The Chevrolet Trailblazer first made its way into the scene as a high-end variant of the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer in 1999, and it continued in that form until 2002 when it came out as a single model.
Now it is a fully updated subcompact four-door crossover/SUV with smart features such as an advanced infotainment system, roomy interior, and a bold exterior.
With the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, you can pick between five trim levels: The L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS variants. Each trim comes with unique standard features that ensure smooth driving along the trails. We will look at a detailed review of what these trims have to offer to potential owners.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Trims & Features
Chevrolet had stopped producing the Trailblazer in 2009, but it later resurfaced in 2021 as an all-new subcompact crossover with sporty driving and easy-to-control tech features. The vehicle shows off its sleek bodywork, excellent steering grips, a spacious and stylish cabin, not forgetting to mention its sufficient cargo space. If you are looking for a fuel-efficient small SUV with many standard features, then the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an excellent choice.
Furthermore, the Trailblazer comes in five trims, and depending on your choice, you can choose a variant that meets your driving needs and your budget. Not sure which trim would be the right option? Below are some details that might help you decide.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L — Base
The L base trim is the most popular amongst other Trailblazer variants. And it is an affordable choice to go for as prices stay at a fair rate. This Trailblazer L has standard features that include:
Powertrain
A turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine of 137 horsepower mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive. Its 1.2-liter engine gets an EPA-rated 28 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is decent enough for a subcompact car.
Interior
A stylish and rich interior designed with a blend of hard and soft-touch plastics, its interior can accommodate five people as it has up to five seats. You will find two complete sets of lower anchor LATCH connectors for the back outboard seats and a tether anchor behind the back middle seat to create seating space for kids. It comes standard with: a 7-inch display screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four speakers, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Meanwhile, customers can opt for an 8-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, satellite radio, two additional USB ports, a six- or seven-speaker stereo, and wireless device charging. The L base Trailblazer variant also uses a keyless entry which allows users to start the engine without using a car key.
Safety
A bunch of Chevy Safety suite features to assist you for a smooth and safer ride come standard in the L base trim, and they include: forwarding collision warning, rearview cameras, Teen Driver, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also uses 16 inches alloy wheels with standard tires.
Pricing
The entry-level Chevy Trailblazer L starts at $19,000, but the price can go up if you decide to add extra features.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
Powertrain
The LS gest you a turbocharged 1.3-liter cylinder engine of a higher 155 horsepower mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. With the Trailblazer LS, you can go for either an all-wheel drive or a front-wheel drive. Its 1.3-liter engine offers a slightly improved fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Interior
The cabin is stylish, spacious, and ready to accommodate up to five people. It adds a fold-flat front passenger seat, six loudspeakers, a compass, floor mats, and vanity mirrors.
Safety
A Chevy Safety Suite that also features an optional Driver Confidence and Cruise Package is standard. The LS trim adds a rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and 17inches alloy wheels.
Pricing
If you choose to go for a Chevy Trailblazer LS, you can purchase extra safety features such as the Driver Confidence and Cruise package for $495. The LS Chevrolet Trailblazer starts at $23,000 for front-wheel models and $23,500 for all-wheel models.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
Powertrain
The LT trim is available with either a 1.2 or 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, and a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive. So you can purchase a front-wheel-drive LT Chevrolet Trailblazer that has a 1.2-liter engine, or you can go for another LT variant that uses a 1.3-liter engine. The 1.2-liter engine works with a CVT, while the 1.3 engine uses a nine-speed gearbox.
Interior
This trim adds heated front seats, heated mirrors, proximity keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver seat, push-start button, remote start, and tinted windows. Also, you can get the Convenience package which includes: an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, two additional USB ports, and automatic control. Furthermore, you can also opt for a hands-free power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety
The optional Driver Confidence package is available in this trim, including other standard safety features like fog lights, automatic beam lights, lane-keep assist, rearview cameras, and many more. (The LT trims also come with roof rails for transporting items).
Pricing
The Trailblazer LT trim starts at $23,600 for the FWD model with the 1.2-liter engine, $24,960 for FWD with the 1.3-liter engine, and $25,600 for an AWD with the 1.3-liter engine.
The Driver Confidence package is $395 and $620 for the Convenience package. Other options include synthetic leather upholstery for $845, adaptive cruise control for $620, and a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power liftgate for $1,770.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ
The Chevy Activ trim is a good option for off-road driving. So if you are an outdoor fanatic, you might want to consider going for this trim.
