Chevy's done a great job with the latest 2025 Trailblazer. It isn't the most efficient or the best-performing vehicle in the class, but it is exceedingly competent at nearly everything it does. In the increasingly competitive class of extra-small SUVs, the Trailblazer is a half-step ahead.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
Roomy seating and cargo space for its size
Offers many of the latest technology and driver assist features
Activ model capable of some light off-road adventure
Cons
Base engine lacks power
Transmission can be slow to downshift
What's new
1.2-liter three-cylinder now compatible with E85 fuel
Part of the second Trailblazer generation introduced for 2021
Overview
Chevy has a tendency to dig up names from its past for new models, and one of the latest examples is the 2025 Trailblazer. This is not a large truck-like SUV as the first generation was, but instead it's a small and efficient crossover for getting around a city. Still, with all-wheel drive available on every trim level and a torquey turbocharged engine, the Trailblazer is just rugged enough to capture the attention of young buyers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: Jack of all trades, and pretty good at them
Chevrolet has struck a fine chord with the latest Trailblazer. While it doesn't lead its class in any particular category, its overall competence at just about everything makes it a standout among its peers. There's plenty of power, especially with the upgrade engine, and the tech updates from last year make it feel modern even though it's been around since 2021.
Competitors to consider
A key alternative to the Trailblazer is the very popular Subaru Crosstrek. It's similar in size and capability to the Chevy, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. Other recommended small crossover SUVs include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross. Chevy even makes the Trax, which is slightly smaller and less expensive. Be sure to check out our Expert Rating below to see where the Trailblazer leads or follows.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Chevy's done a great job with the latest 2025 Trailblazer. It isn't the most efficient or the best-performing vehicle in the class, but it is exceedingly competent at nearly everything it does. In the increasingly competitive class of extra-small SUVs, the Trailblazer is a half-step ahead.
How does the Trailblazer drive? We tested the Trailblazer in the Activ trim level, which has the upgraded 1.3-liter engine. With it the Trailblazer is surprisingly adept at getting around in day-to-day traffic, even if its as-tested 0-60 mph acceleration run of 9.4 seconds is well off the pace of rival SUVs with their upgraded engines. The nine-speed automatic transmission keeps the little engine in its sweet spot during acceleration, but we wish it was a bit quicker to downshift when you need to pass.
We're not enamored with the brake pedal in the Trailblazer. It's overly sensitive, making it difficult to be smooth when slowing down. The Activ trim level has off-road-biased tires, and they lack the grip to stop the Trailblazer as quickly as some of its rivals. Nimble handling isn't a strength for the Trailblazer either, but the reasonably accurate steering ensures the driver's confidence on most roads.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Trailblazer? The Trailblazer has a comfortable ride for a small SUV, especially at highway speeds. The front seats feel a bit firm at first, but after a few hours they remain comfortable and supportive. Around town, you'll feel some jostling when driving on rough roads, but the Trailblazer never crashes into potholes or feels too stiff. On the highway, the Trailblazer exhibits excellent ride comfort.
The three-cylinder engine, a design that's known for being a bit rough and noisy, emits only a subtle growl at full throttle. Road and wind noise isn't quite as well damped, but it's not excessive either and never gets tiring even during long stints behind the wheel. The climate control is easy to use and maintains good control over cabin temps, though higher fan speeds can get noisy.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Trailblazer offers a nice balance between analog and digital controls, and everything's fairly easy to figure out at first glance. The Trailblazer's ride height is slightly elevated over a compact sedan so it's easy to simply open the door and step into. Even taller rear passengers won't have to resort to gymnastics to get inside. And once there, occupants will find an exceedingly spacious rear seat. With the optional panoramic sunroof, headroom is more than adequate for most passengers.
The driving position is adjustable for a variety of preferences, and taller drivers won't feel like they're perched up too high. While the Trailblazer does sport a somewhat cutdown roofline, visibility isn't sacrificed in the name of style as it is in the Mazda CX-30. The available high-definition backup camera works well even in low light.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $1,106 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,106 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the LT trim.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
How’s the tech? Unlike most other vehicles in the class, the Trailblazer can't be had with an integrated navigation system. That means you'll need to use your smartphone's apps. Thankfully, wireless connectivity is standard for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and they work very well with the Trailblazer's attractive touchscreen. USB-A and USB-C ports are standard for front passengers and optional for rear passengers.
Voice controls are relatively straightforward, but we wish the system recognized more natural language. But it did get our commands correct when we followed the specific syntax. Standard advanced driver aids aren't as plentiful as on some competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek, but they can be acquired through a few option packages. We found the adaptive cruise control to be consistent, and the other systems didn't provide any false alarms.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The larger dimensions of the Trailblazer pay off in the cargo department. Its cargo area is one of the roomiest in the class, even against the likes of the Kia Soul and Subaru Crosstrek. Obviously, it's still an extra-small SUV, but the Trailblazer should work fine for your typical cargo-hauling needs.
Interior storage for small items is average. Up front there's a tray in front of the shifter (it's a wireless charging pad if you select that option) and cupholders. Under the center console armrest is a deep but somewhat narrow bin better suited for items you don't use often. The door pockets will hold smaller items for both front and rear passengers, but larger water bottles won't really fit anywhere. Car seats should fit without issue thanks to the generous space in the back seat.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Trailblazer with the 1.3-liter engine and all-wheel drive, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's OK for an extra-small SUV. We were somewhat disappointed to achieve only 26.9 mpg over our highway-heavy 115-mile evaluation route. One benefit to the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine in Trailblazer is that it does not require premium fuel like some other turbocharged engines in this class.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Trailblazer a good value? The Trailblazer isn't an extra-small SUV for the budget-minded. There are less expensive rivals, to be sure. But the Trailblazer does deliver a lot of attractive features for that price and looks and feels well built both inside and out. Warranty coverage is typical, though Chevrolet does offer five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance and a year of free maintenance.
Wildcard
8/10
The Trailblazer stands out from the crowd, not only with its futuristic and somewhat rugged styling but also in its general competency and pleasant demeanor. There are other extra-small SUVs that are faster and offer more sporty handling, but the Trailblazer never feels like it's lacking any real capability. The jack-of-all-trades personality is what makes the Trailblazer not just competent but easy to use in nearly every day-to-day situation.
And while it is a little more expensive than most of its competition, you do get a lot of equipment and space for your money. If a well-equipped Trailblazer falls within your budget, it's an exceedingly well-balanced little machine free of any real vices.
Which Trailblazer does Edmunds recommend?
We think the LT trim is the way to go with the Trailblazer. You not only get added features such as heated front seats and roof rails, but it's also eligible for the Convenience package that adds several more upgrades. We'd also add the Driver Confidence package.
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
Loved it when I got it about a month ago but now I’m having trouble with the engine not working right and it makes a nocking sound when I turn it on now. When I push the gas the RPM will go up to 4 or 5 but the car will move at like 2 mph. I was coming out my driveway one day and pushed the gas and it slowly started poking into the road and I pushed the pedal harder and had it all the … way to the floor since a big truck was coming and when it finally caught up I drifted out the driveway because the car took off. It does not happen all the time but it is starting to become more frequent which is very dangerous. That’s my only complaints about the car. I have 3 kids. One in a booster, and infant car seat and one who is not in a booster and they all fit great.
8 Months - 7500 Miles - 3 Roadtrips
4 out of 5 stars
HeyImMatt, 11/22/2023
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
I really want to get detailed with my review because so far my owner experience has been a love/hate relationship. I have a 2023 RS and overall it's been a good vehicle so far but I'll give a list of pros and cons.
PROS:
Lots of space, tons of headroom for myself in the driver seat. The passengers have tons of foot and leg space in the back and cargo room is plentiful. I do not have … the panoramic sunroof. The heated seats and steering wheel have to be the hottest I have ever felt. After about 5 minutes, I have to turn them down. The touch screen is responsive and has good resolution. Apple CarPlay is wireless and connects right away when you start the car. There are plenty of USB ports, cup holders, and different little storage areas. Acceleration is decent from the 1.3L, it isn't quick but it gets the job done and I've never thought it didn't have ENOUGH power.
Now the CONS... SQUEAKS AND RATTLES ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! I understand this isn't the most expensive vehicle but goodness it rattles. I've taken almost everything out of the car, checked screws, everything and it just always rattles. You have to turn the radio up so you don't hear it. The speakers are terrible, by the way. I've blown the tweeter on the passenger side and I don't turn the volume up all the way. Safety systems are annoying and not very good. The forward emergency breaking is always flashing that stupid red light at me and beeping because it thinks I'm going to hit something when nothing is near me. Mine personally has a terrible brake feel. Sometimes it feels like I can push them to the floor and I get no braking and other times I throw myself thru the windshield because it stops so hard. That could just be a problem with mine that I need to get checked. Window on the driver side has an annoying rattle when it's rolled down half way. The touch screen is good most of the time but do have times where it glitches and or restarts. I do not have the HD camera option but the standard back up camera is USELESS. It's the lowest quality camera ever and at night, it's seriously useless.
