2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ AWD: The Brand’s All- New Subcompact Crossover.

Highlight: The Chevy Trailblazer shares a platform with the Buick Envista.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,670 (LS- Based FWD): $24,395

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; automatic emergency brakes; front pedestrian braking; a forward collision alert system; a lane keep assistance system; a lane departure warning system; automatic high intelligence auto high beam; OnStar safety and concierge system; a rear camera; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a hill start assist system; a compact spare tire; and a tire pressure monitoring syst

Standard Equipment (LS): 17-inch wheels; front wheel drive; a 9-speed automatic transmission;11-inch infotainment screen; black front and rear lower fascia; solar absorbing glass; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a single zone manual ventilation system; chrome shift knob; an 8-inch digital instrument screen; manual operated front seats; and cloth seats

Standard Equipment (Activ- Test Model): 17-inch forge black wheels; all-wheel drive; off-road suspension tuning; roof side rails; heated power outside adjustable mirrors; deep tinted rear glass; dual outlet exhaust; skid plates; front and rear black bowtie emblems; heated outside mirrors; titanium chrome plated front and rear lower fascia; daytime running lights; LED fail lamps; a remote start system; a rear center armrest; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; wrapped steering wheel; heated front seats; keyless open doors; a heated steering wheel; and sliding and lighted front visor vanity mirrors

Options: dual power sunroof; a power handsfree liftgate; an automatic dual zone ventilation system; rear usb charge only ports; automatic rear view dimming mirror; 120-volt power outlet; wireless charging; illuminated front and rear visors; a radar activated cruise control system; a Bose 7 speaker audio system; winter/summer floor mats; all weather floor liners; a rear cross traffic alert system; a rear parking assist system; and lane change alert system with side blind zone

Other Trim Levels:

LT

RS

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:  5 or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/155-horsepower

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/29-hwy (test model)

What’s New: Chevy revived the Trailblazer name during the 2022 model year. New for this year the subcompact model receives a front fascia update.

Why:

Affordable

AWD and front wheel drive available

Three powertrains available

Roomy interior for a compact

Boxy, rigged design

A variety of trims

A host of driving modes (eg. Normal, sport, AWD)

Adequate horsepower with upgraded 1.3 turbo engine, 155-hp

An easy-to-use infotainment

19-inch wheels available

The latest high-tech safety features

Wireless charging

Power liftgate available

A panoramic power roof available 

Heated steering wheel

Legroom in the rear

An optional 7 speaker audio system

A radar cruise control system available

Easy maneuver

A turn-by-turn system for navigation system available

But: 

Not electrified

No built-in navigation system available

Verdict:  The Chevy Trailblazer subcompact crossover made its return to Chevy’s portfolio in 2022, after being discontinued as a midsize SUV in the North American market during the Great Recession.

The pint-sized, but highly capable Trailblazer is available in several trims in either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. At a starting price under $24,500, the all-new Trailblazer is the second most economical vehicle in both the brand’s line-up. The boxy looking vehicle shares a platform with its cousin from Buick, the Envista, and its sibling the Chevy Trax.

Unlike the Trax and Envista, which is only available with one powertrain and in a front wheel drive configuration, the Trailblazer is powered by three powertrains. Moreover, it’s available in both a front wheel drive and an AWD configuration. The Trailblazer is larger and has a slightly higher starting base price than the Buick.

Furthermore, the rugged looking Trailblazer can be outfitted with features ranging from a premium Bose audio system to a push button ignition starter system to 19-inch wheels to a two-tone treatment.

However, depending upon how one options the vehicle, pricing can push toward the $35,000 mark, which in our opinion is too expensive.

Overall, the cool-looking Trailblazer, which offers and easy-to-use infotainment system, is much easier to navigate than the oversized SUVs and trucks that crowds our streets and highways.

Lastly, the Trailblazer we reviewed with the larger 1.3-liter engine was quite adequate. And the vehicle, which sits up high, offers great visibility and great road manners.

Competition: Ford Escape; Hyundai Kona; Kia Soul; Mazda CX-30; Toyota Corolla Cross; and VW Taos