Now my FAVORITE Tiny Crossover? 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Review and Buying Guide

[@chamqueen4]

I dont know why everyone is hating this vehicle...i think its awesome.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Because in recent years, GM's vehicles suffer badly as far as long term reliability goes. For the same money you are better off buying a Japanese brand. The only way this vehicle makes sense, is if you are say a senior citizen and you do not put many miles on your vehicle each year so that you could keep it long term pay it off and still have a very low milage vehicle that will serve you long term.

[@cheapme1850]

Partially because it’s not pretty. The ICE Blazer is also pretty awkward looking too. The Trax looks much better, along with the Equinox EV and the Blazer EV.

[@meaganwilliams6826]

I have a fountain blue LT AWD Trailblazer in production! It’s my second car ever, first SUV-type car. I live in a hilly area with curvy roads and snowy/icy winters. I’m excited to have something bigger to sit up higher in, with the added grip of AWD. It’s exactly what I want, and I should get to meet it in just a few weeks! I’m watching so many videos like this so I’m the most prepared😊 Thanks for being so thorough!!!

[@salsasoul4112]

As a new driver, I love this car. It's perfect for new drivers. Glad the Trailblazer is my first car. Excellent review. Thank you so much ❤

[@jobu9224]

The 1.3 also has a timing chain, where the1.2 is belt driven, this was a big selling feature for when replacing my wife's Trax. The 9 speed auto is also unique in the segment and buttery smooth. As for vents for rear passengers, they are under the front seats and work very well. Best AC in the segment. As for reliability these have been BULLETPROOF as all products coming out of GM's South Korean factory. The Buick Encore GX Avenir trim has nice extras, Real leather seats, power adjustable passenger seat, Digital rearview mirror, heads up display, self parking, upholstered rear door panels. upgraded dual zone climate control, accoustic glass and noise cancellation for a couple extra thousand dollars over the Activ.

[@Steelologist]

Chevy has finally done something right with their crossovers. This engine paired with the 9 speed auto is a stroke of brilliance. Very well done. Yes, Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is more efficient, but it also costs more and it has a battery that will need to be replaced at some point.

[@KirkKreifels]

Hybrid batteries are cheap. It's not a bev with a $25k pack.

[@yiyangcheng]

Kirk reviewing GM product and giving praise? Is this heaven?

[@KirkKreifels]

bahaha. Last GM product I reviewed was CT5 V Blackwing...that was heaven!

[@pauld724]

I have a fairly new CR-V AWD and want to park it to preserve it and lease one of these for a few years. they're pretty cool. I love this color.

[@Browneye57]

For us RV'rs, you can't flat tow ANY of the TB competitors. Just picked up a LT with roof, convencience, and cold weather package - we're in the PNW. My dealer also ordered the upgraded 18" wheels and they're really nice - no hit on ride quality. For $500 it's a no-brainer.

[@elizabethbwhitsitt2497]

Just picked the TB with Activ trim. Mostly forced into this vehicle due to tow constraints related to an RV. Historically (40+ cars) primarily a Toyota/Honda owner. This car has been a surprise. We really like it. Power is fine for us. Ride is solid. Ample bells and whistles for this price point. If it delivers on reliability, we will end up super happy with the purchase.

[@DTRBG444]

The Cactus green is super cute!

[@matthewfe6671]

My daughter has the Encore GX, which is a twin to the Trailblazer and its actually very nice inside as Buick's are step up interior wise. It's quieter as well as they have their own quiet tuning. Stick with FWD as someone in Texas who doesn't need AWD and it's cheap and lighter.

[@juanitomaxxcarnaje3877]

This is an awesome review thank you and I especially like how are you focusing on the performance of the air conditioning and the ride height of the driver seat keep up the good reviews

[@BoopSnoot]

12:48 It clearly shows you can get FWD with the 1.3T on the Active and RS trims. The 1.3T is better than the 1.2T in every way, literally no downside, and the CVT is fine its much more efficient and FWD is all most people need.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Kirk, I believe the front passenger seat folds forward like a Matrix.

[@MrsShante21]

I have a 24 fountain blue coming next Thursday I can’t wait

[@stevenangelo737]

Trailblazer with AWD, the 1.3 and the 9 speed is tge way to go. Woohoo!

[@user-uw4ch8qr5e]

Excellent review.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thank you kindly!

[@Keepinitfun]

I just picked up this Trailblazer RS in red. Got all the packages: sunroof, dual-pane, panaramic; Convenience package; adaptive cruise and soumd package; driver confidence package. Really like this vehicle. I also have the fully loaded 2024 Trax 2RS and love that one as well. The difference, other than appearance, I think, are the Trailblazer is a little smoother ride, larger on the inside, the center console and door arm rests are slighltly softer (but not much), power drivers seat in the RS model, but a negative is that the Trailblazer is louder with road noise than the Trax. Really love both of these, of course I got the AWD version of the Trailblazer.

[@timmerred5]

Thank you for the review. I’m expecting my ‘24 Activ in Fountain Blue to arrive next week. I’m in the Northeast, so AWD is extremely helpful.

[@carlosmcmahon623]

Chevrolet all the way. I like the (AWD) with the 1.3.

[@BoopSnoot]

I would rather have rear vents than a AC plug. I've had a AC plug in my old vehicle for 9 years, never used it once.

[@JimTaylor210]

You can change your speedometer view if you press on the right knob on the steering wheel

[@hotgenlee]

Just picked up trail blazer in copper harbor yesterday active trim is nice we like it

[@BoopSnoot]

I never know who to believe. Some people say the Trailblazer rides very stiff for a crossover, others say its super smooth... it can't be both. Wish we could use something like a RAV4 as a benchmark, and then just say if a vehicle is more stiff or softer or has more body roll or is tighter than a RAV4. That way if someone thinks its a comfortable ride, we'd know they aren't comparing that to a Lotus Elise.

[@Jfavorite1483]

I’ve had a 2023 Trailblazer for about 7 weeks. To me, the ride is smooth. But I was driving a pretty old car before this so my standards might be lower than most.

[@emaillovechild69ify]

Same here. I love my 23 Trailblazer RS. But I traded in a 2005 Sebring with busted shocks. Just had my 2nd broken axle 3 weeks ago. Fixed it, then motor head cracked. Antifreeze mixing in with motor oil. Had to move on.

[@marksh24]

Different trim models of the trailblazer have differently tuned suspensions, so I would say take that into consideration. The active is tuned more for off-road where the RS is more for street/highway.

[@atticstattic]

The back of the front passenger seat is hard plastic prolly because it folds forward flat.

[@Tld6061]

Not sure if you misspoke, you can get the 1.3 in front wheel drive, with the CVT. I have 23 LT 1.3 CVT, drives awesome. Plenty of power 3000 RPM's and lower.

[@claytonpratesteixeira9812]

the car and the presentation…👏🥂🤙

[@bradwjensen]

I ordered a 2024 RS AWD, but I wish it came with a skid plate like the ACTIV (not sure why ACTIV comes standard with a skid plate and the RS doesn't even have it as an option) and I wish it had the option to put smaller wheels on it, like the LT / ACTIV. I suppose I can always get aftermarket.. These companies need to have more wheel and tire options.

[@Browneye57]

You missed the configurable instrument panel - it's in the right-hand roller on the wheel. VERY cool. Oh well.

[@teresaallen3045]

That brown color outside very nice hope inside no grays

[@doordedeur]

Almost all compact SUVs have the same style of C-pillars with the black inserts...

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

I rather pick the new Kona over the Trailblazer. It’s more modern and technology galore!

[@MrVictoria69]

I took the Taos out for a drive and it has way too much turbo lag the 23' model anyway.

[@teamSUMMERFORD]

I really like the way it looks. Made in South Korea…is it made in the old Daewoo factory? How are the seats? I rented an Impala and it rode beautifully-GM can do a brilliant chassis & drivetrain-but had hard lumpy seats, the most uncomfortable I’ve ever sat on

[@Hallowsaw]

I like the kia niro as a 30k option. Good features for the price. And it is essentially a wagon

[@DoomsdaYPunK009]

I have seen from other reviewers that turning on just the AWD mode + Performance/Racing mode doesn’t actually make you feel you are pulling away beacuse of the Traction Control always being ON. Disengage that and try again with AWD and Racing mode ON.

