upgraded 1.4L that puts out similar hp and torque to the 1.3L in the GX, though it bears mentioning that this is the last year for the original Encore. I really like the GX with the 1.3L and the CVT. I think GM learned from their past mistakes and the mistakes of others when designing the CVT in the FWD GX/Trailblazer.
I am one of those who think the trailblazer should be on a should be on a Colorado platform. Had they done that and built a tough looking ZR2 version with lockers, I would be sold
Gm is ran by women what do u expect had it been ran by man the company would b doing better then Toyota. Let's be real Toyota 4 runner is the only suv out there everything else is junk I used to b a Chevy fan but lately they suck 06 was the last good year for gm
I drive mine exclusively in front wheel drive and across 15,000 miles so far average 34.8 MPG with my highest being 41.2 MPG on at 36 mile trip. I absolutely adore this crossover and would highly recommend it
@lenacheney yes! Favorite car to date. Took it on a trip 6 months ago (now at 40,000 miles) and his a really steep windy mountain road and really got to use sports mode for the first time (it's fun but really not usually needed) and it handled great. I really love this crossover!
I’ve been driving a “21 LT as a rental for the last 3 weeks, and I’m loving it. The transmission shifts smooth almost imperceptible and 1.3t has plenty of power around town. I just need a bit more room behind the second row.
The "Blazer" should have been their answer to the wrangler/4runner/bronco. 2 and 4 door variants with the ZR2's suspension, lockers and 10 speed trans. Way to drop the ball GM👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That’s an extremely risky bet for GM though, a large portion of American consumers have moved towards compact SUV’s that are fuel efficient. And now EV’s will be the norm soon, which they’re focusing on. There’s likely no long term money in competing with the Bronco. I know, none of this is any fun
I have the 2021 Trailblazer RS. I'll be honest with you, I was skeptical at first. But that 9 speed trans on the AWD makes the world of difference. That is where GM put all of the technology. You don't need a high end power engine when you have the torque converted transmission. The power is there where you need it at all times. I like it more and more everytime I use it. My MPG has been averaging 30 to 33 MPG.
I think they need to splurge on the midcycle facelift and give it rear quarter windows in place of the "floating" roof. Also, a much lighter-colored headliner. There may be enough room in there but it sure seems like a dark cavern.
Be a great little grocery getter. It's nice that it's slightly larger than the Trax/Encore. But I do wonder if those little engines will hold up long term. I know their more powerful than the 4cyl they replace, but that seems like a lot of demand over the life of the vehicle. I wonder how hard fuel economy numbers would be hit when comparing daily commute (1 or 2 people only) vs loaded for a family roadtrip. (Wife, kids, dog, luggage) but do the test with everything physically in the car no external add ons. Like a weekend trip to tourist trap, amusement park. Bet once loaded and that little mill is revving and under constant boost it will be really thirsty. I think we're downsizing engines a little too much.
GM likely keeps the Trax around because it consistently sells over 100k units per year, except for this year which sales oddly seem to have fallen off a cliff with only around 40k units sold, maybe due to the chip shortage.
Happy to see this rare review of the Trailblazer, a vehicle that with 48,000 sales in the first 9 months of 2021 ranks 4th (!) in sales among 20 subcompact crossovers. (The Buick version of the Trailblazer, the Encore GX, is 5th.) I don't know about others but I'm shocked that only the Honda HR-V, Subaru CrossTrek, and Hyundai Kona have had more sales in 2021. The little Chevy outsold the Mazda CX-30 in the first 9months of the year by 14,000 units and the KIA Seltos by nearly 17,000. And in the third quarter the Trailblazer ranked #1 in the subcompact category. Some of the Trailblazer's success may be due to fleet sales but even if that's the case, the Chevy is undeniably appealing to consumers. Who woulda thought it? Not me. Some will be skeptical about the tiny 1.3L 3 cylinder engine available in the Trailblazer (and the Encore GX). The sales leaders in the category all have 4 cylinder engines that range in displacement from 1.6L (Kona) to 2.5L (Crosstrek). But the story is more complicated than total displacement. In the world of motorcycles, for example, "twins" from Harley Davidson and others and "triples" from Triumph often provide greater low and midrange power than 4 cylinder bikes with equivalent or greater overall displacement. That's simply because individual cylinder displacement produces greater power. At top end rpms 4 cylinder bikes (typically from Japanese manufacturers) have a decided advantage but as HD sales have demonstrated for years, many riders prefer the experience provided by Harley twins. I haven't driven the Trailblazer or Encore GX but I suspect that much the same phenomenon is true for their 3 cylinder engines. Reviewers of the two vehicles frequently temper their criticism of overall 0-60 acceleration, for example, by noting that the vehicles are surprisingly "peppy" in normal driving. That's likely because peak torque (of 174 lb/ft) is virtually equal to the Crosstrek (175 lb/ft) but comes at only 1550 RPM compared to the Subaru's 4400 RPM. So why don't other automakers offer 3 cylinder turbo engines? It's less complicated to limit vibration in a 4 cycle engine when each crankshaft revolution includes a power stroke from one of the cylinders. Counterbalancing a 3 (or 6 cylinder) engine to counter vibration and make for a smoother operation complicates engineering. But reports suggest that GM engineers have dealt with that issue reasonably well.
I actually like this little TrailBlazer, however, it would be hard to ignore the competition or other vehicles in the same price range. You could get a nice Ford Maverick, Bronco Sport, Escape, Subaru CrossTrek, Impreza, Forester, Outback, Kia Seltos, Sportage, Hyundai equivalents to the Kia, and let not forget VW Tiguan, Taos, and then we still have Honda and Toyota and likely others I've forgotten. This segment is absolutely massive, especially if you open it up to the range of $20-30k and look at everything in-between such as wagons.
