Review: 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS

The Chevrolet Trailblazer or TrailBlazer is a mid-size SUV produced by Chevrolet. The nameplate was first used in North America from 2001 to 2008, when it was replaced by the Traverse crossover SUV in 2009. It was still manufactured and sold in emerging country markets, but it made its reentry into the North America market last year. When you see it on dealer's lots you will see a slight change to the branding as it will be known as Trailblazer with a small b, so it can be branded as a completely new vehicle. So the first-ever 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer expands Chevrolets SUV lineup with a brand new entry into one of the fastest growing segments in the crossover world, the small SUV segment. This vehicle is packed with style, functionality, and a plethora of safety features and a starting MSRP of just $19,995.

Slotting between the Trax and Equinox, the addition of the Trailblazer provides us with a great opportunity to expand the Chevy SUV family to new audiences. With the new ACTIV trim, plus the sporty RS trim, we can appeal to customers' varying active lifestyles.

Steve Majoros, Director of Chevrolet Passenger Car and Crossover Marketing

Powerplant

The new Trailblazer is powered by either a 1.2L turbo that produces 137 horsepower getting EPA-estimated mpgs of 28 in the city and 31 on the highway or the upgraded 1.3L turbo that will churn out 155 horsepower. Both engines are will come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT); but for those buyers who prefer the all-wheel drive (AWD) option with their 1.3L turbo, a 9-speed automatic transmission is available. The different drive modes available on the front-wheel Trailblazers are Normal for daily commuting, Sport for steering and shifting with a sportier feel and response, and Snow for the weekend adventure since it has a more progressive throttle input for improved vehicle acceleration on snow or ice-covered roads.

Exterior

This new Trailblazer strives to provide a uniquely youthful but functional alternative to the fast-growing small SUV segment. The exterior styling features Chevrolet's signature dual-port grille that gives the appearance of a multilayered, dimensional grille. If you see a lot of the old Blazer in the design, and that's intentional.

The Trailblazer doesn't simply let customers express their personal style. It encourages it with uniquely styled trims that allow buyers to select a vehicle that reflects their lifestyle. Its design is bold, confident, and full of personality.

Stuart Norris, Design Director of Global Chevrolet Compact SUVs

Four trim levels allow buyers to choose a way to express their individual personality.

• L is the base trim level
• LS is the midlevel trim
• LT is the top-of-the-line trim level
• ACTIV features exclusive content to enhance for basic off-roading
• RS has style features for a sporty look aggressive look

Interior

You will find the engineers designed this Trailblazer to feature a driver-focused, dual-cockpit interior with an integrated center stack. High-quality finishes and decorative stitching further allows buyers to customize the vehicle to allow personal style to shine through. One of the areas I find the Trailblazer uniquely youthful, but functional is with the seating versatility. It was designed to keep everyone comfortable, with best-in-class rear seat legroom and also a place for just about anything that an adventurous traveler needs which includes a Kayak.

• Flat-Folding Seats: Passenger and Second Row
• Split-Folding Seats: 40/60 Second Row
• Max Cargo Volume: 54.4 cu. ft
• Max Cargo Length: 8.5 ft

The Trailblazer I had for my press loan test vehicle was the new RS trim model. For us 'tenured' individuals, RS once stood for Rally Sport. Today, the RS fits nicely into the family of five other trim levels to give buyers the opportunity to purchase an SUV that is uniquely youthful, but functional for their specific needs. The first thing I noticed about the RS was the side profile with its athletic bodyside lines, a sleek sportscar looking roofline that accentuates the Trailblazer's youthful character. The two-tone roof sets the RS apart from other cars in the store parking lot. And the final thing that captured my attention was the performance-inspired mesh grille with a black Chevy bowtie that highlights the unique, sporty, fresh, modern feel.

Safety

All Trailblazers no matter the trim come with a comprehensive list of standard active safety and driver assistance features. Some of those safety features include:

• Forward Collision Alert
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• IntelliBeam Headlamps (Auto High Beam Assist)
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Vision Camera
• Teen Driver
• OnStar4

The week I had my RS press loan was unique because I found myself more in the vehicle than I did at my home-office desk. I typically do long trip runs to get a feel for a vehicle; but this week, I believe I spent more seat time doing everyday life things like running errands or meeting clients which enabled me to give the RS a good real world experience test. It was a fun and enjoyable vehicle to drive, and the styling had people coming up and asking me what is was. When you look at all that you are getting for what amounts to an entry level price, I have to say that Chevrolet hit a home run with this SUV. It is very stylish and also very functional; and with trim options available for buyers to choose from, it is easy for a person not to find a Trailblazer in their style range.

The new Trailblazer arrived in U.S. showrooms in spring 2020, but the RS trim will arrive spring of 2021. The vehicle starts at an MSRP of $19,995. The RS Trailblazer pictured is priced at $31,225.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in 75 countries with nearly 4 million cars and trucks sold in 2019. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca.