The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is Right-Sized and Right-Priced | MotorWeek Road Test

[@tbok75]

Gen-whatever... Best line.

[@klxboy9994]

I bought a base model Trailblazer and absolutely love the thing. Excellent practical size and I average between 37-39mpg. This crossover is a wonderful addition to the lineup.

[@ashton9699]

Overseas, the TrailBlazer has for years continued to be what it always was before, a direct SUV version of the Colorado/Canyon. Full body on frame with real 4x4 and available with the duramax. There was no reason GM couldn't have brought that MUCH better Trailblazer here instead. The Colorado already passes US safety and emissions (even with the diesel), and it would have saved them tons of R&D money too.

[@retrocompaq5212]

those 0-60 and 1/4 miles times are equal of a mid 70's automatic corvette

[@LrulestheworldM8]

I always enjoy seeing the 'look how far weve com hurr durr' brigade getting swatted down from their podium. This thing couldn't outrun a subaru.

[@JDMHaze]

What has the performance of a vehicle of 44+ years ago Seems like a low bar

[@cutroc350]

And about as American as a Samsung...Your point?

[@landyachtfan79]

0:11....Yep, MALLblazer is more like it!!!!!

[@TalismanPHX]

Always good to hear John Davis on the voiceovers. The 3 cylinder engines and FWD CVT are a nope from me on this Trailblazer... just give it a 2L turbo four and a 8 speed automatic

[@JDMHaze]

just give it a new name , like MALL-Blazer

[@derakbell8143]

This has a 9 speed auto not a cvt

[@Springbok314]

Picked up a black and white RS with the CVT. Not sure why there are so many haters in here, but this vehicle has been bulletproof with now 11k on it. Korean build quality, handsome design, smooth power delivery. Great tech and safety features. The engine won a top ten award and recently the IIHS gave it a top pick safety rating. I know people hate GM for the crap they built in the past and then the bailout. But their products are a quantum leap forward from those days.

[@ofcbob6391]

I think with just one person in the vehicle, it has plenty enough oomph for everyday. You put a family of 4 and some stuff in the back and it's going to struggle getting up hilly terrain. But for just getting around and going to work every day, it's going to get over 30 miles per gallon...and it didn't cost ya $35K, more like $25K. (just get the 1.3L, just $395 more)

[@MrJamesLuz]

The current GM lineup is what happens when accountants are running the company. Engine failures in the trucks, and a full fleet of disappointing cross over SUVs with plastic jacks and lack luster performance. Wanna know why automotive journalists love Mazda SUVs? Because after you crawl out of the trailblazer you get into a CX-30 and it feels GOOD. (But it shouldn’t)

[@RoadCone411]

If I'm honest, I like this more than some of the other GM SUV offerings as of late. The size is right and the price is fair, but you get what you pay for with a somewhat cheap-looking cabin and a feeble engine. The gas mileage is very reasonable although I’d gladly have given up 2-3 MPG to get another 20 or so HP. Would I choose this over a Mazda or Honda? Prob not - although you do get a lot of vehicle for your money with the Chevy. I'm not a GM guy so I'll reserve full judgement until I have driven the TrailBlazer but it seems like a decent effort. At the very least, by the looks of it anyway, I could put this in my driveway and not feel like I totally cheaped out.

[@303nitzubishi4]

Unfortunately there's nothing current about it, GM has been heavily influenced (amd hindered) by beancounting for decades, and this has been well documented. GM has had MANY opportunities to be a legit competitor in the market and consistently kills off models that have been perfected for various reasons, and introduced inferior products for various reasons. I'm sure the culture won't be changing anytime soon. This is yet another example of a product that will ultimately cannibalize sales from other similar GM models while doing little if nothing to win over a customer that would have purchased a competitors product

[@Stressless2023]

@@303nitzubishi4 My wife chose this over a few other competitors we checked out, mainly based off looks, content, and price... I'd figure at least 2 of those 3 attributes might garner some conquest sales for Chevy. This is our first American car since we got married in '02.

[@MandusahRamirez]

GM Ruins Everything As Soon As They Finally Get It Right! They Literally Could’ve Named This The “Chevy Tracker”! The Blazer Should’ve Used The Colorado/Canyon Body On Frame To Compete Against Bronco, 4-Runner & Wrangler.. Cadillac Doesn’t Have A Full Size Sedan For The 1st Time EVER! They Spent Billions To Develop “The 4.2 BlackWing V8 Engine” Just To Use It In The CT6-V, Scrap It & Just Use The BlackWing Name With The Same V & V-Sport Engines From Last Generation! Chevy barely has Cars wtf is going on?

[@jlcii]

You lost me at 3 cylinders.

[@normt430]

Have you heard this engine or driven it? It growls pretty good!

[@christopherboris1197]

it actually sounds pretty good and has decent acceleration. My dad owns a trailblazer rs and it's a lot nicer irl than it is in a youtube video

[@TalismanPHX]

Same here

[@jkk2399]

@@christopherboris1197 9.4 seconds 0-60

[@keyshawnrussell245]

It’s not about the sound it’s about reliability a GM 3 Cylinder is something I’d definitely run from

[@alans.4167]

1000 lbs towing capacity... that tells me GM still doesn't trust their own transmissions.

[@bearworldwide101]

Why would you want to pull anything with that? If I want something to hook up a trailer I would go with a Suburban.

[@alans.4167]

@@bearworldwide101 Not everybody needs to compensate. People sometimes only need to tow a 4×8 utility trailer or a jet ski and don't need a Suburban. 1000 lbs is GM's generic rating for "we don't trust this vehicle to drag a rope".

[@alans.4167]

@Allen Tokyoo Wanting a crossover that's smaller than a Suburban but with at least the same tow rating as a Smart car I don't think is that dumb of a request.

[@bearworldwide101]

@@alans.4167 well if that's the case to pull a tiny trailer then go with traverse or a colorado. I know for me suburban is best since I have a family I tow a large trailer and it's great in the snow.

[@brianfeeney3936]

I wouldn't tow anything with 3cyl's

[@robertaBooey69]

Not even a four cylinder wow disappointed

[@christopherboris1197]

doesn't really even need a 4 cylinder tbh

[@JDMHaze]

@@christopherboris1197 If it has a blazer in the name we need six minimum

[@nosah8415]

I just had one of these as a rental and it was easily the worst thing I've driven in the last decade. Given my rental prior was a Versa, that should say it all.

[@donteadoss]

As someone who vehemently abhors Nissan Versas that are always impeding the flow of traffic, I find your reply absolutely hilarious!

[@nlpnt]

I like the physical gauge needles. I don't like the color-break C pillar trim which is breaking up sheetmetal right where there should be another window.

[@donteadoss]

Another missed opportunity by GM / Chevy to resurrect a nameplate as serious competition to the Ford Bronco that just returned - unfortunate.

[@JDMHaze]

The Camaros can't sell for shit compared to the mustang, and now the bronco is about to mop the floor with this

[@randommcplayer625]

@@JDMHaze true

[@officialdiarbekirian]

GM is such a different brand these days. This is underpowered crap

[@yappydog8m]

Sadly almost everything in this segment is underpowered so they can scream fuel economy numbers at consumers.

[@ZER-cr4dm]

That goes to every car and vehicle nowdays, too expensive and too little to offer

[@antonym24]

Wow. A car not made for performance but for grocery getting doesnt have much power? Holy shit, thats insane.

[@rogerredding5269]

The 2.0 litre turbo 252 hp with the 9 speed auto could have been ideal for this vehicle?

[@barron204]

This could be either a Nissan or Kia due to the generic appearance.

[@cutroc350]

As I'm sure they all drive the same. Numb and unrewarding.

[@JDMHaze]

@@cutroc350 cvt and 3cyl? Unrewarding is an understatement, this is just pure punishment and detention

[@apparentlyretrograde]

I test drove a Trailblazer a couple of weeks ago along with most of the direct competitors. The Chev was second to bottom on my list. Only the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross impressed me less. Just a nasty drive.

[@Stressless2023]

My wife loves her Trailblazer. Interesting to hear someone dislike it so much. But everyone has different opinions.

[@mcnuggetapple]

You are the only person I’ve ever seen say that

[@venuesurfamerica9840]

AWD has more syllables than all-wheel-drive. Ahm jes sayin'.

[@nebelwerfer199]

If you asked me years ago if I would buy anything but a Chevy, I would have said no. Flash forward many years later and I wouldn't piss on one.

[@nebelwerfer199]

@@DerekL2005 that's not saying much

[@tedschmitt178]

@@DerekL2005 How so?

[@Stressless2023]

@@nebelwerfer199 I said the same thing. Now the wife has one of these in the garage right now. She loves it, but it's definitely interesting since it's the first American car we've owned since we got married in '02.

[@nebelwerfer199]

@@Stressless2023 How do you like it?

