Chevrolet Trailblazer:Review the specs, features and pros & cons

Chevrolet Trailblazer Safety

The Trailblazer's hearty truck-based platform and all-steel construction make it a reliable workhorse. At launch, it featured four airbags in the front row. 2005 and newer models traded out the side-impact airbags for standard full-length curtain airbags, improving the overall safety. Electronic stability control (ESC) arrived in 2005 and brakes individual wheels when the vehicle senses it has lost contact with the road. 

Its age means the Trailblazer can't compete with modern car-based mid-size crossovers in terms of safety tech. We recommend checking out its replacements, the Equinox and Traverse, for more comprehensive safety features.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Interior

The standard Chevrolet Trailblazer interior comes with room for five, whereas the EXT model (2003–2006) bumps that up to seven. Both offer ample space for driver and passengers alike. Cloth seats are standard, with higher trim levels offering leather as an option. Power and tinted windows, and reading lights are standard on models from 2008 onward.

Some drivers find the Trailblazer's interior plastics low quality. We recommend inspecting a few models in person to see how they've handled the test of time.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Technology

The Trailblazer comes from an age before the widespread tech features in modern cars became the norm. It launched without any sort of touchscreen infotainment system but did come with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD system. A Bose sound system is optional. On 2008 models and later, the following are standard:

• Air conditioning 
• Automatic door locks
• Keyless remote entry
• Alarm system

The 2LT trim in the 2009 model year includes an integrated touchscreen, capable of playing a CD or using a navigation DVD. Also optional is a dual rear-seat entertainment system, as well as Bluetooth.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Space

It may be a mid-size SUV, but the Chevrolet Trailblazer features ample space. That's the case with the standard five-seat model, and it becomes more so in the seven-seat EXT, a rarity in the class. However, the EXT was only available from 2003 to 2006, making it difficult to find on the roads.

Speaking of hauling, the Chevrolet Trailblazer's towing capacity puts it above most of its mid-size competition. In standard six-cylinder, rear-wheel drive spec it can tow up to 2,900 kg when properly equipped.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Comfort

Most Trailblazers are family vehicles first, though they can handle some tougher jobs. For a more driver-focused option, we recommend the rare SS model, featuring a sport-tuned suspension and a Corvette-derived V8 engine. No matter the engine, the Chevrolet Trailblazer's four-speed automatic makes it a more frequent visitor to the pumps, so budget a little extra for this.