Forgot to mention the only thing GM has over the other manufacturer is the insane rebates they have or at least used to have and imagine the rebates will be back once the market settles. I've seen some used GM coming from local car rental lots in excellent shape with less than 20k miles for dirt cheap.
i really like this car a lot. Stylish , great price , small but has good space and gets good mpg. Its perfect for NYC where it could get some snow in the winter and can also parallel park easier then a regular sedan
I own a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer EXT LS and trust me I would never get rid of it. I like that Blazer my Trailblazer EXT LS is 7 passenger capacity with room for cargo 10000 lb towing capacity with the 5.3 L V8 engine Vortec naturally aspirated I can go from two-wheel drive 4 wheel drive all-wheel drive and I have a lot of real estate in the engine compartment to enhance the performance and here's the best part I can run E85 biofuel because General Motors at the Oklahoma plant made a goof and put a Silverado flex fuel engine in my Trailblazer and I'm not giving it back because it's bought and paid for in cash and with active fuel management 21 in the city 37 on the highway
Thanks for the review, I am looking to purchase a new car and I am leaning towards the Trailblazer and the Subaru Crosstrek but what I am wondering about the Trailblazer is how will these small 3 cylinder engines work over time even with regular maintenance?
I have a 2023 Trailblazer LS but I got the 1.3 and AWD and I’m shocked by how much I love this vehicle! Amazing quality at a wonderful price point! Got mine for 25,800, but for anyone debating on this car please go test drive it! I was weary my self about the size of the engine but she is more than capable and will surprise you! It won’t blow you away with the speed but she has plenty of power to do any task you need! I can’t say enough good things about this car!
Are you sure it's a LS model, & not a LT? The LS is the base model, & is only suppose to come in FWD, & with the 1.2 engine; I just bought one, That's how I know, But I do agree with you on everything you said about this vehicle
@@ACF6180T yep LS base model basic rims, smaller entertainment system, has an actual ignition no push to start. They are hard to come by but they are out there!
@@Monkey_LeeVR I agree with You , But I've seen a few that are; Or were equipped with the 1.3, & AWD in the 1st year models when they offered the L model as the base model, & the LS was the next model up on 2019. But this one same model LS came with it in 2023 models according this customer.
I had a 1994 K5 Blazer, black with 2 doors. When it went past 100,000 miles it was always a question of what would break next, the thing smelled like a wet dog when it rain b/c of a bad seal somewhere in the back, but I still find myself tempted to find another old used one a few times every year. It towed/hauled, handled every crazy situation that Oklahoma weather and terrain could throw at it, went out and back to the east coast, I discovered you could creatively fit 21 people in it, and shrugged off a hit to the right rear quarter panel that wrecked the front of a Dodge Neon while only requiring some hammer work to repair the Blazer. I loved my K5, and passionately hate what Chevy has done with the name!
I've had a '21 black & white RS since April of this year. Very happy with it. Great Korean build quality, IIHS top pick, plenty of room. I note in the video that most of the '22s have the downgraded center driver display, mine has the full color which is way better. Power is certainly enough. The CVT works flawlessly, I note the comment below about someone who had the 9-speed and had issues. The car looks great and I get many compliments. Only complaint is the horn; it sounds as if it came from the parts bin at Lordstown when they put them in Pontiac Sunbirds.
If you don’t have to have AWD, the Kia Soul GT Turbo was superior in most every way for the same price as the FWD RS Trailblazer. 50 more HP, DCT vs CVT, 10” widescreen display, heated steering wheel, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control, 10 year powertrain warranty. Trailblazer only had a bigger sunroof and power liftgate.
Funny thing, you can only get the RS or Activ trims in AWD with the "bigger" engine and 9 speed auto (well, in Canada). And yes, while the Soul does offer more content... I personally can't stand the whole Storm-trooper helmet on wheels look it has, and the interior is also a bit too busy for my liking. So yes, I'd be in the market for the TrailBlazer, but the KIA Seltos offers a lot too for similar money....
Yes, you dont have to run premium fuel but you certainly should on any turbo motor… once you see how much better it runs on 93 you’ll probably want to stick with it. Ayltleast that is the experience with my trax…
Strike One: Boosted 3 cylinder...Strike Two: CVT Trans...Strike Three: It's a small/mid size GM SUV crap bomb black hole dollar eating demon from Hell...See Car Wizard's "Don't buy this"
I think I would feel comfortable with this I I bought the Chevy extended warranty program. I'm still hesitant about turbo charged engines. IF you warm them up and IF you half the service intervals, and IF average trip distance is more than 15 miles, I think they are probably reliable - but standard non-turbo engines are still much better proven and less stressed by all that power coming out of a small displacement engine with limitations on cooling (you can only flow so much coolant).
Okay.. but wait until you see the tuebo performance. These get peak torque at just 1600 rpm and they pull hills like a v8 not having to downshift very often.. i would be far more worried about these crazy cvt and 9 speed transmissions than the motor.. i think they should have just stuck with the 6 speeds… thats plenty fine for a little car… turbo is the right direction, you realize it when you see how nice and smooth these drive.. as long as gm doesn’t have that cracking piston issue again., hopefully they made double sure not too.. they are getting so much power out of these little motors, if they had any concern for reliability i wouldnt mind if they tuned them down juat a bit. Also, you defitinly want to run preminum in these turbo cars.. they run so much better
Your Turbo concerns are legitimate. If the Turbo is Intercooled then it has no problem with short range drives and the repeated heat cycles. Heat soaks - the temporary heat rise and fall once an engine (any engine) is shut down is a concern for reliability. I have to check because I have no idea - but i hope that Chevy did intercom the turbo. If not it won't last long past 100k miles.
