2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
| MSRP | $20,300 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $19,331 |
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1 for sale near you
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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review
- Offers a lot of the latest technology and safety features
- Activ model brings some light off-road capabilities
- Roomy seating and cargo space for an extra-small SUV
- Base engine lacks power
- Transmission can be slow to downshift
- After a 12-year hiatus, the Trailblazer name has been revived for the U.S.
- Part of the second Trailblazer generation introduced for 2021
Slotting in between the tiny Chevy Trax and the larger Equinox, the new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the latest entrants in the burgeoning subcompact crossover class. The Trailblazer name has been absent since 2009 in the U.S. In many ways, this reboot follows the same playbook of the larger Blazer SUV that Chevy reintroduced last year.
For starters, the Trailblazer is similar to the Blazer in that it has hardly anything to do with its forebear other than the name. The old TrailBlazer (with a capital B) was a truck-based midsize SUV. This new Trailblazer (lowercase b!) is a smaller crossover SUV with car-based architecture. Also like the Blazer, the 2021 Trailblazer adopts some Camaro-like exterior styling cues for a uniquely aggressive appearance.
The Trailblazer also stands out slightly from other subcompact crossovers by offering the Activ trim level. Chevy has tuned it for off-road use by adding specialized all-season tires, revised shock absorbers, and a bit more ground clearance from a reshaped front fascia. The Activ also gets roof rails on a two-tone roof.
The Trailblazer's edgy styling fits right into this class of extra-small SUVs. And unlike rivals such as the Toyota C-HR, the Trailblazer doesn't sacrifice utility in the name of style. It has a pleasing amount of passenger and cargo space, a relatively comfortable ride, and decent power from the optional turbocharged 1.3-liter engine.
We've never been particularly fond of the Chevrolet Trax, especially compared to class leaders such as the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Honda HR-V. The new Trailblazer, however, is a strong competitor right out of the gate. It's worth checking out if you're shopping for a stylish and comfortable pint-sized SUV.
Which Trailblazer does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest stepping up to the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine since the base engine feels underpowered. Beyond that, consider getting the midrange LT trim. It adds a lot of standard features you'll appreciate, such as cruise control and keyless ignition and entry, and grants access to most of the Trailblazer's optional packages.
Chevrolet Trailblazer models
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV that's available in five trim levels: L, LS, LT, Activ and RS. It comes standard with a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and comes bundled with a stronger 155-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Feature highlights for each trim include:
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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer pricing
in Ashburn, VA
L
1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$19,331
1 for sale in 20147
LS
1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$22,225
33 for sale in 20147
LT
1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$25,085
27 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Trending topics in reviews
- interior
- appearance
- spaciousness
- driving experience
- maintenance & parts
- warranty
- transmission
- doors
- lights
- comfort
- engine
- fuel efficiency
- value
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, AWESOME VEHICLE
Jerz- Ger,
RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
I picked up my Trailblazer on August 8, 2020 and I am amazed at the style, handling and features on this car. RS series with Bose Stereo and glass moon roof and too many functions to mention plus the gas mileage is great, average 28 mpg around town, and 38 on the highway
4/5 stars, Good design with small corners cut
Radu,
LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
Small but Design is good: better cruise control on steering wheel, passenger seat folds flat, standard rear proximity sensors. One small issue for me: no adjustments of air volume for each individual vent. Also, apparently engine is 3 cylinders and vibrates a little much at low rpm - know the tradeoffs.
5/5 stars, Trailbalzer
Colton ,
LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
The trailblazer is an appealing and aggressive looking sub-compact crossover. Did not test drive the smaller engine but I’m glad we went with the bigger 1.3L anyways, as funny as that sounds. The 9 speed automatic is nice, shifts very smoothly, but you can feel it downshift when going downhill and it feels quite weird. It’s very fun to drive, I’d say it’s quick or peppy, makes me wanna go out and drive it for the hell of it. The interior quality is decent, some hard plastics here and there but that’s GM for you. I would recommend getting a bumper to bumper warranty, these small engines and turbo chargers cause more wear and tear on the engines, because the basic power train warranty doesn’t cover it, and could be an expensive fix down the road. Overall, we are loving our trailblazer, it economical, fun, and is good for smaller families or people like my mother who’s kids are moving out and she still likes cruising in the crossovers because We live in Minnesota with harsh winters so you need something with AWD and they just sit higher than a car and get better fuel economy.
5/5 stars, 2021 trailblazer back-up camera
Erica,
L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
Love the trailblazer. Rides smoothly, great cargo space. The only thing I don't like is when you go in reverse at night time the screen inside the car becomes so bright that it is blinding making it very difficult to see to back up. I believe this is due to the camera being placed in between 2 lights above the license plate. Even dimming the screen doesn't help the brightness.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Trailblazer safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Detects if a collision is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Following Distance Indicator
- Displays the distance to the car in front and warns if you're following too closely.
- Lane Keep Assist
- Warns you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and nudges the car back in line if you don't respond.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. the competition
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2020 Hyundai Kona
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is one of our highly ranked extra-small SUVs. Its optional turbocharged engine, along with nimble handling, will keep you entertained. You also get a lot of features for the money and Hyundai's long powertrain warranty.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul brings a healthy dose of personality with its funky styling. That squared-off shape also reaps benefits inside — passenger and cargo space is more generous than what you'll find in most rival SUVs. Helping matters is an available turbocharged engine, sporty handling, and a long list of standard features for a reasonable price.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 distinguishes itself with its attractive exterior and refined interior. Of course, looks aren't everything, and the CX-30 proves itself with engaging driving dynamics, strong fuel economy figures, and plenty of advanced safety features. The CX-30 is roomy for the class but can't match the Trailblazer's cargo and passenger space.
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FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Trailblazer a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Trailblazer both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Trailblazer gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg to 31 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Trailblazer ranges from 25.3 to 30.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Trailblazer. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer:
- After a 12-year hiatus, the Trailblazer name has been revived for the U.S.
- Part of the second Trailblazer generation introduced for 2021
Is the Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?
To determine whether the Chevrolet Trailblazer is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Trailblazer. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Trailblazer's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Trailblazer is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The least-expensive 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $19,000.
Other versions include:
- L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $19,000
- ACTIV 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,400
- LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $23,600
- RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $26,900
- RS 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,400
- ACTIV 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $26,900
- LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $21,500
- LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $25,600
- LS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $23,500
What are the different models of Chevrolet Trailblazer?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the next question is, which Trailblazer model is right for you? Trailblazer variants include L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), ACTIV 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT), LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), and RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of Trailblazer models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more