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2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Volkswagen AtlasNew vs Used Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is the little brother to the famous Chevrolet Blazer. Will you get more value from a used one or a new one?
Chevy’s Quaint Sub-Compact
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The Chevy Trailblazer is a more affordable (and more adorable) alternative to the Chevy Blazer. However, the name can be a bit deceiving. Instead of being built for offroad adventures, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is more adequately suited for the hardtop. While we would venture to guess that most people don’t often go off-roading in their subcompacts, this doesn’t hurt the family-friendly allure that the Chevrolet Trailblazer possesses.
Chevy began coming out with the current rendition of the Chevrolet Trailblazer in the 2021 model year, and used models range in price from $20,000 to around $25,000 depending on trim level, powertrain, and condition.
The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer hits the streets with a redesigned front end and a larger infotainment display. Push-button start, an HD camera, and cruise control are now standard features as well. The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts at an MSRP of $23,100 for the base LS trim and the top-trim RS starts at an MSRP of $29,995.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is powered by either a 1.2L or 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder. The small engine displacements mean that you won’t be breaking any land-speed records, but they will be great for driving to work or taking the kids to soccer practice. They are small and practical subcompacts that are great for a small family or for singles who need a little extra cargo space.
So, will you save big by buying a used model, or will you be better off buying a new model?
Specs
The powertrains for the Chevrolet Trailblazer haven’t changed since the second generation was introduced in 2021. FWD versions come standard with a 137-horsepower 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable (CVT) transmission producing 162 lb-ft of torque.
AWD models have a 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.
The small engine sizes might mean meager performance, but they also mean that you’ll save some money at the gas pump. Drivers get 33 MPG highway/29 MPG city from FWD models and 29 MPG highway/26 MPG city from AWD models.
Driving and Performance
Both the used and new Chevy Trailblazers accelerate about the same in a 0 to 60 MPH test which isn’t surprising given they have the same powertrains. The 2024 AWD model equipped with the 1.3L engine strolled quietly to 60 MPH in 8.7 seconds while the 2021 AWD model took 9.4 seconds.
The engine is powerful enough to give the Trailblazer a peppy start and handles most city-based driving with ease. However, it struggles to get up to highway speeds when merging and passing requires a lot of space to complete.
Neither model was very comfortable on uneven pavement and provided a jittery ride. It handles curves well although it wasn’t a particularly sporty ride. The overall driving experience is rather bland, however, and the steering did not offer much feedback.
The diminutive powertrain won’t allow either model to tow any more than 1,000 lbs., so don’t plan on pulling anything more than a small trailer.
Comfort and Interior
There isn’t much difference between the interiors of both Chevrolet Trailblazer models either. They are spacious interiors with plenty of room, and the higher-end trims offer great convenience features. Black plastic is the main material throughout but at least it is textured to keep it from feeling overly cheap.
You get a commanding driver’s seat position, and two adults can fit comfortably in the rear seats. The infotainment system on the 2021 model is a 7.0-inch touchscreen with the option of an 8.0-inch unit. The 2024 model comes with an upgraded 11.0-inch touchscreen. When it comes to a sweet-looking dash, the new 2024 model wins hands down.
As for cargo space, both models offer 25.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and up to 54.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. One cool feature is the flat-folding front passenger seat. This allows extra-long items to be carried when needed.
Trims and Features
The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS.
The LS trim is the base model and comes with features such as automatic headlights, a flat-folding front passenger seat, 60/40-split folding rear seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, a six-speaker audio system, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection.
The LT trim adds LED foglights, roof rails, tinted rear windows, heated side mirrors, 17-inch black machine-finish wheels, and heated front seats.
The Activ trim is built for light off-roading and has features such as off-road suspension settings, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a two-tone roof, tow hitch receiver, 1.3L turbocharged engine, dual exhaust pipes, synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and a rear-seat center armrest.
The RS trim gives the Trailblazer street-inspired, sporty looks and features such as dark chrome exterior trim, 19-inch wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and red interior accents.
Drivers can get a Driver Confidence package that consists of rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A Convenience package is offered on the LT and higher trims and includes a household-style outlet, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, and additional USB charging ports.
There are also standalone options including a premium Bose sound system, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS.
The L trim is the base model and is equipped with features such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a four-speaker sound system, 16-inch steel wheels, forward collision mitigation, automatic high beams, and lane-keeping assist.
The LS trim adds a fold-flat front passenger seat, a compass, floor mats, vanity mirrors, a six-speaker sound system, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The LT trim adds foglights, roof rails, keyless entry, keyless ignition, remote ignition, heated front seats, heated mirrors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, tinted rear windows, and cruise control.
The Activ trim comes equipped with more off-road-friendly features such as upgraded tires, simulated leather upholstery, a two-tone roof, unique styling elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
The RS trim adds red interior accents and 18-inch alloy wheels with standard tires. In addition to the Driver Confidence package and Convenience package, a Technology package is available offering adaptive cruise control, a wireless charging pad, a premium Bose sound system, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, LED headlights, and a high-resolution rearview camera.
Final Thoughts
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The current version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer hasn’t been around long enough to go through many changes. There were very few changes and no major changes since 2021. We admit that we like the upgraded front end of the new 2024 model though. Also, the infotainment touchscreen and digital gauge cluster upgrades are great improvements over the older design.
The powertrains are painfully underpowered for most highway applications. While gas mileage is saved, there is no thrill to driving either model of Chevy Trailblazer. There are certainly better options out there if you want a subcompact SUV.
If we were to choose between a used model and a new model, however, we would go with the newer model. There isn’t much of a price difference on miles with low to modest mileage to save a lot. The new features are certainly worth the price difference as well. Plus, you’ll get a new warranty so you can rest a bit easier at night.
If you decide to go with a used model, be sure to check out our used car checklist and look at some of the best certified pre-owned programs.
