2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV. 3rd generation
The new 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the classic representatives of the growing class of subcompact SUVs. It inherited its name from a large SUV that was produced in the United States until 2016. But that’s probably all. In all other respects, the SUV is new and advanced. The new Trailblazer was initially designed to compete only in the Chinese market, which is why the emphasis is made on form rather than content. But now the well-designed model is trying to enter the demanding North American market, and not only. In 2021, Israeli buyers can purchase the third generation of the 2020 SUV.
First of all, we’d like to eliminate a certain confusion that accompanies the history of the wonderful Chevrolet Trailblazer. The iconic TrailBlazer is a purebred off-road vehicle, produced in two generations from 2001 to 2016, which was a successful, beloved, purely American model. But for some reason, GM chose other models over it.
Format
The new 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer is completely different from its predecessor, as it is built on a different platform and with different components. The model is developed in Brazil for China and represents a completely different segment of subcompact SUVs, despite being positioned as the successor of the glorious genetic line, which is probably done exclusively for image purposes. But the similarity of the nameplates should not be misleading, as this Trailblazer is not the same. However, what’s more important is that both of these vehicles are worthy. The 2020/2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is 4.4 m long, 1.8 m wide and 1.6 m high, with the wheelbase of 2.6 m. The volume of the cargo compartment is 0.7 cubic meters. The unladen weight is 1.5 tons.
Design
The new Trailblazer looks like a heavily built SUV, with a large radiator grille, the upper part of which is definitely ‘borrowed’ from the new Chevrolet Camaro. But there is a very good visual balance between the front and rear ends of the vehicle. Considering its size, this is quite a muscular, voluminous SUV with large wheel arches, many rigid ribs and aggressive narrow headlights.
Engine and transmission
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has two 1.2-liter and 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engines. The first produces 137 hp, while the second one produces 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine comes with front-wheel drive only and features a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the 1.3-liter engine offers optional all-wheel drive. A 9-speed automatic transmission with smooth shifting gears is also available.
Despite the fact that the modern Trailblazer is like an ‘off-road vehicle’, its dynamic performance is more suited for unhurried city driving. By nature, it is a cute SUV that is designed to demonstrate the coolness of a Chinese guy in front of other cool Chinese guys, without leaving the city. And the new Trailblazer has a suitable design for this purpose.
Interior
The cockpit design is not as bold as the exterior, but the interior is roomy, functional and comfortable. Just like a proper SUV, the vehicle has a high driver’s seat, with the plenty of room in the backseat for two adults. Behind the rear seat is a spacious cargo compartment, not only the folding rear seats fold down, but also the front passenger seat, which allows you to place very long items there. The Trailblazer is equipped with a quality 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio and wireless connectivity with two smartphones at once.
Trim levels
The 2021/2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer subcompact SUV is available in five trim levels: L, LS, LT, Activ and RS. In addition to a full set of seats, an ergonomic steering wheel, an air conditioning system and other options that are classic for any modern vehicle of a similar level, the entry-level L version comes standard with:
- 16-inch steel wheels;
- Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle;
- Chevy Safety Assist;
- automatic high beam.
The LS trim level comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a folding front passenger seat, a six-speaker sound system, a few additional details such as a compass and an advanced rear-view mirror.
The LT trim level has everything that the previous two versions can offer, plus roof rails, fog lights, heated mirrors, tinted rear windows, keyless access to the car and the same ignition (and there is also remote ignition), cruise control, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, etc.
The Activ trim level brings the SUV closer to a more or less off-road version of the small Trailblazer, as it provides a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 155 hp, tires that are a little better suited for off-road and, in fact, that’s all.
The RS trim is similar to the Activ, with minor additions such as 18-inch alloy wheels.
Safety
The 2020 Trailblazer offers the following safety options:
- adaptive cruise control;
- automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection;
- lane keeping assist;
- lane departure warning system.
But you should be aware that, to a large extent, the decorative purpose of the vehicle in no way allows it to be considered a safety leader. So, the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet tested the new Trailblazer at all. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the SUV only four out of five stars, since it failed to show good front passenger safety results in a crash test.