FUEL ECONOMY ---- 21.6 MPG Lifetime average ---- 30 MPG Highway ---- 14 MPG City (I do lots of idling at my job and city driving) $40 to fill from empty with gas at $3.79/gallon
Listen, for $30,000 or so, it's a pretty good little SUV. I'm happy it is on a lease because I'm not sure how reliable the little 1.3L Turbo is going to be but time will tell. I think if you can deal with some of the faults, it's going to do good for a small family or couple. You can load lots of items into it, I've thrown things up on the roof racks before. It does the job and overall you'll be happy. If any problems or things change, I'll update my review.
Not too shabby!
4 out of 5 stars
Ryan W, 01/18/2024
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
Bought my new TB at the end of July in 2023. I was in the market for a new vehicle, the local dealer had this one coming in within a month (at MSRP), and they were also offering 36 months at 1.9% so I pretty much had to pull the trigger. After 6 months of ownership, I feel like I can give a fair review.
Pros:
This vehicle hit the things I wanted more than anything else: affordable, AWD, … and heated seats (Wisconsin winters are the worst!). I did some research before buying this and there was a consensus that this vehicle is too slow. With the 1.3 and 9-speed, I feel like there is plenty of "go" for driving around town. You're not going to win a drag race with this vehicle, and I would like a little more power when passing on the highway, but overall, it's better than expected.
Also having moved from a half-ton pickup- I love parking this vehicle. It's crazy how small this vehicle is. It has so much room for the passengers in the front and back, but it's so easy to park in a spot with ease. The storage is great as well- the rear seats fold flat, and the coolest feature is that the passenger front seat can actually fold down too if you want to haul anything larger like some boards or a kayak.
Seat height is pretty good in my opinion, as is the clearance below the vehicle. The design is great. This is such a nice-looking vehicle! The tech is also really nice! Factory speakers aren't great, but they're fine for me. Also has the Wi-Fi which would probably be worth it for a family that goes on lots of trips. Satellite radio is nice. The touchscreen is a decent size- I see they put a huge one in the 2024. Lastly, the highway MPG is amazing! I have done a few trips where if I can set the cruise I have got as high as 38 mpg in a 50-mile range.
Cons:
While this vehicle is affordable, I still feel like all vehicles are so overpriced right now. I was fine paying what I paid due to everything being so expensive in comparison, but I still feel like this vehicle should be like $5K less or include even more features.
The radio hasn't been perfect. 99% of the time it works just fine. I've had a couple times where the radio was super glitchy and slow. I tried Un-connecting my phone and that didn't help. I essentially had to turn my car off and wait a bit for it to go back to normal. I had this happen again where I was trying to use my phone GPS on the radio, and it just would not sync up at all. The satellite radio worked just fine, but I had to look at my actual phone to utilize the GPS- not fun when you're unfamiliar with where you're driving. While these aren't huge issues, they're very annoying when you invest in a new car- wanting and expecting things to work great shouldn't be an unrealistic expectation on a car that has been out a few years already.
The AWD doesn't seem great to me. I haven't really had to test it yet, but I feel like it may be a little underwhelming. This could also be due to the tires or just having that really short wheelbase. I haven't really tested the capability of it yet but have had some noticeable sliding while turning on snowy roads. I had a 2010 Ford Escape, and I never had that similar sliding. Again, this could be due to other reasons as well. I haven't been stuck in the snow yet, which is my whole reason from wanting the AWD. I just feel like my confidence in slippery driving has decreased a little with the vehicle.
Most of my other cons are due to what was available to buy when I bought. Like I had mentioned, I was able to get a really good rate for financing- 1.9%. I also put enough down to keep my monthly payment below $500/month for the 36-month financing period. While the LT trim is what I wanted, it literally only had one option on it- 18" wheels. While I don't have any problem with this option (I probably would have been fine with 17's), there are other options I wish would have been available. The biggest option I would have liked to have is the blind spot monitoring. The visibility by the C-pillars isn't great, and that's coming from someone who never has passengers in the back seat. I think this tied into an option that also replaces the shifter with a leather appointed shifter as well as the steering wheel. While those sound fine, they're not huge to me. I also would have liked the parking assist sensors. The rear camera is fine, but like others have said, it's not great at night or once it's obstructed by rain or snow. I think the location is fine, but it does feel like a pretty cheap quality camera.
