2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review
The all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer continues giving the carmakers lineup a new dimension.
Because Trailblazer slots between two clearly defined vehicles and segments. So, it’s than the compact Equinox.
But it’s bigger than subcompact Trax. And it’s sportier than both of those vehicles.
Borrowing styling cues from Chevy’s Camaro, the all-new Trailblazer seats five.
And if you’re old enough. Or you’ve been paying close attention. Actually, the Trailblazer is returning to the Chevrolet lineup.
Because it was first produced from 2002 through 2009.
- Styling
- Safety tech
- Maneuverability
And my friends at Martin Chevrolet gave me an RS trimmed Trailblazer for this review.
–>Continue reading or click play below to listen.<–

Slots between Trax & Equinox
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:08 — 15.1MB)
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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Compact/Subcompact SUV
So, here’s Chevy’s entire lineup of crossover SUVs – including the all-new Trailblazer.
Both Chevy and it’s American counterpart Ford have been adding crossover SUVs to their line-ups.
And this while they’ve been removing sedans.
Trim Options And Prices
Adding to Trailblazer’s sportiness is its top-two trim levels. Because both include a two-tone roof.
So, Chevy is targeting more youthful buyers with Trailblazer. But it offers trim configuration options for all.
- L starting MSRP $19,000
- LS $21,500
- LT $23,600
- ACTIV $25,400
- RS $25,400
And, notice the ACTIV and the RS have the same starting MSRP. That’s because they have similar options.
But the ACTIV is ready for light off-roading. While RS plans to stay on-road.

Sporty RS Trailblazer
And the best place to determine which trim to go with is Martin Chevrolet. Because my friend Lewis Cook is the General Manager. So, email me if you’d like an intro.
Engines, Transmissions & MPG
Interestingly, Trailblazer offers two different engine options. And both are eyebrow-raising 3-cylinders. That’s right, 1-2-3.
3-Cylinder Engines
Both have turbochargers. And, for the vehicle’s size and weight they are well matched.
So, you have the option of a 1.2-liter or a 1.3L. And Chevrolet reports up-to 155-horsepower and up to 174 pound-feet of torque.

3-cylinder turbo
CVT Standard
The 2021 Trailblazer comes standard with a continuously variable transmission. But go with the 1.3L and all-wheel drive and you can bump up to a 9-speed automatic trans.
Front Or All-Wheel Drive
And yes, you also have the option of two or all-wheel driver. So, when you go with a two-wheel drive, it’s in the front.
Drive Modes
Differing driving modes are available. Depending on the 2WD or AWD options.
- 2WD/FWD – Normal/Snow/Sport
- AWD – Normal/AWD/Sport
Fuel Economy
Of course, with all the configurations, fuel economy varies a bit. But it’s highly efficient.
Because EPA targets a low of 26 miles-per-gallon for the city. And, up top 33 MPG on the highway.
2021 Chevy Trailblazer Is Very Good Looking
So, Trailblazer is a good looking crossover SUV from every angle.

Youthful yet sharp styling.
And I’d love to see it’s styling cues implemented more. Just like for the Traverse and Tahoe.
- Wheelbase: 103.9
- Overall:
- Length: ~173.5
- Height: ~65.0
- Width: 71.2 (w/out mirrors)
- Track:
- Front: ~60.9
- Rear: 61.3
- Ground clearance: ~7.0 to 8.0
*All inches
So, Chevy created the all-new 2021 Trailblazer for younger drivers. But my bet is that it attracts even more buyers.
Because it is youthful and sporty. But without being overdone. And still delivers a feeling of respectability.
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And it’s attention to design detail is great on the outside. Plus, you’ll find it elsewhere too.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Interior
Because the interior of the all-new crossover SUV keeps the styling coming.

Sporty interior accents
For example, the flat-bottom steering wheel. And the red accent stitching. Plus, it’s spacious inside.

Surprisingly comfy backseat
Being 5’10” I like a bit of legroom. And even with the driver seat adjusted for me. Crawling into the backseat is easy.

Up to 54.4 cu-ft cargo space
Plus you have plenty of cargo space. Because with the backseats up there are 25.3 cubic feet are room for stuff.
And folding the backseats down (nearly flat) gives you 54.4 cu-ft of stuff-space. :0)
- Headroom: 40.0/38.4
- Legroom: 40.9/39.4
- Shoulder room: 55.4/53.8
- Hip room: 52.3/45.7
*All inches – front/2nd-row
2021 Chevy Trailblazer RS Infotainment Technology
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available with Trailblazer. And, impressively, wireless phone charging is also available.
Available 7 or 8″ touchscreensPlus 4G LTE hotspot capability. And either 7 or 8″ touchscreens keeping everything super-easy to use.
Driver Assist Safety Tech
Additionally, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer includes a slew of standard safety technology. And what’s not standard is available.
Standard:
- Lane keep assist w/ lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Following distance indicator
- Front pedestrian braking
- Teen driver technology
- Forward collision alert
- Automatic high beam
- Rear seat reminder
- Rear vision camera
Available:
- Lane change alert w/ blind spot alert
- Onstar safety security coverage
- Adaptive cruise control
- HD rear vision camera
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear park assist
So the list of safety help is long. And what I really like is that the ‘standard’ list is much longer.
Plus, the Teen Driver feature is a biggie. Because it allows parents to track behavior behind the wheel.

Courtesy of Martin Chevrolet – Torrance, CA
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Top-3:
- Styling – It’s a good looking ride. Inside and out. I love the red interior accents on the RS.
- Safety tech – By list measurement alone the safety tech is impressive. It’s serious technology. And safety.
- Maneuverability – Trailblazer is a nimble driver. And it’s great for urban environs and tight parking situations.
Martin Chevrolet – Your South Bay Southern California Chevy Dealer
And to find the perfect Trailblazer for you – go see my friends at Martin Chevrolet. Right on Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance, California, and at MartinChevrolet.com.
Chevrolet, Find New Roads!
2020 Chevrolet Reviews:
- Making Corvette C8
- Corvette Coupe Reveal
- Corvette Convertible Reveal
- Tahoe full-size crossover SUV
- Traverse midsize crossover SUV
- Trax subcompact crossover SUV
- Equinox compact crossover SUV
- Suburban oversized crossover SUV
Insider Car Buying Tips:
- Leasing vs. Buying
- End of Lease Options
- Transparent Car Buying
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- Program To Keep Your Chevrolet New
2019 Chevy Reviews: