2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD Snow Road Driving Tests

In our earlier review of the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ, it didn't do great with our off-road test. But how about the more common use case of snow? Can the Trailblazer conquer a snow road? We try the 2022 Trailblazer RS on a snow-covered forest road to find out!
#chevrolet #chevy #snow
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
02:13 - Driving to the destination
04:36 - Snow Road Driving
08:36 - Snow Forest Road
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[@daspencer4537]

We bought one 3 days ago. "Zues Bronze" with 2 tone interior. We live in Maine. We absolutely love everything about ours. We bought the "Activ" version.

[@CodeR3d911]

I live in Ohio and traded in my 2013 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit for a 2022 Trailblazer RS for gas mileage reasons. It's normal for us to get 6-8 inches of snow in the winter with the occasional ice storm here and here and there. But I tell you what, this little beast did fantastic in these conditions. I commute to work 30 minutes each way and live out in yhe country where plow trucks hit last, and I never once got stuck in the snow. And I was surprised since the tries that come on the RS seem to be highway tires. I was going to switch them out but after this last winter, honestly for what I use it for, it works perfect. Also, I'm very surprised with the I-3 turbo engine, thing has some power for such a baby engine lol.

[@sailingindependence9927]

Im Toledo area, thanks for the review. I'm looking at this or the Hyundai Kona AWD. The kona has some pretty cool features like wireless phone charging and lane keep assist. But what really sells me on the Kona is the infinity sound system. Price range is about the same I think.

[@ideckadventures3948]

Thanks for that comment, am moving to Ohio and was really wondering if it will serve me right I believe this is a confirmation 😃

[@amenhotepavoskin1307]

@@sailingindependence9927 Always wondered why people would need the lane keep assist. If you can't keep in the lane, you probably shouldn't be driving at all.

[@sailingindependence9927]

@@amenhotepavoskin1307 it's so you can master bate while driving, bro. Everyone's doing it.

[@Lugiavsgiratina]

@@amenhotepavoskin1307exactly

[@pablogregorini9495]

best test drive ive ever seen, thanks for trying FWD on snow not just the AWD

[@tomhawkenstein3225]

These snow test videos are great! Can’t wait to see more snow test on more vehicles :D

[@jake51515]

Tires IMO are the biggest factor for winter driving. I daily drive a 14 v6 mustang with no weight in the trunk and snow tires on the rear alone and all seasons upfront and it NEVER gets stuck even in very thick snow. I've seen trucks stuck and my little mustang is just chugging along..with that being said 4wd would come in handy in certain situations I can imagine.

[@sadfacts7751]

Im stunned. Just an amazing car when used right. WELL DONE gm

[@_Marc_D]

I'm glad you touched on how loud it is. My girlfriend and I took one for a test drive. It sounded extremely loud there was a rattle and the stereo system was horrible. We end up buying a Subaru Crosstrek.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

I work at a jeep dealership & I bought a 2021 crosstrek sport.

[@441meatloaf]

Crosstrek is a good choice especially 2021. Its better interior, bigger engine, and a good AWD with surprising fuel economy.

[@_Marc_D]

@@441meatloaf We also went with the Sport with the 2.5 litre

[@edsmith9855]

I have an Impreza with the 2.0 liter. While I feel the bashing of that engine is overdone, and it is perfectly adequate for normal driving, I do wish the 2.5L was standard in all Crosstrek/Impreza models, or at least an option for the Impreza "Sport", which is kind of a joke since the Crosstrek has the 2.5L available. BTW, another attractive option in place of the Trailblazer at 30k is the Hyundai Kona with the turbo.

[@441meatloaf]

@@edsmith9855 for city sure, not when you are going up long stretches of hill on highways

[@SweetsE1983]

Excellent review. The footage from outside as you’re driving are great too.

[@charlesknight5140]

Thank You for this video I was very curious and impressed by this vehicle, I'm honestly interested in it now. Thank You and have a Blessed day everyone.

