2023 chevrolet trailblazer alabama

Reviewed by Warren ClarkeWarren Clarke

Overview

The Trailblazer's sheet metal looks bold and assertive, and that will likely be a strong selling point for many car buyers. Happily, though, this Chevy's charms are more than skin deep; it has more cargo space than the Mazda CX-30 and more rear legroom than the Kia Seltos. And if you choose the sturdy Activ trim, the Trailblazer comes equipped to take light off-roading in stride.

On a less inviting note, this extra-small SUV has a mediocre powertrain range; rivals such as the CX-30 and Mini Countryman have engine options that surpass the Trailblazer's horsepower. Also, choices like the Buick Encore have handling that's more refined. But overall, the Trailblazer deserves consideration if you're looking for an SUV that's stylish and practical.

Pros

A top choice in its class for cargo space. Excellent rear-seat legroom. Activ trim offers off-road capability.

Cons

Rival models provide smoother handling. Competing SUVs have more potent engines.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Trailblazer distinguishes itself from other subcompact SUVs with its rugged exterior design and generous cargo capacity. However, competing models have a smoother ride and more muscular engines.

What's New for 2023

The Trailblazer carries over with no notable changes for 2023.

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Trailblazer is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. The LS trim gets our recommendation. We'll explain why.

LS

The LS comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, automatic halogen headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, and a manual liftgate. Within the cabin, you get cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a driver's seat with six-way manual adjustability, a front passenger seat with four-way manual adjustability, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a flat-folding front-passenger seatback.

On the tech front, the LS trim has a 7-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All Trailblazers come with safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a keyless entry keypad are available.

The Trailblazer LS offers a respectable range of standard features, and we think it will satisfy value-oriented shoppers. However, we'd recommend paying a little extra to add the optional blind-spot warning.

LT

The LT builds on the LS by adding roof rails, LED fog lights, gloss-black 17-inch wheels, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start, cruise control, heated front seats, keyless entry, and tinted rear windows. The options list includes adaptive cruise control, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Activ

Consider the Activ trim if you frequently venture off-road. It comes with rugged exterior styling elements, an upgraded engine, a slightly raised suspension, and an underbody skid plate. This trim also adds a heated steering wheel and simulated leather upholstery. Wireless device charging, a seven-speaker premium Bose stereo, an 8-inch touchscreen, and adaptive cruise control are optional.

RS

The RS has the same upgraded engine as the Activ. It adds 18-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and upholstery that combines cloth with simulated leather. Options include a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Engine and Performance

The Trailblazer offers a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter. The 1.2-liter provides 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It's sold on front-wheel-drive models only and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 1.3-liter generates 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. It's available with front-wheel drive and the CVT or with a nine-speed automatic in combination with all-wheel drive.

This Chevy can take some time to gather speed, even with the more potent of the two engines. And while there's adequate horsepower under the hood, certain rivals have more muscle and nimbler handling. For example, the Mazda CX-30 and Mini Countryman are better choices if horsepower and athleticism are priorities.

The Trailblazer's suspension is tuned for a firm ride quality. This SUV feels a bit stiff on the road, but the handling isn't harsh or uncomfortable. If you're looking for an extra-small SUV with a ride that's more comfortable and forgiving, we'd recommend the Buick Encore.

Fuel Economy

Figures for 2023 aren't available, but the Trailblazer's base 1.2-liter engine has 2022 Environmental Protection Agency estimates of 29 mpg for city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. The larger 1.3-liter actually does better at 29/33 mpg city/highway. Adding all-wheel drive to the 1.3-liter drops those numbers to 26/30 mpg. Those figures are respectable. Still, the Hyundai Venue has better fuel economy.

Interior

The Chevrolet Trailblazer's cabin isn't quite as impressive as its sheet metal. The Mazda CX-30 has a more stylish, upscale interior. The Trailblazer does give drivers a comfortably elevated seat placement. And this SUV is a class leader for rear legroom. It has more room for second-row passengers to stretch their legs than the Kia Seltos.

This Chevy is a top choice if you value cargo capacity. It has 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks lowered. That's more cargo space than you'll get in the Mazda CX-30 or Hyundai Venue.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard in the Chevrolet Trailblazer; an 8-inch unit is optional. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker stereo system, and satellite radio. The options list includes wireless device charging and a seven-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety

The 2023 model hasn't yet been tested, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the identical 2022 Trailblazer a perfect five stars for overall crash protection. And while it hasn't yet evaluated the 2023 model, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2022 Trailblazer a Top Safety Pick+.

All Trailblazers come with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional. Additionally, GM's Teen Driver feature is standard. This feature lets you regulate and monitor your teen's driving.

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. the Competition

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.

TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs.

Is there going to be a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer?

What colors does the 2023 Trailblazer come in?

Is Trailblazer worth buying?

Why did Chevy stop making Trailblazers?