Chevrolet Trailblazer test drive.
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The current Chevrolet Trailblazer came out in 2021, and it is a familiar sight.
The version I drove for a week was a top-of-the-line AWD Activ model with a few options like the panoramic sunroof, Convenience package, and upgraded sound system for a total of $33,800 before destination. Which seems pretty expensive. However, a Honda HR-V EX-L is just about $2000 less. And doesn’t offer the panoramic roof.
I guess these little crossovers are getting expensive these days…
Its look is pretty invisible. It’s kind of cute but doesn’t stand out in any way like the Bronco Sport.
The interior design is pretty pleasant. However, there are too many different materials and trims all over. The seats alone seem to be covered by at least 4 different materials. And the plastic gold(ish) trim on the dash and doors of the Activ trim is pretty ghastly.
The 7-speaker Bose system is quite a disappointment and doesn’t live up to its prestigious name.
The front seats are pretty comfortable, however rear space is pretty tight on legroom. 6,5 Uncle Bob won’t be too happy back there…
The small 3-cylinder turbo engine is super quiet at the idle. But becomes a bit noisy once it gets going. It’s not a bad sound but it’s always there.
The suspension is comfortable, but the ride can be noisy at freeway speed. Probably due to the Activ-specific tires.
The steering is the worst part of the driving experience. With a completely artificial feeling similar to one of these video game fake springy feeling steering wheels. It just feels pretty bad and very light. Of course, you do get used to it a bit after a while. But it never feels right.
When compared to the Honda HR-V, the driving experience is drastically different. The Honda feels much more solid, refined, and smooth. With a very pleasant steering feel. While it is a bit cheaper than the Trailblazer, it actually feels much more expensive.
The Trailblazer AWD comes with a smooth (but slow-to-down-shift) 8-speed auto instead of a CVT that comes with the FWD version. It is rated at 26city/29HWY MPG. During my weekly drive, I was only able to get around 20MPG around town. But almost 40 on long freeway drives.
The Trailblazer is in a weird spot in Chevrolet’s current lineup. At $23,100 to start, it competes with the newer Chevrolet Trax. And at around $35,000 loaded, it competes with mostly better alternatives.
It now even competes with the new Chevrolet Equinox EV. Which has been getting excellent reviews so far.
Consumers: Cars have gotten way too expensive
Also Consumers: A normal sunroof wont do. Its a deal breaker if I dont have a full panoroof, with sunshade that turns into a fiberoptic star-show at night for my raised AWD econobox.
It is not a bad car. It is built in an old Daweoo plant.
If you can live with FWD, isn’t the newer Trax a better option? And this loaded Trailblazer is really competing against the new 2025 Equinox, which starts right around $30k.