[@MyAnthony77]

like you said, for that price you can still get more options. Very helpful video, im planning to buy a new suv next year,so, this videos are helping me to pick the right one. thanks for the videos.

[@southshore0007]

This was a GREAT VIDEO 👍👍, Iam totally sold on buying this car it was on my short list but now I am starting the buying process 🙂

[@delaneyhoule2803]

Helpful review! I’m in Colorado upgrading from a lil Cruze and this car is exactly what I hoped since I’m not going anywhere too wild but do want to make it up some easy mountains and be safer all around in the snow! And to transport a paddleboard in the summer 😎. So excited for mine to arrive!

[@tonyheb5103]

Nice review! More snow test please! :D

[@myapeoples8187]

Just got mine and I moved from Tennessee (no snow) to Chicago (all of the snow) and I wanted to see how I would fare here. Very helpful!

[@amandawelch5698]

I have a 2021 trailblazer and love it. We are in upstate NY have had no issues in the snow and “accidentally” took it off road and it did surprisingly well. I also was not thrilled the whole idea of the new trailblazers but since test driving and getting one I’m a huge fan.

[@dj331]

Your snow videos are my favourite.

[@johnbob4545]

Now that's a proper test drive.

[@rmtz9]

Great video! Waiting to see how the Compass Trailhawk does in the snow.

[@robertzuby2871]

Bought one for my 16 year old son. Its a great vehicle for a young driver.

[@fearhand12]

Lucky kid

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Really solid video on this suv.

[@wizeguiz]

I just purchased a Ford Bronco sport.. I can't wait to see how that does when we get some deep snow up here near Buffalo, NY....... With snow tires of course!

[@toneloc79]

I'm still waiting for my trailblazer 2022 can't wait

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I just got this and I love it.

[@islandlazy99]

Good test. The little Chevy was impressive.

[@CamboTriton]

Best car channel. Always excellent content.

[@bobgomavitz1330]

Always enjoy your reviews in my neck of the woods…..planning a Ford Maverick Snow review this week with all the snow? Hope so. Thanks again

[@drivingsports]

Yup! The Maverick video is in edit now.

[@bobgomavitz1330]

@@drivingsports Bingo! Great news! More snow Thursday

[@ragazzi25]

Really like that car...great looks and it most likely does everything well plus gas/mileage with the 3 cyl is probably awesome! A winner for me..I can't believe I'm actually saying that about an American car!

[@sleepyfu]

All Season really means 3 seasons! People need to hear this.

[@kenhoward3512]

The selectable AWD seems like a useful feature (especially with traction control 'off'), compared to the typical CUV On-Demand systems that begin with FWD slippage before engaging power to the rear.

[@stevey500]

Takes me back to the Juke with their selectable 2wd/AWD and AWD vectoring. Such an under rated crazy fun vehicle. Ruined by the earlier gen nissan CVT though :(

[@krebgurfson5732]

exactly, it's the best possible system.

[@pablomoreno1999]

I got nothing against this little car, it actually did well. Doesn't look offensive...very expensive though. But i think the real miss here was to call it "TRAILBLAZER RS"...... Btw great video. Respect to you for taking this crossovers that far ;)

[@bradleypiper7343]

Love to see how the Trax AWD system works in slowmo and possibly a trail test on one. Not many videos on people pushing their limits.

[@normt430]

If you brake torque from a stop all wheels will spin. My 2013 Buick Encore would do this. Then stability off with a.5-second hold of traction control button and have fun in the snow until 25 mph when it would return to on.

[@Theescapist_87]

I want one of these so bad. I used to have a Trax and loved it, but the backseat was too small for car seats and my husband and I want to start a family soon. But this looks perfect in looks, size, and price.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Nice reveiw surprised pot holes didn’t blow the low profile tires

[@dhm486]

Thanks for the video. Will there be a snow test for the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

[@got_to_roll]

0 interest in this model but had to watch you push it around a bit. RS and Blazer used to mean something. Nice job as always, looking forward to the next!

