The 2024 Trailblazer isn’t the off-road blaster its namesake SUV was, but it does deliver competitive utility for a subcompact SUV. It rivals the tech-packed Hyundai Kona and refined Subaru Crosstrek for a smart, affordable pick.
Drivers sit up high for a commanding view and spacious back seat. Even the base model has enough power for everyday driving, and its nine-speed automatic transmission offers a relaxed feel on highways.
Engines
The Trailblazer’s two ECOTEC turbo engines deliver solid acceleration. The smallest is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder that makes 137 horsepower and can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. The bigger upgrade is a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder that’s standard in the Activ and RS trims and produces 155 hp. Both come with a continuous variable automatic transmission that does a good job of simulating shifts and limiting high-rpm engine drone. With front-wheel drive, the Trailblazer gets a healthy 29 mpg city and 33 mph highway. All-wheel drive lowers those numbers to 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
The Trailblazer is a hoot to drive, with excellent maneuverability and a fun-to-drive feel. It also has great fuel economy, making it a strong competitor in the subcompact crossover class. Rivals like the Kia Seltos and 2025 Nissan Kicks feel more upscale and offer better power at a comparable price.
The Trailblazer has a double-screen infotainment system that’s easy to navigate, though its execution isn’t as sharp as it should be. Inches of unused real estate border the display, and the system can be distracting when you’re trying to read a map or use the vehicle’s voice-activated navigation. The Trailblazer’s other standard features include a dual-pane panoramic roof, wireless device charging, a rearview camera, and proximity keyless entry with pushbutton start. A power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats are available on higher-level Trailblazer models.
Safety
Chevrolet has put a lot of thought into safety for the 2024 Trailblazer. The Trailblazer LS, LT, and Activ trims have forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard features. The Trailblazer RS has the same active safety options plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trailblazer has plenty of headroom for back passengers, and the front seat has adjustable height to ensure comfort for taller occupants. The available panoramic sunroof also opens up the cabin to let in lots of natural light.
The Trailblazer has a tech-laden cabin with an 11-inch touchscreen that houses all the infotainment features. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your favorite mobile devices with ease. You can even enjoy SiriusXM on your Trailblazer, which gives you access to endless music, celebrity interviews, sports coverage, and news reports.
You can get a Driver Confidence package for your Trailblazer that boosts the safety features of this subcompact SUV. This add-on includes a rear view camera, which improves your visibility when backing up or parking. It also offers adaptive cruise control, which helps you keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This feature can even stop your Trailblazer if it detects an imminent collision, and it works between five and fifty MPH.
Interior
Despite being an entry-level subcompact SUV, the Trailblazer has a comfortable and functional cabin. Even the base model uses durable materials that avoid a cheap or low-rent feel, and higher trims add colorful accents to elevate the look. Cargo space is ample for the segment, and the rear seats fold flat to maximize utility.
For 2024, the Trailblazer gains a new dual-screen infotainment system that replaces its smaller setup and looks much more modern and harmonious than before. It also adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and offers a hands-free power liftgate as part of the $1195 Convenience Package.
The Trailblazer is powered by either a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder or a 155-horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder. Our test model was equipped with the latter, and while it doesn’t have a lot of zip at highway speeds, it’s peppy in and around town. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission that does a good job of simulating shifts and limiting high-rpm engine droning.
The standard driver-assistance systems in the Trailblazer include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. However, buyers who want blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control will have to upgrade with a package or add the options individually. Chevy’s competitors in the subcompact SUV segment offer better driving dynamics and more features for the same price, such as the tech-loaded Kia Sorento, athletic Mazda CX-30, and refined Volkswagen Taos.
Price
The Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV, and as such, its price point places it among the more affordable options in the class. Its main rival, the redesigned Chevy Trax, offers more room and a more appealing style in addition to a more powerful engine.
The base Trailblazer is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired to front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission. If you want more power, the Trailblazer RS is available with a 1.3-liter engine that’s good for up to 155 horsepower. This version can be had with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Regardless of which trim you choose, the Trailblazer delivers impressive fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in city driving with the standard 1.2-liter engine, while the 1.3-liter option achieves a higher 33 mpg combined.
Every Trailblazer comes with the Chevrolet Safety Assist suite of driver-assistance features. Its advanced technology includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist with a lane departure warning. The Trailblazer also boasts a rear-vision camera that’s useful when backing into parking spaces. Check out the new 2024 Trailblazer for sale in Crestview to experience its engaging performance firsthand. Pricing and payments may vary depending on local rebates, specials, fees, and credit qualifications.