As a technician by trade I cannot imagine of 1.3 L turbo lasting more than 150,000 miles. A motor that size Has to be continuously under pressure and overworked. I could be wrong but history has shown me not to me.
My 24 trailblazer Ls, fwd, with a 1.3l motor is getting an average of 42, mpg on my work commute, with a top of 43.7 mpg. With a monthly payment of $330. I couldn’t care less how quick it is. I have a drag strip car for that.
I like the Trailblazer Activ, and it's pretty capable for what it is, but Chevy had the right idea when they showed off the Trax Activ a few years back at Sema. Too bad they didn't take that route.
IMO, the trax doesn't have a reason to exist anymore when there's this. Dear GM, please rename this the Trax and discontinue the actual trax. Same with the Encore and Encore GX.
You have a point. I think they will both eventually be dropped. Especially since it's priced the same. But it could also seal sales from the equinox/envision being a in between size and substantially more affordable. I was considering the Encore GX to replace my wife Encore. But we decided to buy out the lease instead. The buyout deal was just too good to pass up.
@@craigquann the encore is also a muchhhh better car than the encore gx. the 2.0 engine in the encore will also last a lot longer too! you made the right choice
I got the LT awd version, wouldve liked the rs package but the dealership that gave me the best deal on my camaro didnt have an RS package on their lot. They had a lower LS version and an activ, but the activ was in a nasty neon mustard color hahaha. I went with the LT awd, it will be a great family car
As a GM guy, the Trailblazer is shamefully bad. I look forward to the new 2022 Silverado and what happens to the Colorado ZR2 and Canyon. While Ford compares the Bronco to Jeeps, GM can compare the Trailblazer to a Toyota C-HR.
The original Chevy TrailBlazer is also very easy to park with its tight turning circle. It also has twice as many cylinders. But not very good gas mileage. I like the older one better.
WHAT CAN YOU TOW WITH IT! NOW EVERYONE IS FORCED TO BUY A 90,000.00 DOLLAR TRUCK TO PULL YOUR JET SKI!!! IT'S A GREAT MARKETING TRICK ON YOUR CONSUMERS!!!!
Nice review, good vehicle, but I think I'll keep my old trailblazer, I enjoy its body on frame design, limited slip g80 rear end and four low to get you out of those sticky situations.
@@marki61422 my 04 gmc envoy doesn't have a bit of rust. (southern) . Just replaced headlight housings, $99 for the pair, should be good for another 20 years. :)
I have a 2022 I bought when i traded in my lemon of a bolt. I love it, the only thing I really hate about it is the auto shutoff feature, I think GM should design it that you can permanently turn off that feature. Otherwise I great mileage out of it, better than my Bolt I had.
@@hernan2838 you can turn it off in the trailblazer, but, if i'm not mistaken, it turns back on the next time you start the vehicle. it's just a button on the center console.
If GM wanted to make the smarter decision they should have brought back the Colorado based Trailblazer instead of another crossover. This should have been the redesigned trax.
In the US the Trailblazer was never based off the Colorado. Actually the first generation Trailblazer was before the first generation Colorado by a year and aside from later on both offering a 5.3 V8 they did not share drivetrains either. Interior was different as well.
I have a S-10 4X4, 4 door Blazer, automatic tranny. It would have ben great but they put a 1 inch thick radiator. With AC , auto-tranny radiator does not have a chance once over 105 deg f out. trying hills , towing or other things a SUV would do is out the window. It had prefect layout. CHECK before you buy. CHEVY should have recalld and put bigger one in. Living everywhere cooler would not have matter.
I'm still confused why Chevy designed this as such? When I think Trailblazer I think of the original. It should be a big version of the Blazer. This vehicle has a identity crises. Not sure what GM is thinking on how they have been designing their current vehicles.
Engine and transmission is big oof. Should have at least a 2L 4 cylinder with a turbo and a 8 speed on all trims, would have much better power and probably better efficiency and wouldn't add much weight. I don't understand this obsession with tiny 3 cylinder engines
I would bet that leas than 15% of daily driver car owners could really care less if their car can go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds and can beat other cars off the line. And Id also bet probably less than 25% of daily drivers are worried about off road capabilities. Probably majority of people want affordability, reliability, good mpg, safety, room, and styling.
I am looking for someone who can give me an answer to my question ! The Chevy Trailblazer (crossovers) is currently being built and manufactured in Incheon, South Korea, and Shanghai, China, 97% of the vehicle !! With only 3% US/Canadian product ! How is it that a vehicle can be badged with an American bowtie that has virtually "0" American labor and or product behind it ? Sadly no one will probably agree with me because there seems to be no American pride anymore 😞.
Looking at a new trailblazer active and blazer lt for the same price, saving a hard time picking. Now that time has passed which one would you recommend?
I'd stay clear from any tiny/boosted motor. 2 liter is as small as I'd dare. Things like oil dilution can be an issue. Plus with such a tiny motor it will be constantly under boost which puts too much strain for longevity. Then you have to worry about the general build and constant issues that so many GM customers have. And the way below average service they provide. This brand more then just about any other needs to be avoided like the plague. Its not the brand they used to be. I'd say the last good ones were from about 10 years ago on their full size trucks that used the old hydramatic transmission and non AFM motors. Once they let the engineers start over complicating the transmissions/motors to squeeze out a couple more MPG's the quality went out the window. The current CEO Mary Barra only really cares about growth, earnings and her 20 million bonus money. GM is a brand to run from.
