# Test Drive column: All-new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD

Entry price: $19,995

Price as tested: $32,350

This week, we’re driving the all-new compact size 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, delivered with All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) underpinnings in upper-class ACTIV trim. Chevrolet’s marketing department says Trailblazer owners will “live big in a small SUV” and after a week of driving and checking its dimensions and capacities, I have to agree.

Specifically, there’s room for five passengers (in a pinch), and all Trailblazers come with 10 airbags and lots of safety items. There’s also up to 54.4 cu. ft. of cargo space and enough head and leg room fore and aft for even 6-foot tall adults. And, with 8 inches of ground clearance entry and exit is easy. (Front drive models offer 7.5-inch ground clearance).

Historically, the Trailblazer dates back to 1999 when it was more of a truck that offered a more powerful V6 and even V8 engines. Back then, Chevy didn’t have the number of SUVs and Crossovers they offer today, so I’ll slot this new Trailblazer right between the smaller sub-compact Trax and larger Blazer.

The 2021 Trailblazer lineup, including $995 delivery, starts at entry L for $19,995; LS at $22,595; LT at $24,695; ACTIV at $26,495 and RS also at $26,495. For AWD, which is unavailable in the L model, add $1,500 to these front-drive prices.

Under the hood of our AWD tester sits Chevy’s new Ecotec 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, good for 155 horsepower and 174 lb. ft. of torque. All Trailblazers rely on the three-cylinder engine that comes in two designs, one for front-drive models connected to a CVT transmission and one for the AWD trims connected to a nine-speed automatic.

The front drive Trailblazers receive motivation from a 1.2-liter Ecotec delivering 137 horsepower and 163 lb. ft. of torque. If you opt for an AWD Trailblazer, the larger 1.3-liter turbo is standard and ups horsepower to 155 with 174 lb. ft. of torque. If you order a front-drive Trailblazer and want the larger 1.3 engine, you have one choice as the LT trim offers a 1.3 option with the CVT for $1,360 more. The only way to get a nine-speed automatic is in an AWD format.

Not surprising is the three-cylinder engine that generated most of the conversation I engaged in during my week-long test. And after driving the new Trailblazer, Chevy engineers have perfected the “little three” to when the turbo kicks in it delivers surprising low end acceleration.

The front drives will accelerate to 60 in about 8 seconds, while the heavier AWD units take about 9.5 seconds with the 1.3 engine.

Most prospective consumers who test drive this Trailblazer won’t even know there’s a three-cylinder under the hood. It’s when you get to 60 mph and hit the gas to pass you’ll know there’s only 155 horses under the hood. If you opt for the 1.2-liter with just 135 ponies, I would expect things to get a bit slower.

So if you use the Trailblazer for jaunts around town or long highway driving with one or two passengers, it’s a fine little SUV. If you need to haul cargo and four passengers regularly, you might want to consider moving up the line to a bigger, more powerful Chevy Blazer or Equinox.

Fuel mileage is decent as the front-drive 1.2-liter delivers 26 city and 29 highway whereas the larger 1.3 is better at 30 city and 32 highway. Our AWD Trailblazer offers 26 city and 30 highway estimates, both acceptable and in line with competitors like Kia Seltos AWD, which delivers 27 city and 31 highway from a 147-horse four-cylinder.

Now for some Trailblazer positives, of which there are many.

The AWD Trailblazer is ready for some off roading, thanks to skid plates where necessary and with the rear seat down, you can fold flat the front passenger seat making for room inside from everything from a small kayak to all your camping needs. Most important is standard safety as each and every Trailblazer, from L to RS, come with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam automatic high beam headlights.

You’ll find the new Trailblazer easy to park thanks to its smaller format. The suspension features a MacPherson front strut coupled to a rear torsion setup with off-road suspension tuning that results in a comfortable, roadworthy personality. Standard is a 1,000-pound max tow capacity trailering kit and GM’s traction controls and four-wheel ABS disc brakes.

Inside, the cabin is well appointed and quite attractive. Trailblazer ACTIV arrives with a few more amenities like leatherette stitched seating, power driver seat with lumbar and auto high beams to name a few. However, every Trailblazer features Android/Apple compatibility, air conditioning, all the powers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You also receive at no extra cost Bluetooth, 4G WiFi, engine start/stop, and a Chevy Infotainment four or six-speaker stereo sound system depending on trim.

Our tester’s options include a Technology Package for $1,750 that adds a Chevrolet Infotainment 3-Plus upgrade with a Bose seven-speaker stereo, HD surround vision camera, adaptive smart cruise, driver info cameras, wireless Apple and Android, LED headlamps, HD radio, memory card receptacle, wireless charging and a 4.2-inch diagonal multi-color display. A Convenience Package for $620 features mirror upgrades, SiriusXM with three-month trial subscription, 120-volt power outlet, rear park assist, 8-inch diagonal touch screen, rear type-A and type-C USB charge ports and an automatic air conditioning system. (This one is a no brainer for just $620).

Rounding out the options are an $1,100 Sun and Lift package featuring a power hands free liftgate and power dual plane sunroof. Adding the $995 delivery, the final retail came in at $32,350.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 103.9 inches, 3,300 lb. curb weight (approximate), 30.5 to 54.4 cu. ft of cargo room, and a 13.2 gallon fuel tank.

In summary, Chevy Trailblazer for 2021 is an all-new compact SUV that offers the legendary Chevy Bowtie heritage and great looks. Check with your Chevrolet dealer about any current incentives and start with the entry or LT trim and move up accordingly. If your selected Trailblazer surpasses $30K, you might want to consider the larger, more powerful Blazer that starts at $28,800.

Likes: Great looks, easy to drive, attractive pricing, lots of safety.

Dislikes: A little wind noise, not yet sold on three-cylinder philosophy, firm back seat.