A midsize SUV strikes the perfect balance between comfort and affordability, being more spacious than compact SUVs and less expensive than full-size ones. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a midsize SUV that effortlessly achieves this balance. Its host of desirable performance, interior, exterior, safety, and technology features make it the ideal automobile for local commutes as well as off-road travel. That’s not all. It comes in various trims to meet the diverse needs of buyers.
Features
Performance
This midsize SUV has a turbocharged 3-cylinder 1.2-liter engine that can generate 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It comes in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. While front-wheel drive (with automatic transmission) is the standard drivetrain across trims, one can also opt for an all-wheel-drive system, which comes with a 3-cylinder 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. As for efficiency, the Trailblazer can offer a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Exteriors
With 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and an optional two-tone contrast roof even in the base LS model, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is a good-looking SUV. The LT trim somewhat upgrades the base trim, adding exterior features like roof rails, LED fog lights, tinted rear windows, and heated side mirrors. If one goes for the Activ version, they can expect more cutting-edge features, including all-terrain tires. Finally, the RS comes with 19-inch wheels and a dark-chrome exterior.
Interiors and technology
With plush interiors and cutting-edge technology, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is as comfortable as possible. The base LS trim comes with a flat-folding front passenger seat and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. It also has an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, a couple of USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and a push-button start. The other versions enhance the interior setup by adding heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear-seat center armrest. The RS trim also adds red interior accents and a panoramic sunroof to the SUV.
Safety features
The midsize SUV is equipped with must-have safety tech like forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, a six-speaker audio system, lane-keep assistance, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. This makes the Chevrolet Trailblazer safe and secure for drivers and passengers.
Warranty
Chevy offers several warranty options for Trailblazer buyers, including a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. The brand also offers a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Trims
LS
This is the base model and the most affordable trim of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, starting at $24,395. Even then, it has several desirable features, including an 11-inch color touchscreen, keyless ignition, and an eight-inch diagonal driver information center screen. It also comes with smartphone integration options.
LT
One step ahead of the LS, the LT trim offers everything the base model does and more. For instance, it adds a remote start system and keyless entry to the SUV. Because of these additional features, the price of the Chevrolet Trailblazer LT starts from $25,595.
RS
This trim offers a sleeker, more sophisticated exterior than the previous trims. Additionally, it introduces features like 19-inch gloss black wheels, red interior accents, dual exhaust drops, heated front seats, and black roof rails to the lineup. This Chevy Trailblazer is for sale starting from $28,395.
Activ
This trim’s design is optimized for off-terrain drives, making it an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts. For instance, it is equipped with skid plates, an off-road suspension, a power-adjustable driver seat, a contrasting roof color, and ACTIV badging. All these rugged features make the Activ trim’s cost match that of the premium RS variant. Both models are available at a starting price of $28,395.
Tips for buying a Chevrolet Trailblazer
Assess personal requirements
When buying a Chevrolet Trailblazer, one should assess their requirements to decide which trim suits them best. For example, if one needs a vehicle mainly for local commutes, the base LS or LT, equipped with basic features and comfortable interiors, would be the best option. Alternatively, one can consider the RS or ACTIV trims if they are likely to often venture out on road trips.
Set a budget
The decision to buy a Chevrolet Trailblazer should be guided by a budget range, especially because the price for each trim varies. Also, when deciding the budget, one shouldn’t just calculate the base price. It’s also important to consider additional expenses, such as registration fees, insurance, and taxes. Additionally, one should look for ways to save money on the purchase. Checking for special deals or seasonal sales on the Chevrolet Trailblazer trim can help.
Determine the type of vehicle
Regular and pre-owned cars can have their pros and cons. So, one should assess these aspects and decide whether to buy a first-hand or second-hand Chevrolet Trailblazer. Used cars are less expensive, especially when bought from bank auctions. But before buying such a car, one should check for any damages and verify ownership records and VIN to avoid unwanted surprises.
Look for reliable local dealers
Multiple local dealerships offer Chevrolet Trailblazer cars for sale, but it’s essential to choose a genuine and authorized dealer. To verify credibility, one can check online reviews or speak with friends and family members who know of reliable dealers.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is packed with desirable features that one might look for in midsize SUVs. But, researching its trims and carefully considering personal requirements and budget can help one choose the most suitable model.