Looking for opinions on longevity. My car was totaled a week ago an dim thinking of getting a trailblazer, long term as i dont like getting new vehicles every 3 years. Has anybody had any serious issues with theirs? How many miles have you put on it before having issues? Thank you to anybody who can help.
Just wondering with GM’s reliability issue especially the transmission and electronics. I would go with Rav 4 or CR-V in a heartbeat to have a piece of mind.
I actually was buying this car and they were so arrogant at the chevy dealer im my area and they act like they didn't care if they sold cars I eventually got a 2022 Honda passport exl and couldn't be more satisfied, lets see how many miles you'll get with this 3 cylinder engine
My mom had a 03 trail blazer when I was growing up and that car was an absolute tank, still running good with ~250K miles. This vehicle should not carry the trail blazer name
We have a 2021 Trailblazer RS and we love it. The gas mileage is actually well over 30mpg and it’s very comfortable. We drove it from Indiana to Colorado and back on vacation and it did amazing. Plenty of storage space and great to zip around in. No complaints here!
Is yours front wheel drive or all wheel? I’m honestly surprised at how poor the gas mileage is for a 3 cylinder turbo. My 2019 AWD Nissan Rogue has a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine, no turbo, and I easily get 26-27 MPG mixed, and I don’t baby it. When I used to baby it when it was new, I was getting ~30-32 MPG, mixed. Acceleration is excellent up to 80ish mph as well, with the benefit of no turbo lag. Granted the Nissan isn’t full time AWD, it only engages the AWD below about 30 mph, which is really the only time its beneficial (off the line).
@@berto1014 it’s FWD all the time with push button AWD. I really like that option so it’s not AWD all the time. And that helps the mileage. With it getting over 30MPG it’s still really good. The 3 cylinder actually has a ton of torque from a stop.
@@dakotagoldwood6385 I appreciate the response. I had a Buick Encore while my truck was in the shop earlier this year and I'm not sure if it was a 3 or 4 cylinder but it definitely had a turbo. Off the line it was sluggish until the turbo spooled at about 3k rpms after which the thing took off like a bat out of hell. I was pretty surprised at how lively it became. It even squeaked the tires when it shifted lol.
@@berto1014 If you had the original Encore, it was a 1.4L 4 cylinder turbo with a 6-sp auto. I actually drove one when my Encore GX, which is the cousin of the Trailblazer, was getting the liftgate fixed. I didn't like the original Encore's powertrain. That said, I haven't driven the 2022 Encore with the upgraded 1.4L that puts out similar hp and torque to the 1.3L in the GX, though it bears mentioning that this is the last year for the original Encore. I really like the GX with the 1.3L and the CVT. I think GM learned from their past mistakes and the mistakes of others when designing the CVT in the FWD GX/Trailblazer.
Can you share how tall was the tallest person on that ride?
My husband is 6’3. I’m trying to see if we should even consider the trailblazer.
I am one of those who think the trailblazer should be on a should be on a Colorado platform. Had they done that and built a tough looking ZR2 version with lockers, I would be sold
Yeah, I agree. The original Blazer and TrailBlazer were body on frame, built on the S10 and Colorado platforms.
@@bill_clinton697 I had a trailblazer ext which I lifted and put bigger tires on. I loved it and it was decent off road, but needed lockers.
Just buy the Trailblazer in Brazil and bring it to the States. That is exactly what it is.
The global version of the Trailblazer was based on the Chevrolet/Holden Colorado platform (also the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X).
Gm is ran by women what do u expect had it been ran by man the company would b doing better then Toyota. Let's be real Toyota 4 runner is the only suv out there everything else is junk I used to b a Chevy fan but lately they suck 06 was the last good year for gm
I drive mine exclusively in front wheel drive and across 15,000 miles so far average 34.8 MPG with my highest being 41.2 MPG on at 36 mile trip. I absolutely adore this crossover and would highly recommend it
Is it still going good? I'm considering this
@lenacheney yes! Favorite car to date. Took it on a trip 6 months ago (now at 40,000 miles) and his a really steep windy mountain road and really got to use sports mode for the first time (it's fun but really not usually needed) and it handled great. I really love this crossover!
How is it in gas when your punching the throttle
@@rival989slow lol just not Silverado slow
You and Andre are the only ones I watch anymore keep up the great work brother .
I’ve been watching reviews on this crossover all day and yours is by far the best and most informative. Thank you.
"Crossover" the trailblazer IS NOT a crossover.
But "crossover" is the appropriate term for the 2023 and up model of this vehicle. I don't disagree with you I fi
Dssagree with chevy/Gm
I test drove it today and loved it. It goes extra smooth over bumpy roads and the heated steering wheel is a huge bonus.
I’ve been driving a “21 LT as a rental for the last 3 weeks, and I’m loving it. The transmission shifts smooth almost imperceptible and 1.3t has plenty of power around town. I just need a bit more room behind the second row.
3LT and the RS are an upgrade
The "Blazer" should have been their answer to the wrangler/4runner/bronco. 2 and 4 door variants with the ZR2's suspension, lockers and 10 speed trans. Way to drop the ball GM👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That’s an extremely risky bet for GM though, a large portion of American consumers have moved towards compact SUV’s that are fuel efficient. And now EV’s will be the norm soon, which they’re focusing on. There’s likely no long term money in competing with the Bronco. I know, none of this is any fun
GM still calling these Blazer's is making people hate them more and more causing more and more sales losses. They killed the Blazer decades ago.
GM isn't calling the Trailblazer a "Blazer." Only you are. The Blazer is Chevy's midsize two row crossover.
This is one of the best selling sub-compacts on sale right now, just behind the Honda HR-V, so it doesn't seem to be sales dud so far.
Exactly. It's ugly.
You don’t know what you are talking about
It actually sells quite well
I have the 2021 Trailblazer RS. I'll be honest with you, I was skeptical at first. But that 9 speed trans on the AWD makes the world of difference. That is where GM put all of the technology. You don't need a high end power engine when you have the torque converted transmission. The power is there where you need it at all times. I like it more and more everytime I use it. My MPG has been averaging 30 to 33 MPG.
I got the 22 Trailblazer RS Crimson Metallic and so far so good
My girlfriend has one.
I have never thought it was underpowered even on the highway.
The 9 speed keeps it in the powerband especially in sport mode.
That transmission is gm don't make good transmissions
Thats what my dad got@@troym.reaves5935
My daughter has the RS too and she loves it and gets plenty of real world compliments. Good review. 👍🏾
I'm personally excited to see thisen, thank you for this video. Have a Blessed day everyone
We have a 2022 RS and make 31 mpg. The only down fall we have found is it needs rear quarter glass. Lots of blind spots while backing up.
I think they need to splurge on the midcycle facelift and give it rear quarter windows in place of the "floating" roof. Also, a much lighter-colored headliner. There may be enough room in there but it sure seems like a dark cavern.
I actually like this thing. The only thing that puts me off is the 1.3l 3 banger
Nice I have The same 2022 Set up. I love it’s being used in the video.
Be a great little grocery getter. It's nice that it's slightly larger than the Trax/Encore. But I do wonder if those little engines will hold up long term. I know their more powerful than the 4cyl they replace, but that seems like a lot of demand over the life of the vehicle. I wonder how hard fuel economy numbers would be hit when comparing daily commute (1 or 2 people only) vs loaded for a family roadtrip. (Wife, kids, dog, luggage) but do the test with everything physically in the car no external add ons. Like a weekend trip to tourist trap, amusement park. Bet once loaded and that little mill is revving and under constant boost it will be really thirsty. I think we're downsizing engines a little too much.
GM likely keeps the Trax around because it consistently sells over 100k units per year, except for this year which sales oddly seem to have fallen off a cliff with only around 40k units sold, maybe due to the chip shortage.
I have a 2022 , I’ve been getting 35 Mpg on the highway for my daily commute of 32 miles each way .
I have the 2021, in the city I've been averaging 27 mpgs, not bad but not great.
I do wish the trunk had a biiitttt more space though
Happy to see this rare review of the Trailblazer, a vehicle that with 48,000 sales in the first 9 months of 2021 ranks 4th (!) in sales among 20 subcompact crossovers. (The Buick version of the Trailblazer, the Encore GX, is 5th.) I don't know about others but I'm shocked that only the Honda HR-V, Subaru CrossTrek, and Hyundai Kona have had more sales in 2021. The little Chevy outsold the Mazda CX-30 in the first 9months of the year by 14,000 units and the KIA Seltos by nearly 17,000. And in the third quarter the Trailblazer ranked #1 in the subcompact category. Some of the Trailblazer's success may be due to fleet sales but even if that's the case, the Chevy is undeniably appealing to consumers. Who woulda thought it? Not me.
Some will be skeptical about the tiny 1.3L 3 cylinder engine available in the Trailblazer (and the Encore GX). The sales leaders in the category all have 4 cylinder engines that range in displacement from 1.6L (Kona) to 2.5L (Crosstrek). But the story is more complicated than total displacement. In the world of motorcycles, for example, "twins" from Harley Davidson and others and "triples" from Triumph often provide greater low and midrange power than 4 cylinder bikes with equivalent or greater overall displacement. That's simply because individual cylinder displacement produces greater power. At top end rpms 4 cylinder bikes (typically from Japanese manufacturers) have a decided advantage but as HD sales have demonstrated for years, many riders prefer the experience provided by Harley twins.
I haven't driven the Trailblazer or Encore GX but I suspect that much the same phenomenon is true for their 3 cylinder engines. Reviewers of the two vehicles frequently temper their criticism of overall 0-60 acceleration, for example, by noting that the vehicles are surprisingly "peppy" in normal driving. That's likely because peak torque (of 174 lb/ft) is virtually equal to the Crosstrek (175 lb/ft) but comes at only 1550 RPM compared to the Subaru's 4400 RPM.
So why don't other automakers offer 3 cylinder turbo engines? It's less complicated to limit vibration in a 4 cycle engine when each crankshaft revolution includes a power stroke from one of the cylinders. Counterbalancing a 3 (or 6 cylinder) engine to counter vibration and make for a smoother operation complicates engineering. But reports suggest that GM engineers have dealt with that issue reasonably well.
Nothing Beats the Holden Trailblazer/ Chevrolet Trailblazer (Colorado Based 7 seater Pickup Passenger SUV ) from overseas
Rugged and Macho looking
I just purchased the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS same color as the one in this video and I absolutely love it ❤️
I actually like this little TrailBlazer, however, it would be hard to ignore the competition or other vehicles in the same price range. You could get a nice Ford Maverick, Bronco Sport, Escape, Subaru CrossTrek, Impreza, Forester, Outback, Kia Seltos, Sportage, Hyundai equivalents to the Kia, and let not forget VW Tiguan, Taos, and then we still have Honda and Toyota and likely others I've forgotten. This segment is absolutely massive, especially if you open it up to the range of $20-30k and look at everything in-between such as wagons.
Forgot to mention the only thing GM has over the other manufacturer is the insane rebates they have or at least used to have and imagine the rebates will be back once the market settles. I've seen some used GM coming from local car rental lots in excellent shape with less than 20k miles for dirt cheap.