Powertrain
The Activ trim comes exclusively with the 1.3-liter engine producing 155 HP. Moreover, it is available with either AWD or FWD. Like in every Chevy Trailblazer, the 1.3-liter engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic and offers 29 mpg in the city/32 mpg on the highway.
Interior
Standard features include some of the following: simulated leather upholstery, two-tone roof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shift knob. Additionally, you can opt for the Technology package that bundles an 8-inch touch screen, HD Radio, satellite radio, a seven-speaker Bose stereo, wireless device charging, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights.
Safety
An optional Technology package comes with the Chevy Activ Trim, which includes adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights. It also adds a skid plate, off-road-tuned shock absorbers, 18 inches alloy wheels, and unique exterior styling features.
Pricing
The Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ variant starts at $25,400 for front-wheel-drive models and $26,900 for all-wheel-drive models. And you can purchase the Technology package at $1,720 if you want to add more elements.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
Powertrain
The RS comes either with a 1.2-liter engine or a 1.3-liter engine. Both engines provide good fuel efficiency as the 1.2-liter engine gives 28mpg in the city/31 mpg on the freeway while the 1.3-liter provides 29mpg in the city/32 mpg on the highway.
Interior
A stylish and spacious cabin prepared with five seats to accommodate five people. Amongst its standard features, you will find a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, AM/FM stereo, seek-scan radio, cloth seat trim, and red interior accents. There is also an optional Technology package to purchase if you want to upgrade your infotainment system.
Safety
A Chevy safety suite that comes standard in every Chevrolet Trailblazer is also accessible in the RS trim. You can also select the Technology package with adaptive cruise control and LED headlights. The Chevy Trailblazer RS features 18-inch alloys as the Activ trim.
Pricing
The Chevy Trailblazer RS trim sets at a starting price of $25,400 and $26,900 for front-wheel and all-wheel drives.
Optional Packages
Standard Chevy Safety Suite (available in all trims)
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Rearview camera
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Teen Driver (it offers several customizable settings allied with a key fob to help provide better driving behavior)
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Forward collision warning
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Pedestrian detection
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Automatic emergency braking
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Automatic high-beam headlights
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Lane departure warning
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Lane keep assist
Driver Confidence package (LT and LS only)
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Blind-spot monitor (alerts you when another vehicle is near your lane or side)
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Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you when another vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle’s path while in reverse)
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Rear parking sensors
The Convenience package (LT only)
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Auto-dimming rearview mirror
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Rear-seat USB charge ports
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Household-style power outlet
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Automatic climate control
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8-inch touchscreen
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Satellite radio
The Technology package (Activ and RS only)
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LED headlights
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Adaptive cruise control
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Upgraded infotainment system
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Wireless charging pad
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Bose premium audio system
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High-resolution rearview camera
More Information
Trailblazer cargo space
Despite its size, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer still has 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space with its back seats upright, and a generous 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Chevrolet Warranties
Chevy provides a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, including a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
NHTSA’s Safety Test
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded this 2021 subcompact car an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. Specifically, the Chevy Trailblazer 2021 earned four stars in the frontal collision and rollover tests and five stars in the side collision tests.
Towing Capacity
The Trailblazer has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds.
Verdict
Just a decade ago, subcompact crossovers were quirky machines that offered little-to-no benefits. However, today, they might be the only vehicle you ever need, and the Trailblazer is the perfect example.
Although small on the outside, Chevy’s subcompact crossover has a surprisingly spacious cabin. It can also carry a lot of cargo, and do that while sipping fuel. Add to that a stylish exterior and interior, and the Trailblazer seems like a real winner.
Finally, the base model is also very affordable, although we’d skip the 1.2-liter engine and the CVT transmission. The 1.3-liter turbo is both faster and more economical, and pairs with a vastly better transmission. As for trims, LS and LT are the most logical choices.
Specifications
Engine |
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| Engine Order Code | L3T |
| Displacement | 82 in3, 1338 cm3 |
| Horsepower | 155 @ 5600 |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Fuel System | Direct Injection |
| Aspiration | Turbo/Intercooled |
Drivetrain |
|
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Configuration | All-wheel-drive |
| Tires | 225/55R-18 98H M+S |
Dimension |
|
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in |
| Length | 173.7 in |
| Width | 71.2 in |
| Height | 65.7 in |
| Passenger volume | 98 ft3 |
| Cargo volume | 25 ft3 |
| Curb weight | 3323 lb |
Fuel Economy |
|
| City | 26 mpg |
| Highway | 30 mpg |
| Combine | 28 mpg |
Gallery