[@fernandovargas7562]

Cool video…. Great driving Test….

[@mikehicks7135]

Not sure why you didn't use the Active version? That gives you the under body protection and tires that are more suited for your test.

[@drivingsports]

We’re limited to the vehicles that are provided for testing. Currently they only had this model.

[@wanee8039]

I believe it also has different suspension tuning and different shocks. Possibly Koni's🤔

[@sqfanatic]

Well done!

[@cliffgrando859]

Ryan, I'm not sure if I would purchase the trailblazer. You did a fabulous job doing the review

[@Xerthedragon]

"It's clearly not designed for off-road adventures." So, in other words... It's not a trailblazer

[@gmclite1123]

Epic fail

[@byx3493]

I've used my 2006 to it's full potential off road towing pushing using just the bumper I love my truck this shit is pathetic

[@michaelm.3641]

I don’t know why they bothered using the trailblazer name for this vehicle. Disappointing to say the least.

[@2000camaroz2895]

Sure it is - just on a paved road 😂

[@DickGazInYa]

@@michaelm.3641 Laziness. Just slapping an old name on it to get buyers from the past. Problem is, this "Trailblazer" is nothing at all... like the original.

[@danielnormandeau2393]

I will say my friend at work has one it never cuts power it just keeps ripping the tires i think it could be fun.

[@DoomsdaYPunK009]

Never has one video dissed on “8 inches” so much ever

[@FluffyUnicornAsian]

Wish you'd take a Kia Seltos EX/SX on this. I really wanna see how that compares to the Chevy Trailblazer AWD.

[@scottfisher7590]

Thanks for another great video. Quick question, did you do a review on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder?

[@drivingsports]

Not yet. We're getting one in late January to review.

[@scottfisher7590]

@@drivingsports cool deal. Thanks for responding. I really appreciate the reviews you do.

[@hitman74]

@@drivingsports can't wait

[@njfreeskier]

How does this compare to the Traverse. It seems like a similar system, but nobody seems to do any sort of testing of the awd system on the Traverse, only reviews of the car itself. Even your video, doesn't really go into any detail. Since you've driven both, I'm curious what your thoughts are. Thanks!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, I hope the next car you test with a turbo 3 cylinder engine is a GR Yaris.

[@rainmouse2]

I think that you could've revved it high and played the wheel to the left and right a bit to get out of being stuck at the end no? Have you driven a Rouge in the snow? My new job got these and the Rouge and I need to know which car is better in the snow.

[@blakliffy]

I would love to see this same test drive with a lower trim bronco sport.

[@occckid123]

2 bad he doesn't have multiple vehicles at the same time 2 see who can get the furthest!

[@blakliffy]

@@occckid123 That would crazy awesome if he could do that but I am still happy with the analysis he is providing. It gives all the info I need to choose based on the reactions to the frozen ground and deep snow!

[@RuralLivingwithJesse]

My wife just got a 2020 GMC Acadia awd I would like to see a review like this for that car if possible

[@ShadowBend]

I actually like the looks of this thing. But the power is so so sad.

[@MyAlexWest]

me too about looks

[@STORMZ8]

V8's in the 70's and 80's had similar power.

[@JRs-guitars]

Any plans to try out the Blazers off road ability?

[@mattl5238]

wish we had that snow on the east coast, i want to ski

[@tT-hw8yu]

Is the 2022 Outlander on your list or did I overlook a video?

[@musicmatty67]

Great video and review. I give this vehicle very high marks considering the tires were not very aggressive. For the most part this vehicle easily navigated through a half foot of snow with very average tires… It’s pretty damn impressive. I think the biggest problem with all wheel drive and traction control is simply that people that buy these vehicles don’t know how to properly use the system. A slippery road with rain or snow that has been plowed is where traction control works very well. Hit a road that’s not been plowed, the traction control should come off immediately.

[@edsmith9855]

Vast majority of crossovers tested by this channel are on "all season" tires.