[@John-kx3ng]

Btw aren’t these made in South Korea by GM South Korea which was formerly Daewoo?

[@georghillgruber6034]

Jes

[@TalismanPHX]

Yes, GM Korea is really a renamed Daewoo

[@bccycle1]

Visit copper harbor in August and September you will love it

[@KirkKreifels]

Looks beautiful!

[@thepab3072]

Is the safety belt height adjustable for driver and front passenger? My wife is short and adjustable safety belt are on the must have list. The Activ is to one to get, the 17" wheels makes it better than the RS. It's probably going to be the replacement for my Chevrolet Spark

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Excellent

[@leeowens1598]

We bought a TBlazer RS 2023

[@Paul-cx4gm]

Nice color.

[@meanguy1]

I've googled the technical differences of AWD and snow mode, but can anyone explain what the practical differences are? If you would like to use a feature for snow/rain is there a reason why AWD would be better? I live in NY where we may have 2-3 snow stoems a year and the streets are cleared off relatively quickly. Trying to determine my needs. Thanks.

[@KirkKreifels]

Typically snow mode will start the car in 2nd gear instead of first

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

I like the Trax way better. It looks better, bigger, and cheaper.

[@KirkKreifels]

Trax is a good bargain. I like TBlzer looks better

[@teresaallen3045]

I hope get trailblazer no gray colors hate grays

[@Hallowsaw]

Idk about the better transmission. It may feel better till chevy's notorious transmission nukes itself at 150k miles

[@jedjethro]

So, you liked the Activ over the RT?

[@MrVictoria69]

Just when I thought the RS model would be the way to go maybe those 19 inch rims it comes with the low profile tires could be a disaster in a Canadian climate.

[@michaels999]

Probably better off with a crosstrek

[@betty-annjordan7521]

Hi. I am looking into trailblazer RS 2024. So you thinks 2024 tracks is a better vehicle than RS model

[@donteadoss]

Although it looks to be a nice package as a starter vehicle, I’ll always be of the ilk that the Trailblazer (and Blazer) is a sorely missed opportunity to bring back a strong nameplate to compete w/Bronco, Wrangler, Defender & others in the off-roader segment. It personally seems duplicative because the Trailblazer is essentially close to the Trax, so I’m unsure why both are necessary, even in a growing & booming subcompact segment.

[@dawsongranger4940]

Trailblazer is just to upcharge a bit from the trax for awd and a traditional automatic transmission vs fwd cvt. The trailblazers body is also built in Korea (Daihatsu) while the trax is more chinese based I believe.

[@sammyjammy6647]

Nobody here is gonna cry about it being a turbo? Or do you guys only save that for Toyotas?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

The haters save it for Toyota.😂🤫

[@stevenjames1138]

Agree with Kirk that the Corolla Cross Hybrid is the best of class. But, I would probably prefer the Trax or the Soul for a FWD-only budget option. Getting the Trailblazer with the 1.3T and AWD raises the price too high IMO, and if you get the lower trims, I'd personally prefer the Trax or the Soul. BTW, is Ford ever going to update or do anything with the EcoSport? That POS is sorely in need of an upgrade and Ford needs something like it to slot in below the Escape.

[@thomas735]

There’s many options that are better than this

[@braetonwilson4296]

Ford discontinued the Ecosport and shut down the Ecosport factory a few years ago. That's why there's no 2023 or 2024 Ford Ecosport. Ford has chosen the Maverick as their entry level vehicle.

[@Travide]

My gf almost got a 2024 trailblazer LT awd today. But she ended up getting the Mazda CX 30 AWD. It was also 4g cheaper in Canada

[@mrgurulittle7000]

It’s made by what once was Daewoo in Korea though. I’d even take a Mexican made version of this if they had it.

[@benjamess3194]

Can you order one in one single color? Don't care for two tone paint on cars.

[@vibe5285]

Kirk did you say the steering feels a bit disconnected? I felt that when I test drove the Soul. Which one would you pick based soley on steering feel?

[@KirkKreifels]

Neither lol. The soul id pick for bang for buck. Tbzr for looks.

