Classic SUV
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a former off-road vehicle that has been transformed into a mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV). It has been produced by General Motors Chevrolet since 2001. This is one of those American cars that have a huge army of fans who value it for its solid design, durability of all components and parts, a large number of comfort options and decent dynamics. The TrailBlazer has remained a popular vehicle thought its lifetime, which speaks a lot of its reputation. In 2021, the third generation of the 2020 SUV can be purchased in Israel.
The first generation
The first generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer was produced from 2001 to 2009, and was restyled in 2005. GM designed this SUV as a response to a challenge from fans of the brand who loved the long-running, iconic Blazer SUV but wanted something bigger. The first TrailBlazer was a body-on-frame SUV built on a custom designed GMT360 chassis. The manufacturer wanted the vehicle to be comfortable, but at the same time able to overcome real off-road conditions. Initially, they developed short or long wheelbase models, which could accommodate up to seven passengers.
GM designed this SUV as a response to a challenge from fans of the brand who loved the long-running, iconic Blazer SUV but wanted something bigger.
The Blazer’s genetic influence was evident in the exterior, with a chrome strip at the front of the TrailBlazer running through the radiator grille and separating the headlights from the turn signals, just like the 1998 Blazer. The SUV had three versions: LS, LT and LTZ, which differed in trim levels and additional options. The first TrailBlazer was equipped with independent front suspension, a five-link rear axle, and a differential lock for the entire model range. The new model came with two engines: a 4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine and a 5.3-liter V8. All versions were mated to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. Two years after the launch of the new model, a 3-row 7-seater version of the Trailblazer EXT (Extended) appeared. It had a longer wheelbase, a taller body and a voluminous interior.
The second generation
It was produced from 2005 to 2008, and was restyled in 2016. The second generation TrailBlazer was not much different from the first one. However, back in 2006, the second generation range acquired a new advanced version, the SS model, which featured the same engine with 395 hp as that on the Chevrolet Corvette (C6). The Corvette was released at the same time as the advanced version of the TrailBlazer. The second-generation SUV had thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer suspension, wider tires, and larger twin-piston disc brakes. A chrome radiator grille at the bottom of the front bumper and standard 20-inch polished alloy wheels combined with standard tinted glass made the vehicle look truly unique. The second generation TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award (the off-road vehicle was built on a cargo frame).
The second generation TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award (the off-road vehicle was built on a cargo frame).
The list of standard equipment included an infotainment system with a six-disc CD changer, a navigation system, an XM Satellite radio, a ceiling DVD player for passengers and much more. The entry-level TrailBlazer could be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The second generation SUV came with three engine options, two of which were diesel. The 2.5-liter Duramax engine produced 148 to 178 hp, and the 2.8-liter Duramax 2.8 could produce from 178 to 197 hp.
The third generation
It has been produced from 2020 to the present (as of 2021). Note that the third generation is only formally the third, as it actually has nothing to do with the first two. In 2020, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer was virtually reborn as a model for China. And it was developed not in the USA, but in Brazil. The SUV has turned out to be of quite high quality, so much so that it is now trying to break through to the North American market, the most attractive for the SUV format. It is quite easy to distinguish the ‘old’ TrailBlazer from the ‘new’ one: the name of the first older model has a capital ‘B’ - TrailBlazer, whereas the newer model has a small ‘b’ - Trailblazer.
The new SUV has a design typical of modern Chevrolet SUVs, featuring a rather aggressive front panel, a raised and trimmed rear end. The vehicle has a lot of modern options, including a new Chevy infotainment system, two Bluetooth-paired phones, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, satellite radio and more.
It is quite easy to distinguish the ‘old’ TrailBlazer from the ‘new’ one: the name of the first older model has a capital ‘B’ - TrailBlazer, whereas the newer model has a small ‘b’ - Trailblazer.
The engine range consists of two 3-cylinder power units, one with a 1.2 liter capacity and one with a 1.3 liter capacity, both turbocharged and coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with stop/start technology. The larger 1.3-liter engine produces 155 hp and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
All the versions of the 2020/2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer have a full list of standard active safety and driver assistance features, including:
- forward collision warning;
- automatic emergency braking;
- braking in front of a pedestrian in the direction of travel;
- lane keeping assist with lane departure warning;
- rearview camera;
- programmable power limits for the young inexperienced driver, and this is not a complete list.