[@nickknee3515]

Your right. Traction control has saved me going down a snowy road at 40 or so in my Tundra, I hit a slick spot and she kicked right out sideways but I hear a beep beep and it straightened right out. But trying to get up my steep snow covered driveway with TC on it'll just stop you in your tracks.

[@noxnyc23]

Very true sir .. i ones turned off my traction control off on my Subaru , due to unplowed roads fresh 2 feet of snow then I ran into a plowed road with a bit of rain n snow smooth with still traction control off cause I forgot to switch it back and I spun out doing about 50mph .. no biggie it was just me on a quiet road .. but yeah you nailed it with the traction part 👍🏼

[@adonisrayray2964]

How about uphill performance?

[@patriciatrotta3995]

"But we have trails to blaze darn it" - me driving a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer in a city 😂

[@bucknakedbullfrog]

it needs the 1.5 engine for me to buy it. A year later I am willing to accept the 1.3 and change the aspect ratio on the tire from a 60 to a 65 which if I did my math correctly would be almost a 1/2 more ground clearance due to tire height.

[@RPotter95]

"it's so deep! eight inches runs out reallll quick" lmao

[@alivwilliam4579]

Cool. Please test the new Pathfinder))

[@KuntryRD]

I have not owned a vehicle with a small turbo engine before. Can anyone out there let me how well this would this go up the Appalachian mountains? I do like the looks of it, but I don't want to have to do the Fred Flintstone run to get it up the mountains.

[@arad907]

getting punched Side of tire is repairable. In fact i did it yesterday 😀. it is a little more complicated than usual punch and took about half an hour to get fixed but it is doable.

[@drivingsports]

Repairable for someone doing their own repairs -- but no tire shop will touch it.

[@hitman74]

It's 29th now and all of WA is covered in snow and more snow I coming on Thursday seeing sedans scare me

[@AlphaShark]

For your outside shots what cameras do you use? Are they GoPro’s?

[@drivingsports]

This one I shot with a pair of Canon R5 cameras. Sometimes we also use a Blackmagic 6K Pro or Ursa G2. (Depending on the weather.)

[@AlphaShark]

@@drivingsports Thank you! I was going to say you got some beautiful shots but I figured they were high quality.

[@mateoyanez2955]

Hi, can you please try the new vw taos 2022 in snow

[@Kiss__Kiss]

I've never liked American vehicles but, they are (From what you've shown in the past, Ryan) starting to show me their good side. lol

[@Adam21UT]

American based, but built In Incheon South Korea.

[@KyleKick909]

you could fit a suitcase on top of the engine cover and still be able to close the hood with how small that engine is.

[@edd3807]

Makes me want to move! We haven't had a decent snow in the midatlantic for a while. Great review, I'll stick with my road noisy CRV that gets 30mpg.

[@zachlacomb378]

Trust me you don’t want snow it sucks

[@Lucky8s]

What year is your CRV?

[@iyot1020]

snow is romantic for people who doesnt deal with it all time during winter

[@edd3807]

@@Lucky8s 2019. Been lucky so far, no issues. This is our 3rd Crv.

[@marki61422]

@@edd3807 what a boring person,,,why buy the same vehicle all the time, enjoy life try something different.

[@ManasicPlays]

Seems like for this size/price point the Bronco Sport is king.

[@angelicaalcaraz5866]

What about the TB RS that is FWD with the snow mode? I’m thinking I may have screwed myself over not getting AWD version because I needed a car and all they had in the RS was FWD

[@lp6696]

I was just reading the owner's manual for the 2023 Trailblazer and noticed the option Snow/Ice Mode (FWD Vehicles Only) on page 203 if your model year has the option that may help. I have read if you use snow tires on an FWD car that works nearly the same as an AWD with all-year tires not sure how that is proven. If I had an FWD where I am located I would pay for the snow tires I am even thinking of getting snow tires for my AWD. Not sure what your budget allows.

[@inangekah2090]

You mentioned the Suzuki Kizashi's AWD system. What did you think of it?