I would not put the Bronco Sport in that list. MSRP is 38k. Totally different class
Bronco sports is a bad car, it’s having serious mechanical and electrical issues
3 cyl, dual exhaust,one turbo. Should’ve called it the
Three-Twenty-One!
3-2-1
i really like this car a lot. Stylish , great price , small but has good space and gets good mpg. Its perfect for NYC where it could get some snow in the winter and can also parallel park easier then a regular sedan
I own a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer EXT LS and trust me I would never get rid of it. I like that Blazer my Trailblazer EXT LS is 7 passenger capacity with room for cargo 10000 lb towing capacity with the 5.3 L V8 engine Vortec naturally aspirated I can go from two-wheel drive 4 wheel drive all-wheel drive and I have a lot of real estate in the engine compartment to enhance the performance and here's the best part I can run E85 biofuel because General Motors at the Oklahoma plant made a goof and put a Silverado flex fuel engine in my Trailblazer and I'm not giving it back because it's bought and paid for in cash and with active fuel management 21 in the city 37 on the highway
Just got the 2025 Trailblazer Activ, its wonderful 👍🏼
I got the LT fwd 1.3L with 9 speed transmission just a couple days ago. Very impressed with the motor so far.
You had me at howdy and lost me at CVT
Has a optional 9 speed auto
Thanks for the review, I am looking to purchase a new car and I am leaning towards the Trailblazer and the Subaru Crosstrek but what I am wondering about the Trailblazer is how will these small 3 cylinder engines work over time even with regular maintenance?
I have a 2023 Trailblazer LS but I got the 1.3 and AWD and I’m shocked by how much I love this vehicle! Amazing quality at a wonderful price point! Got mine for 25,800, but for anyone debating on this car please go test drive it! I was weary my self about the size of the engine but she is more than capable and will surprise you! It won’t blow you away with the speed but she has plenty of power to do any task you need! I can’t say enough good things about this car!
Are you sure it's a LS model, & not a LT? The LS is the base model, & is only suppose to come in FWD, & with the 1.2 engine; I just bought one, That's how I know, But I do agree with you on everything you said about this vehicle
@@ACF6180T yep LS base model basic rims, smaller entertainment system, has an actual ignition no push to start. They are hard to come by but they are out there!
@@Charlie-i8r Had to be a special order; By the dealer.
According the the Chevrolet website the 1.3 or the AWD is not available for the LS model. It's an option for the LT and standard in the RS and Active.
@@Monkey_LeeVR I agree with You , But I've seen a few that are; Or were equipped with the 1.3, & AWD in the 1st year models when they offered the L model as the base model, & the LS was the next model up on 2019. But this one same model LS came with it in 2023 models according this customer.
2:09
Decent mileage? If I'm going to sacrifice power for a 3 Cylinder, it had better be great mileage!
1.3-liter, turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 155 hp
My 2008 Chevrolet Malibu makes 169 HP and has a bigger footprint
I had a 1994 K5 Blazer, black with 2 doors. When it went past 100,000 miles it was always a question of what would break next, the thing smelled like a wet dog when it rain b/c of a bad seal somewhere in the back, but I still find myself tempted to find another old used one a few times every year. It towed/hauled, handled every crazy situation that Oklahoma weather and terrain could throw at it, went out and back to the east coast, I discovered you could creatively fit 21 people in it, and shrugged off a hit to the right rear quarter panel that wrecked the front of a Dodge Neon while only requiring some hammer work to repair the Blazer. I loved my K5, and passionately hate what Chevy has done with the name!
I love my 21 RS. It’s such a fun little car.
Outside of the US Trailblazer is a body on frame SUV, a competitor for Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
I've had a '21 black & white RS since April of this year. Very happy with it. Great Korean build quality, IIHS top pick, plenty of room. I note in the video that most of the '22s have the downgraded center driver display, mine has the full color which is way better. Power is certainly enough. The CVT works flawlessly, I note the comment below about someone who had the 9-speed and had issues. The car looks great and I get many compliments. Only complaint is the horn; it sounds as if it came from the parts bin at Lordstown when they put them in Pontiac Sunbirds.
You new Yorkers love your horns lol that's all you here in that city
If you don’t have to have AWD, the Kia Soul GT Turbo was superior in most every way for the same price as the FWD RS Trailblazer. 50 more HP, DCT vs CVT, 10” widescreen display, heated steering wheel, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control, 10 year powertrain warranty. Trailblazer only had a bigger sunroof and power liftgate.
Funny thing, you can only get the RS or Activ trims in AWD with the "bigger" engine and 9 speed auto (well, in Canada). And yes, while the Soul does offer more content... I personally can't stand the whole Storm-trooper helmet on wheels look it has, and the interior is also a bit too busy for my liking. So yes, I'd be in the market for the TrailBlazer, but the KIA Seltos offers a lot too for similar money....
But it’s a KIA
Wish GM would put the same effort for design and interior quality into a sedan like the Malibu instead of just giving up on them.
Love that color
Yes, you dont have to run premium fuel but you certainly should on any turbo motor… once you see how much better it runs on 93 you’ll probably want to stick with it. Ayltleast that is the experience with my trax…
Got a 2023 trailblazer rs and its actually pretty good i drive it daily at work and running 130-230 km its slow acceleration but top speed pretty good
I’m getting ready to get rid of my 2012 Honda Civic, I was eyeing the blazer, this video has me thinking otherwise. Thank you.
Rather have the Maverick for value and efficiency even though its a different style vehicle
Me too. They're just so hard to find. I haven't even been able to see one on a lot since release
Strike One: Boosted 3 cylinder...Strike Two: CVT Trans...Strike Three: It's a small/mid size GM SUV crap bomb black hole dollar eating demon from Hell...See Car Wizard's "Don't buy this"
There is a optional 9 speed auto, and times have changed
Dude you are totally cramped in the back 😁
I think I would feel comfortable with this I I bought the Chevy extended warranty program. I'm still hesitant about turbo charged engines. IF you warm them up and IF you half the service intervals, and IF average trip distance is more than 15 miles, I think they are probably reliable - but standard non-turbo engines are still much better proven and less stressed by all that power coming out of a small displacement engine with limitations on cooling (you can only flow so much coolant).
Okay.. but wait until you see the tuebo performance. These get peak torque at just 1600 rpm and they pull hills like a v8 not having to downshift very often.. i would be far more worried about these crazy cvt and 9 speed transmissions than the motor.. i think they should have just stuck with the 6 speeds… thats plenty fine for a little car… turbo is the right direction, you realize it when you see how nice and smooth these drive.. as long as gm doesn’t have that cracking piston issue again., hopefully they made double sure not too.. they are getting so much power out of these little motors, if they had any concern for reliability i wouldnt mind if they tuned them down juat a bit. Also, you defitinly want to run preminum in these turbo cars.. they run so much better
Your Turbo concerns are legitimate. If the Turbo is Intercooled then it has no problem with short range drives and the repeated heat cycles. Heat soaks - the temporary heat rise and fall once an engine (any engine) is shut down is a concern for reliability. I have to check because I have no idea - but i hope that Chevy did intercom the turbo. If not it won't last long past 100k miles.
As a technician by trade I cannot imagine of 1.3 L turbo lasting more than 150,000 miles. A motor that size Has to be continuously under pressure and overworked. I could be wrong but history has shown me not to me.
My 24 trailblazer Ls, fwd, with a 1.3l motor is getting an average of 42, mpg on my work commute, with a top of 43.7 mpg.
With a monthly payment of $330.
I couldn’t care less how quick it is. I have a drag strip car for that.
There is no way, NO WAY, I'd ever buy a suv with a 3 cylinder engine.
I like the Trailblazer Activ, and it's pretty capable for what it is, but Chevy had the right idea when they showed off the Trax Activ a few years back at Sema. Too bad they didn't take that route.
The 08 trailblazer is best ones straight facts!!!!
I’ve had Chevy and Volkswagens. So the Volkswagen joke was funny 😅. Maybe I might get a AWD trailblazer next it looks good.
Looks like the Cavalier has come a long way!
I love my Hyundai santa cruz ..suv/sw/truck...sporty .fun to drive .way more high end safety features and options awd turbo with almost 300hp..
BAM!
IMO, the trax doesn't have a reason to exist anymore when there's this. Dear GM, please rename this the Trax and discontinue the actual trax. Same with the Encore and Encore GX.
You have a point. I think they will both eventually be dropped. Especially since it's priced the same. But it could also seal sales from the equinox/envision being a in between size and substantially more affordable. I was considering the Encore GX to replace my wife Encore. But we decided to buy out the lease instead. The buyout deal was just too good to pass up.
@@craigquann the encore is also a muchhhh better car than the encore gx. the 2.0 engine in the encore will also last a lot longer too! you made the right choice
@@aidanl9535 there's no 2.0L in the encore. It's a 1.4 turbo, same as the first generation cruze
That front is VERY Lexus/Toyota, kind of ironic for something called a “TrailBlazer.”
They need to call it the trailer blazer…as that’s where these will be spending lots of time. On a trailer getting towed to the junk yard.
I got the LT awd version, wouldve liked the rs package but the dealership that gave me the best deal on my camaro didnt have an RS package on their lot. They had a lower LS version and an activ, but the activ was in a nasty neon mustard color hahaha. I went with the LT awd, it will be a great family car
Thanks Nathan!
As a GM guy, the Trailblazer is shamefully bad. I look forward to the new 2022 Silverado and what happens to the Colorado ZR2 and Canyon.
While Ford compares the Bronco to Jeeps, GM can compare the Trailblazer to a Toyota C-HR.
The original Chevy TrailBlazer is also very easy to park with its tight turning circle. It also has twice as many cylinders. But not very good gas mileage. I like the older one better.
Also had a 2002 Trail Blazer. Nothing but electrical problems
Korean cars rock. I would love to see this with NA 4 cylinder and the 9-Speed.
WHAT CAN YOU TOW WITH IT!
NOW EVERYONE IS FORCED TO BUY A 90,000.00 DOLLAR TRUCK TO PULL YOUR JET SKI!!! IT'S A GREAT MARKETING TRICK ON YOUR CONSUMERS!!!!
Lol.. Doug DeMuro 4 hours later releasing his video absolutely trashing the exact same vehicle
He trashed the Blazer which is a different car.
Korean built, Mexican made 9:03 over boosted engine, Korean made tires. GM transmission. What could possibly go wrong 😂!!!
The 2024 Chevy Trax just became a serious competitor to his big bro.
Nice review, good vehicle, but I think I'll keep my old trailblazer, I enjoy its body on frame design, limited slip g80 rear end and four low to get you out of those sticky situations.
bet it's rusted up and falling apart.
@@marki61422 my 04 gmc envoy doesn't have a bit of rust. (southern) . Just replaced headlight housings, $99 for the pair, should be good for another 20 years. :)
I have a 2022 I bought when i traded in my lemon of a bolt. I love it, the only thing I really hate about it is the auto shutoff feature, I think GM should design it that you can permanently turn off that feature. Otherwise I great mileage out of it, better than my Bolt I had.
In the 2022 Blazer you could actually turn off that feature, im surprised this one doesn't have one
@@hernan2838 you can turn it off in the trailblazer, but, if i'm not mistaken, it turns back on the next time you start the vehicle. it's just a button on the center console.
