The cross-over SUV segment continues to be crowded with stiff competition, and the only way left to compete is by driving down costs. That’s exactly the market position the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has taken with minimal compromise while retaining an ultra affordable base price tag of $23,798 for the LS trim.
The 2021 Trailblazer comfortably seats 5 full-sized adults and the included amenities are generous with a comprehensive 7” infotainment system and a full suite of advanced safety tech and mitigation features. The base model Trailblazer is equipped with front-wheel-drive, powered by a miniature 1.2L turbocharged inline 3 rated at just 137 horsepower. An upgradable all-wheel-drive system with a larger 1.3L turbocharged inline 3 increases the power output to 155 horses. All that is nicely packaged within a modernized sleek and sporty outer shell.
VERSATILE INTERIOR
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer’s interior cabin space is versatile and efficient, with decent quality materials combining polished black and red plastics, chrome trims and red highlight leather stitching. The Trailblazer also offers impressive interior space that comfortably seats 5 full size passengers with a respectable max cargo space of 1,540L. The 40/60 rear folding seats with the unique ability to fold flat the front seats adds an extra element of cargo versatility and convenience not commonly available in competing vehicles.
The 7” infotainment system sufficiently handles media controls and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Despite the absence of some more common features such as dual climate control and power seats, the 2021 Trailblazer comes standard with a generous offering of advanced safety and tech features including Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
POWERTRAIN
All trims of the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer come standard in front-wheel-drive with a 1.2L turbocharged inline-3 that outputs 137 horsepower. All-wheel drive with the larger 1.3L turbocharged inline 3 is available as an upgrade for an extra $2,000 and that will also boost the power output to 155hp. The all-wheel-drive configuration will also benefit from the 3 drive mode selection that manipulates the all-wheel drive system, steering and throttle sensitivity based on driving demand (Normal All-wheel-Drive, FWD on Snow, and Sport). Both powertrain configurations will come with an optimal 9-speed automatic transmission to optimize the power output from the small engine.
Where the 2021 Trailblazer functionally falls short is the lack of power as our test drive reveled sluggish power response while the small inline-3 engine frequently operates at higher RPM ranges to sustain the torque demands. The power difference of just 18 horsepower between the 1.2L and 1.3L won’t make a significant difference either as the all-wheel drive system inherently requires more mechanical friction to overcome compared to front-wheel-drive. However, the power is adequate for most daily driving and those looking for a performance vehicles would be looking in a different direction anyway.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Technology inevitably becomes cheaper over time, and the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer attests to the economic fundamentals here with excellent cargo space that comfortably seats 5 full size adults, modern tech amenities, advanced safety features and contemporary styling all for a starting base price of $23,798 for the LS trim with the added option for all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000.
All other trims mostly just add cosmetic upgrades with no improvements to the powertrain unfortunately. The RS trim will get dual-outlet exhaust with polished tips, LED tail lamps and larger 18” wheels to upgrade the exterior look. With the all-wheel-drive configured, the RS trim comes in at $30,498.
