Chevrolet Trailblazer Overview

Chevrolet Trailblazer Launch

With the final production model unveiled in the Bangkok Motor Show in 2012, the Trailblazer created a stir in its segment at launch. The model was subsequently released to the Philippine market in October of 2012. The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), couldn’t keep up with the orders. The company’s waiting list was about 1,000 units long after its quiet launching in the Philippines.

Introductory prices for the Trailblazer started at P1,368,888 for the 4x2 manual transmission variant with a 2.5L diesel engine, while the 4x4 automatic went for P1,718,888. This made the midsize SUV competitive in its segment.   

Chevrolet Trailblazer Chassis, Platform & Powertrain

Known and praised for its engine, variants that come with the 2.8L Duramax engine produces 200 hp and 500 Nm of torque, making it one of the more powerful SUVs in its class. Lower variants can still enjoy good performance, thanks to a 2.5L Duramax engine capable of 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque; still good figures all things considered. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission 

The Chassis of the Trailblazer is shared with the Colorado, Chevrolet’s midsize pickup. This means that it also comes with a double-wishbone front suspension and a coil-spring live axle rear suspension. Depending on the variant, the SUV may come with decals. The Z71 variant is known for its decals that prominently display the trim level, and add some flare to the vehicle. 

Chevrolet Trailblazer Driving Performance

The Trailblazer handles well, with a light steering that allows the driver to maneuver around tight corners with ease. Thanks to the diesel engines on offer from Chevrolet, the SUV packs a punch with the 2.5L and a wallop with the 2.8L Duramax engine. Torque is immediately felt at 2,000 RPM and max horsepower is achieved at 3,800 RPM. 

Chevrolet Trailblazer Technology Features

In the center of the dashboard lies the eight-inch head unit capable of interfacing with an Apple or Android handset thanks to Chevrolet MyLink. The infotainment unit is hooked up to a seven-speaker audio system. Lower trims will have a comparably-sized display in the front minus the Android Auto integration. 

Besides the head unit, Chevrolet is able to equip this SUV with cruise control, front parking sensors, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable seats, automatic climate control, steering wheel audio controls, and a tire pressure monitoring system. You also get a backup camera to complement the front and rear sensors. 

Chevrolet Trailblazer Exterior

Its front fascia bears the American brand’s new signature dual-port grille, topped off with its iconic bowtie badge, sleek headlights with DRLs, and intakes and fog lamps on the bumpers. Depending on the model, the aluminum alloy wheels on the unit will get as large as 18-inches.   

Chevrolet offers this midsize SUV in seven-color selection. Take your pick between Auburn Brown, Black Meet Kettle, Mountain Blue, Satin Steel Gray, Pull Me Over Red, Summit White, Switchblade Silver. 

Chevrolet Trailblazer Interior

Inside, the Trailblazer can sit up to seven people comfortable on either leather or cloth-covered seats depending on the variant. Meanwhile, cooling the cabin is manual air conditioning or Automatic Climate Control for the top-of-the-line variant. 

Space is generous with enough legroom and headroom for most individuals of varying sizes. Like most of its class, the rear seats are better for smaller occupants, while seating in the first five rows in the front and middle is ample. The SUV can seat a total of seven passengers, two in the front, three in the middle, and two in the rear. 

With the rear seats folded, the Trailblazer is able to fit multiple items in its cargo area because of the flat loading bay that opens up.  

Chevrolet Trailblazer Safety

For safety and security, this midsize SUV boasts a host of active and passive safety features such as front and passenger airbags, Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Stability Control, Speed-sensing door locks, ISOFIX tethers, and a lane departure warning system paired with blind-spot detection. 

Chevrolet Trailblazer Pros and Cons

The exterior of the Trailblazer has good presence thanks to its size and a few additions that can be found on more expensive variants, such as decals and blacked-out wheels. The SUV also has a light steering feel that allows for easy maneuverability around turns. The cherry on top is the fact that it has high torque and horsepower figures for its class. 

This SUV may be a little understyled compared to the other offerings in the market, especially in the rear. Interior styling and material choice are dated now since hard plastics dominate most surfaces.