Things I did buy:
The supplied carpeted floormats are terrible. I knew living in Wisconsin I would replace them right away anyways though. I did go with WeatherTech floormats in the front and back since I have had them with a few other vehicles and thought they did a good job. For the cargo area I bought the Chevrolet brand mat that also attaches to the seat backs of the rear seat. I thought this would be nice for when the seats are folded down. They're alright. My biggest issue is you have to punch holes into the seat back to anchor the mat to it. I had one hole that was not aligned very well, so it's anchored like a 1/4" from where it is designed to be. Again, I have expectations of buying something new and buying the accessories that are made by the same company. I'm still fine with that purchase though.
The other purchase I made was a security blind for the rear cargo area. I would skip this. It's really expensive for what it is. I wish it had a traditional rolling cover. This is like a laundry hamper material. Yes, it does what it says, but it just feels so cheap. The windows are also tinted enough I think you can probably just cover anything back there with a blanket if you're that concerned.
Overall:
Overall, this has been a great vehicle so far! I think it has a great design and lots of functional add-ons. It's a comfortable ride for the most part (could be a little smoother over those potholes) and the cabin is pretty quiet for the most part.
I think there are a few little things that could use some tweaking, but it seems to be a good vehicle overall so far. I have seen some complaints about the engine. It's a little engine! I am usually driving around by myself or with my girlfriend. If I was hauling a full load of people, I do feel like that could be a lot for this small of an engine. I also wouldn't really expect this to be good to pull anything (rated at 1,000 lbs.). I would probably stick to a bike rack on the back or a couple kayaks on top at most.
Most of my issues are from having a limited number of options due to chip shortages at the time my vehicle was being built. I think if you can actually get everything you want on this vehicle, it will make a difference.
I will update this review if there is anything drastic that changes over the next few months/years.
Vehicle Purchased: 7/2023, New
Original Post: 1/18/24 (2,700 miles)
Subcompact SUV? Not in my book.
5 out of 5 stars
Rafa_Rey, 07/11/2023
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
So, I'll make this short and sweet. The new Trailblazer has gone above and beyond my expectations. I purchased and RS this past May and seem to find more and more to like about it as time goes on. I'm an old muscle car guy, and the TB is hardly that. But it has the old
style accents my Camaro had. Fuel efficiency? Well for me, it is between 25-28 in the city which isn't bad at … all. And as far as the ride is concerned it is what I expected smooth on the turns, stiff on the shocks, and with enough get up and go to keep me satisfied as an everyday driver.
But the biggest and most salient plus, for me at least, is that this new Trailblazer does not in anyway resemble a subcompact vehicle. No cheap sheet metal veneer, not small bike like wheels. The Trailblazer is a little tank with cargo space, and I love it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, so we've included reviews for other years of the Trailblazer since its last redesign.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.
Safety
Key safety features on the Trailblazer include:
Back-up camera
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Chevy has a tendency to dig up names from its past for new models, and one of the latest examples is the Trailblazer. This is not a large truck-like SUV as the first generation was, but instead it's a small and efficient crossover for getting around a city. With all-wheel drive available on every trim level and a torquey turbocharged engine, the Trailblazer is just rugged enough to capture the attention of young buyers.
Edmunds spotlight: Changes we expect for 2025
While Chevrolet hasn’t confirmed anything official yet, our best guess is that the Trailblazer well receive a mid-life refresh for 2025. This should bring subtle styling tweaks to the interior and exterior but also — and more importantly — the latest in Chevy’s technology arsenal. The brand has committed to moving away from Apple CarPlay integration, so this could be a feature on the chopping block for 2025.
Competitors to consider
The poster-child competitor for the Trailblazer is the very popular Subaru Crosstrek. It’s similar in size and capability to the Chevy, but it comes standard with all-wheel drive. Subaru also offers the Crosstrek Wilderness, which is a favorite choice for those plan to hit the trails with their SUV.
Edmunds says
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an affordable SUV with the right list of features to go with it. Though it packs less charm than the lovable Subaru Crosstrek, Chevy's making the right call offering a product like this to the massive market of rugged SUV buyers.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Trailblazer a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Trailblazer both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Trailblazer gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 68 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Trailblazer has 25.3 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 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer:
1.2-liter three-cylinder now compatible with E85 fuel
Part of the second Trailblazer generation introduced for 2021
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 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Trailblazer and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Trailblazer gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 68 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Trailblazer is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The least-expensive 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,100.
Other versions include:
LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $23,100
LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $24,300
LS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $25,100
LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $26,300
RS 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,700
ACTIV 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,700
RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $29,300
ACTIV 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $29,300
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 LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), LS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A), and LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of Trailblazer models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more