[@KirkKreifels]

Steering feel Mazda or Honda

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@KirkKreifelsMazda. Honda is great too, but I just like Mazda.

[@John-kx3ng]

This is a market or segment whichever you prefer to call it Chevy has capitalized on. Alot of other brands including the two other domestic brands have absolutely nothing to offer which is crime imo.

[@theguy4615]

Jeep renegade is better than this in every way.

[@braetonwilson4296]

Jeeps and especially Jeep Renegade are famous for their extremely poor reliability. I would never buy a Jeep Renegade.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@@braetonwilson4296THAT PART!!

[@dawsongranger4940]

@@theguy4615No, the ancient fiat pos is not better than this

[@chippsterstephens6800]

I don’t understand why every review is on a maxed out trailblazer, an Ls , is 23k, well equipped for 25k, seems all test have been done on 30k plus trailblazers that imo missed the point of this car. Only a handful of cars today exist sub 23/24k

[@teresaallen3045]

Is trailblazer same size as 04 crv

[@RScottNH]

No Active Vehicle Hold when you’re in traffic at lights. That sucks.

[@alfredhaney4025]

AWD with 9 speed Trailblazer LT or RS

[@bluetocop]

from the side it looks like outlander sport

[@will.davlin]

Liftback sedans should replace all these

[@KirkKreifels]

That's kinda what the Trax is.

[@thomas735]

The issue with this is twofold. First, it’s a GM product, and second, it has a turbo direct-injected. It’s a value, I’ll give it that . But it is inferior to every other Japanese crossover in this segment.

[@MrVictoria69]

Is seems like at first you would think it was a great buy then after 2 days of driving it you'll be kicking yourself for not getting something better

[@thomas735]

@@MrVictoria69 yeah, I mean the crosstrek, cx30, and Corolla cross are all better made products.

[@alengreen589]

it´s not bad.

[@teresaallen3045]

If trailblazer to low ground i maybe happer equinox

[@areasevenpro]

As it's made in South Korea, it has Daewoo DNA.

[@georghillgruber6034]

In the Engine is bit of German DNA

[@KirkKreifels]

Build quality was decent for the price imo!

[@alanb3213]

​@georghillgruber6034 The engine is basically an Opel, German and European designed

[@gewing61]

No mention of the VW products!

[@teresaallen3045]

Haye gray colors god damn it rveryone like grays hate it

[@gsalazar8176]

I have two of these cars in my fleet one is an RS all-wheel drive and the other one is RS front wheel drive. All- wheel drive has pop when you hit the pedal, after holding that gas down it feels like it goes numb. Everything feels really cheap when it comes to the controls and the buttons, and you're surrounded by plastic. Even the left arm rest for an RS model is not as soft. They could have at least put some letter there

[@andyleo8418]

Branching out to domestic brands? Not sure how i feel about this. I guess you have to in order to get Redline Reviews and Raiti's Rides numbers.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

The infamous GM chime…Makes my ears bleed!!

[@teresaallen3045]

Honda not the same alit people changing back chevy i looking Colorado equinox trailblazer

[@SME5724]

Lol the Hardly a blazer ? No thanks … I’d never buy another GM product in my lifetime

[@thomas735]

Smart man

[@nuclearruffneck]

Budget buy vehicle for you. Volvo XC-90 walks all over it.

[@scottgabbard662]

So 2024, no Apple Car play? If so, it’s a no go…

[@BrandonG8Man]

All GM vehicles that aren’t EV’s still have A/A and CarPlay. This vehicle included.

[@lav1daloca]

Its a lemon, how is it your favorite?🤣

[@hab9689]

I have 2021 Got it in 2020 it's fun, sporty vehicle

[@KirkKreifels]

Did I ever say it's my favorite? It's a really solid effort from Chevy.

[@thomas735]

@@KirkKreifelsit is, but GM doesn’t have a good track record with small cars. I doubt this will be any different.

[@lav1daloca]

@@KirkKreifels Wont last 3years before its totalled junk

[@cryptotron]

junk

[@rodg250]

8.5 out of 10 and 85 out of 100 on JDPower Reliability score.