Can it be flat towed? The Activ trim might be a good TOAD vehicle since it is small, good cargo capacity, flat folding seats and AWD option.
If GM wanted to make the smarter decision they should have brought back the Colorado based Trailblazer instead of another crossover. This should have been the redesigned trax.
BAM!
In the US the Trailblazer was never based off the Colorado. Actually the first generation Trailblazer was before the first generation Colorado by a year and aside from later on both offering a 5.3 V8 they did not share drivetrains either. Interior was different as well.
Is there a roof rack? That's where you'd put a ladder, surf board, canoe, etc... on a sports "utility" vehicle.
You lost me at "3 cylinder"
What's wrong with a 3 cylinder exactly?
I got mines two month ago..I love my trailblazer aNd it’s Crimson Metallic and so far so good
Nice review, thanks for sharing!
You know what the money question is. How does is stack up against the Equinox...
Love my Chevy 2022 rs trailblazer
I have a S-10 4X4, 4 door Blazer, automatic tranny. It would have ben great but they put a 1 inch thick radiator. With AC , auto-tranny radiator does not have a chance once over 105 deg f out. trying hills , towing or other things a SUV would do is out the window. It had prefect layout. CHECK before you buy. CHEVY should have recalld and put bigger one in. Living everywhere cooler would not have matter.
I'm still confused why Chevy designed this as such? When I think Trailblazer I think of the original. It should be a big version of the Blazer. This vehicle has a identity crises. Not sure what GM is thinking on how they have been designing their current vehicles.
Engine and transmission is big oof. Should have at least a 2L 4 cylinder with a turbo and a 8 speed on all trims, would have much better power and probably better efficiency and wouldn't add much weight. I don't understand this obsession with tiny 3 cylinder engines
Way to get them to raise the price genius
My friend is buying this vehicle tomorrow. He also has a 2007 trailblazer ss lol
this is the exact segment lower cost EVs need to get to. something that avg families would consider.
I would bet that leas than 15% of daily driver car owners could really care less if their car can go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds and can beat other cars off the line. And Id also bet probably less than 25% of daily drivers are worried about off road capabilities. Probably majority of people want affordability, reliability, good mpg, safety, room, and styling.
Completely lost me at 1.3L - 3 cylinder. CVT sealed my disinterest. I don't consider any GM products for a reason...😱
The 1.3 has a 9 speed auto
I am looking for someone who can give me an answer to my question ! The Chevy Trailblazer (crossovers) is currently being built and manufactured in Incheon, South Korea, and Shanghai, China, 97% of the vehicle !! With only 3% US/Canadian product ! How is it that a vehicle can be badged with an American bowtie that has virtually "0" American labor and or product behind it ? Sadly no one will probably agree with me because there seems to be no American pride anymore 😞.
I get that kind of mileage with my 2010 AWD Equinox with the 2.4l NA
Has the RS trim always been just an appearance package? Not much Rally or Sport
It has been an appearance package on anything other than the Camaro for like 20 years.
@@Nebula1701 Dude, even the old RS camaros were not high performance. LOL. It's always just been an appearance package.
Yes. Even in the classic era, RS was a styling package. SS was the performance package.
Looking at a new trailblazer active and blazer lt for the same price, saving a hard time picking.
Now that time has passed which one would you recommend?
Have a 04, been skeptical of the new ones. If it had a V6 and was bigger, I'd be sold.
I had a 2023 trailblazer and I hated it. There were so many glitches. I traded it in for a 2025 trax and I love it.
Does it come with a real spare tire ?
I'd stay clear from any tiny/boosted motor. 2 liter is as small as I'd dare. Things like oil dilution can be an issue. Plus with such a tiny motor it will be constantly under boost which puts too much strain for longevity. Then you have to worry about the general build and constant issues that so many GM customers have. And the way below average service they provide. This brand more then just about any other needs to be avoided like the plague. Its not the brand they used to be. I'd say the last good ones were from about 10 years ago on their full size trucks that used the old hydramatic transmission and non AFM motors. Once they let the engineers start over complicating the transmissions/motors to squeeze out a couple more MPG's the quality went out the window. The current CEO Mary Barra only really cares about growth, earnings and her 20 million bonus money. GM is a brand to run from.
These Chevy CUV's are suited more towards the fleet and rental market, or perhaps lease for the higher trims. I wouldn't buy this 1.3L turbo.
Videos like this one are my fave👍🏼👍🏼
Looking for opinions on longevity. My car was totaled a week ago an dim thinking of getting a trailblazer, long term as i dont like getting new vehicles every 3 years. Has anybody had any serious issues with theirs? How many miles have you put on it before having issues? Thank you to anybody who can help.
I don't lioke the new Trailblazers, they look weird and too futuristic looking. We have a 2002 and a 2008, we love the heck out of them.
RS= Real Sh**
Still going for the crosstrek
My Chevy Cruze does the exact same thing. I have a turbo charged 4 cylinder engine and it does that exact same thing.
Is this the same size as the terrain?
Just wondering with GM’s reliability issue especially the transmission and electronics. I would go with Rav 4 or CR-V in a heartbeat to have a piece of mind.
I actually was buying this car and they were so arrogant at the chevy dealer im my area and they act like they didn't care if they sold cars I eventually got a 2022 Honda passport exl and couldn't be more satisfied, lets see how many miles you'll get with this 3 cylinder engine
My mom had a 03 trail blazer when I was growing up and that car was an absolute tank, still running good with ~250K miles. This vehicle should not carry the trail blazer name
@@ddnmd it will blaze the roads to the junkyard😂
Good review!