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

It's smarter than previous Suzuki system (i-AWD) but not as smart as later one (All Grip Select). All in all it does a good job.

[@boxoffisa]

Are they still making trailblazer ss?

[@chaoticgood3935]

No hate for the current trailblazer at all, but I think Chevy should have created a direct competitor for the new Ford Bronco with the trailblazer platform. They have enough sporty AWD models that compete with Subaru and vehicles like the Rav4. Old days bronco VS blazer! I think they missed an opportunity here.

[@nickknee3515]

I was watching the Weather Channel one day last year when people in Texas and other southern states were getting clobbered with a snow storm and single digit temps. They had a traffic camera showing an intersection with traffic lights and nobody was anywhere to be seen, then this mid 2000's Chevy Impala rolls up to the light that just turned red (with absolutely no other cars anywhere to been seen mind you) and they stop. The Weather Channel anchors were still blabbin away but I had my eye on what that car was gonna do when the light turned green, and when it finally turned green and that Impalas front wheels just spun like hell. I was giggling away then the passenger got out wearing his PJ's and a hoodie and tried pushing and I just started gut laughing then they cut the camera feed. These kinds of cars would be perfect for people down south were they might see one or two snowstorms a year and they would need AWD, and the rest of the year all they need is front wheel drive and fuel efficiency.

[@ElricX]

These seem like solid vehicles for what they are.

[@yoranw4608]

I cant be so exact, because I've lived outside of America for so long, but *is it only me or the Trailblazer(getting an old image of the name) has become a japanese keicar?*

[@timothyj.2937]

Outback wilderness vs Forester wilderness will be your next big hit Ryan

[@robervin9107]

Nick is awesome

[@matty1053]

Should have made it to compete with bronco/wrangler. Offered 3 engines... 2.0 L Turbo Base, 3.6 v6, and a Hybrid V6.

[@dbarton8651]

Damn I got my 4runner TRD (Trail in '16) off road brand new, for 35k.

[@aayonce4]

Yeah cars are freaking ridiculously over priced!

[@wildbill23c]

It would be what $50k+ if you tried buying a 2021 or 2022 4Runner TRD.

[@aayonce4]

@@wildbill23c which is really sick and sad

[@blueridge8992]

Well it certainly looks nice but that price (and the fact that Chevy dealerships NEVER work with you on the price) just kills this little guy. I’ve been shopping EcoSports for a second car in the winter and my Ford dealership quoted me $26,185 out the door for a 2.0 AWD Titanium with a window sticker price of $29,785. They have S AWD 2.0 models for $19,411 ($23,236 sticker) and nicely optioned SE AWD 2.0s for $23,205 ($26,705 sticker). That’s a very comparable car for almost $10k less!

[@billredding2000]

Wow, sounds like you get less of almost everything in this "economy" car -- features, engine, performance -- but a higher cost than expected. ;-) What was Chevy thinking? BTW, my Jeep seems to be a bit QUIETER on the road, even in a "sloppy mess" with 33" Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires. ;-) -- BR

[@jediguy634]

"Potholes" SouthEast Michigan: Hold my Beer.

[@ytjgsf]

Let’s see the Tucson in snow!!

[@simonmonty7171]

The sound inside the cabin also has to do with the tires... other tires could be more silent

[@susandaraghy6061]

My boyfriend bought the new 2021 trail blazer is it just like the 2022

[@mauricebarry8858]

What were those RPMs doing on the highway? It was bouncing from like 2-3k rpm.

[@mileshufford2090]

I have the Encore GX, same vehicle as the Trailblazer. At 75mph mine runs around 2K RPM. Much lower than my Nissan Juke's 1.6L Turbo 4 banger which runs around 3200 RPM at same speed.

[@mauricebarry8858]

@@mileshufford2090 I'm talking about the bouncing. It was bouncing up and down. not staying steady in one gear.

[@dardoukLYS]

The Trailblazer body on frame still exist in other market (south america and asia), new one coming next year. They're nothing alike.

