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Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie Car2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Big Value for a Small SUV
The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer packs a lot of value into a small SUV. We look at interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
After a stint as a mid-sizer in the early 2000s, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer now occupies the subcompact space. All-new in 2021, it enters this model year effectively the same, aside from a new paint palette that now includes Fountain Blue and Nitro Yellow Metallic. It competes in a packed class, with strong options like Kia’s Seltos that we compare to the Trailblazer here. Fortunately, Chevy does a commendable job outfitting the second-smallest SUV in its lineup to stand tall amongst the competition.
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Standard wireless phone integration
Alloys across the board
Smart cabin cargo space
Best features require a package
Optional engine not much different
Can crack $33,000
Solid all-around small SUV
2023 Trailblazer Specs
- 137 horsepower from base engine
- 162 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 25.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 54.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard Wi-Fi hotspot
- 10 standard airbags
- 5 years of roadside assistance
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Powertrain
Both the LS and LT Trailblazer trims come with a 1.2L turbocharged and intercooled three-cylinder motor rated for 137-hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a CVT to drive the front wheels only, as stepping up to the AWD system requires the “bigger” engine. Bigger is in quotes because the upgraded power plant is also of the boosted 3-pot variety, but with an extra tenth of a liter in displacement.
At 1.3 liters, it makes 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Granted, you can select the 1.3L motor for just $400, and it does add a 9-speed automatic transmission, but it’s still a dog in a straight line. Period testing reveals a 9.4-second stroll to 60 mph in AWD guise. Pity Chevy hasn’t grabbed the 175-horse mill out of the GMC Terrain, which we review here, for use in the Trailblazer.
With a strut-type front suspension and torsion beam for the rear, the 2023 Trailblazer is tuned for basic transportation needs. However, the ACTIV model has some off-road aspirations with a skid plate, off-road suspension tuning, and “sport terrain” rubber that ought to enable decent fire road jaunts. But if getting loose in the wild is what you have in mind, you’ll be better served with something like the Jeep Cherokee, a 4×4 we look at here.
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Fuel Economy & MPG
For the best Trailblazer fuel efficiency, you’ll need the 1.3L motor, which earns 29 mpg in city driving and 33 on the highway with FWD. Adding AWD is a significant drag, with both categories dropping by three miles per gallon. Equipped with the 1.2L engine, you can expect to see 29/31 mpg in city/highway driving. Though turbocharged, both powertrains run on regular octane, saving a bit over premium while filling the 13-gallon tank.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though in the sub-compact class, has a party trick allowing it to handle objects up to 8.5 feet in length. The 60/40 split rear bench folds flat, which is typical, but the front passenger seat can also fold forward – completely flat. It’s a nice feature for hauling ladders, surfboards, and the like. Cargo space behind the seats is likewise solid with 25.3 cubic feet aft of the rear bench and 54.4 max. The comparable Mazda CX-30 tops out at 45.2 cubic feet of storage volume.
Though base Trailblazers are a basic black cloth and plastic affair, upper-level models come with upscale brown accents and leatherette with contrast stitching. Features like a heated steering wheel and front buckets are also available, though you won’t find multi-zone climate control or heated rear seats here. Rated for five passengers, adults in the back will enjoy 39-inches of legroom, a considerable three inches more than the aforementioned Mazda.
Entertainment & Technology
Chevy’s latest infotainment software is on tap in the 2023 Trailblazer, which includes wireless connectivity for Apple and Android smartphones as standard. A 7-inch touchscreen is also standard though an 8-inch model is available as you move through the trim hierarchy.
Other standard niceties include a Wi-Fi hotspot, six-speaker stereo, and 3-year subscription to Remote Access that allows for app-based control of the door locks and engine start-up. Fancier features, like Alexa Built-In, a wireless charging pad, and Bose audio system can also be optioned but require the pricey Technology package that will run you $1,620 and is only available on ACTIV and RS trim lines.
Safety Features
With 10 standard airbags, features like rear seat reminder, and a host of active driver-aids like forward collision alert with automated emergency braking, the Chevy Trailblazer puts a focus on safety. And it works as the little SUV earns both a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and overall 5-star rating from NHTSA. Other advanced safety tech includes lane keep assist with lane departure warning, while adaptive cruise control is available via optional package.
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Trims & Pricing
LS – $23,295
The entry-level Trailblazer LS sits on upscale 17-inch alloy wheels and comes fitted with LED daytime-running lights and a Jet Black cloth-upholstered cabin. Tech highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch infotainment screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For $495, the Driver Confidence and Cruise package adds traditional cruise control as well as Lane Change Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
LT – $25,495
Dressed up with gloss black rims, the LT model adds convenience touches like remote and keyless engine start, heated side mirrors, and roof rails. You can also tap into the bright Vivid Orange Metallic paint color. Cabin improvements like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front buckets easily justify the price bump over base models.
ACTIV – $27,395
As the off-road themed 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, ACTIV models have beefed up tires, a skid plate, and a touch of spice with the option for a white roof to go with the available Nitro Yellow paint job. Black leatherette with “Arizona” brown cabin trim adds an upscale vibe inside as does a heated steering wheel wrapped in leather.
RS – $27,395
Priced identically to the ACTIV, RS models show off with 18-inch rims, polished dual exhausts and a Camaro-inspired front end. Further channeling the pony car is a flat-bottom steering wheel and red cabin accents. For $1770, the Sun and Liftgate package adds a panoramic sunroof and hands-free liftgate, one of our favorite amenities on this list of Best Car Features. Tacking on the $1620 Technology package brings an 8-inch infotainment screen along a price tag of more than 33 grand, so don’t miss our writeup on the latest new-car incentives if you go this route.
Warranties
Though Chevy does offer complimentary maintenance, it only covers the first scheduled service in the first year of ownership. Hyundai far outpaces this with three years of included service. The rest of the Chevrolet warranty coverage is equally average with a 3-year/36,000-mile window on the vehicle and five years or 60,000 miles of coverage for the powertrain.
What we think
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer on Carsforsale.com
Offering a lot of SUV in a small package for under $30,000, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a lot to like. It could use an optional powertrain with more juice, of which there are many in the General Motors stable, but otherwise it represents a strong overall cute-ute.
I would spring for the LT model to access niceties like heated seats and tack on the Convenience package to enjoy the larger 8-inch infotainment interface. However, I’d skip the bigger motor, even though it only costs a few hundred bucks, as it doesn’t add much excitement.
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