[@upstage925]

I want one =)

[@infomercialguy]

Nice job! Question. Is it better to have traction control on or off in snow or rain?

[@drivingsports]

On. If you turn it off it disables power redistribution though brake vectoring. The exception is if you need wheel spin more than vectoring, in which case you disable it.

[@infomercialguy]

@@drivingsports thanks bunches ! Keep up the great work. I'm thinking about getting new trailblazer or Honda HRV this Fall. Any thoughts?

[@drivingsports]

@@infomercialguy new HRV is completely redesigned and should go on sale this summer. If you’re not in a hurry, wait to see the details on that one.

[@infomercialguy]

@@drivingsports Thanks. I'm no in a hurry. so, thanks. I will wait til this summer/Fall and look at both. Maybe the Toyota cross too. but, cross doesn't have things like autolift gate and panoramic sunroof which i would really so enjoy.

[@FlameClone]

Now do this on the Maverick 😀

[@richb.4374]

I'll stick with my trusty old 2006 Trailblazer. Still runs great with 177k on the clock. No rust, no leaks, ice cold AC and it's paid for. The Vortec 4200 is a wonderful engine too. I'll pass on the 3 cylinder lawn mower engine. I can tow over 5000 lbs with my old Blazer even with the inline 6. This thing couldn't tow a row boat.

[@Rockybalboa541]

But you could get a much worse vehicle for 32k

[@byx3493]

I 100% agree I have a 2004,2005,2006 and a 2007 great trucks all made in Ohio not Korean

[@byx3493]

And they put in work I'm close to 200k on my 06 I love that truck

[@ragazzi25]

Let us know how you doin with gas prices reaching $5/gallon...🤣

[@ACF6180T]

Actually it could tow a row boat; If it's not over a 1,000 lbs. & properly equipped. As far as the old Trailblazer with a 4.2 , I still own a 07, & as far oil changes, & fuel consumption the 23 is way better than my 07. 7 quarts of oil with oil filter change, & the 23 only takes 4.2 quarts with a oil, & filter change. & the 23 gets almost gets twice the fuel mileage, & only holds half the fuel of my 07 Trailblazer. I'm quite happy We bought the new Trailblazer, & We still like the 07, But it's time to let it it go; Besides We still have our 03 Silverado 4X4 for tow duties with the 5.3.

[@TheSonicEnergy]

For that price this car is a winner

[@matus201]

Isn't 8" the standard? Most SUVs/CUVs have around that amount.

[@sethgreene4107]

Can you please test a equinox.

[@vitaliiyarema]

Is it safe for the vehicle to switch AWD on and off during the motion?

[@YellowYoshiGamer]

Thats a good question I wonder the same thing

[@FriENTlyFire]

Jesus Christ I'm early for this one. Love the snow tests

[@drivingsports]

Posted just a few minutes ago 👏

[@mrtriathlondude]

@@drivingsports Love your off-road reviews! Do you have any plans to test the Volkswagen ID.4 AWD variant off road or in the snow this season?

[@drivingsports]

@@mrtriathlondude We plan to film it in January.

[@mrtriathlondude]

@@drivingsports Excited to see it! Stay safe out there.

[@chris5459]

Would love to see more winter videos but snow tires only

[@charlesdr1981]

Definitely. A lot of European viewers are watching ,me included who love American vehicles. And in winter we must drive only on winter tyres. I found redicilous that in USA ,winter tyres are not mandatory for states with harsh winters. All seasons are joke in snow especially without AWD .

[@drivingsports]

Not only are snow tires not mandatory here... very view people run them.

[@chris5459]

Yes wish it was a safety requirement here, seems most people don’t understand the benefits and differences compared to all seasons.

[@gaijinblow]

Chevy, seeing you hit the potholes: 🔥👄🔥

[@dualsportedc]

Just swapped my Trashyota RAV4 for a Trailblazer. Loving it so far. The RAV had a perfect maintenance history and still ate 3 transmissions and an engine in 120k miles