[@Stressless2023]

@@nebelwerfer199 I may have driven it 3 times since we picked it up in May lol... Not my style at all, but it's very similar to her '09 Hyundai Santa Fe that she traded in for the Trailblazer. She chose this over a handful of other similar-sized cars. One thing I do like is that this was the least expensive out of them all lol.

[@joskjj3625]

Ford revived the bronco as a body on frame solid axle wrangler competitor whereas gm failed

[@retrocompaq5212]

no ones will buy it tho

[@joskjj3625]

@@retrocompaq5212 with over 190,000 reservations in an suv crazy world many people will buy it

[@cutroc350]

@@retrocompaq5212 Almost 200,000 pre-orders says otherwise. Ford did ok this time.

[@camaro72man]

And they also did the Bronco Sport. The Bronco is going after a small segment that, up until recently, had only one vehicle in it.

[@JDMHaze]

@@retrocompaq5212 bullshit I see you about 3-4 Broncos daily here in Florida things are definitely selling left and right

[@TJC450]

Thanks for showing the older TB and referencing the upscale Blazer (TB)!

[@mrsudz]

3 cyl, @ 30 mpg? not great

[@ThorMaxx]

Hard to get stellar gas milage when that tiny engine is hauling 3300lbs…

[@27Zangle]

Others have tested around 33-34mpg. More than likely will be able to touch nearly 38-40mpg on level ground after a few thousand miles. Our 2016 Escape (RIP from a moose) was getting around 23-25mpg and once it had hit around 8k miles it woke up, there was a bit more power and it was also averaging 27mpg with a trip to Anchorage through the mountains touching 37mpg a few times.

[@Camaro69z]

I miss the body on frame Trailblazer. Maybe not as nimble, but damn did it ride nice. I still see them around even in the rust belts. Great v6 AND v8 variants. It's hilarious they can't make efficient 4 cyl. cars (yes this is a compact car) anymore. Just go electric, it's getting embarrassing.

[@ACF6180T]

The Trailblazers form 2000's only came with a I-6 4.2; Or a optional V8. I still have a 07 with the 4.2, But just bought a 23 Trailblazer with the 1.2 It's great improvement on fuel consumption, & basic pm's.

[@2006gtobob]

Wow, another foreign sourced generic cuv from a generic producer of vehicles for American consumption and disposal.

[@iwhbyd2683]

4:34 huh one seat-back folder is deeper than the other. I’ve noticed cars only having pockets on one seat before but haven’t noticed this before.

[@Greatdome99]

The front end is a bit of an optical illusion. If you decide the upper lights are the headlights ("eyes"), then it's okay, but if you see the larger lower lights as the "eyes," then the grille is upside down!

[@rayF4rio]

Mid 1980's performance is back! 155 hp!!

[@adammarkowitz7944]

3 cylinders. The smaller is a 1.2 and it comes with an infinitely variable transmission. No thanks.

[@JDMHaze]

variable, as in variety, Variety of shops refusing to rebuild that pos transmission

[@27Zangle]

Okay, so don't get the base model to make sure you get the 9-speed?

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

Why can't GM have a bronco rival plus a bronco sport rival why not.

[@klxboy9994]

The Trailblazer is perfect competition for the Bronco Sport. Both are similarly sized with turbo 3 cylinders and comparably priced. Chevy could use a Wrangler/Bronco in the lineup though.

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

@@klxboy9994 no trailblazer is a subcompact SUV while the bronco sport is a compact SUV is a no match Ford has a i4 choice

[@klxboy9994]

You might be over estimating the size of the bronco sport and underestimating the size of the trailblazer. They are very comparable in most ways. They are both compact suvs. The trailblazer is huge compared to the subcompact Trax and ecosport. My neighbor has the bronco sport and it's very similar in size.

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

@@klxboy9994 no bro trallble is i3 powered subcompact SUV with GM engines plus a interior is OK but still rather dull. Plus trailblazer was a true off-roader so why couldn't they use a different name

[@TomDeVito]

@@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961To be fair, the bronco sport is considered both a compact/subcompact suv it competes with the rav4/corolla cross, CR-V/HR-V, CX-30/CX-50, AND THE TRAILBLAZER just look up trailblazer vs bronco sport you’ll find many comparison videos on the two. Oh, also the bronco sport comes standard with an i3 and has an optional i4

[@dsmith3383]

Another GM dud….yet another painful missed opportunity

[@stevennelson9024]

In 2005 i had a 1998 Buick Park avenue with a 3.8 L V-6. 29 MPG on the Highway 20 in the City. No Lie ! Think if this Little Blazer had the 3.8 L Instead ? It would be 0 to 60 at 4.1 Seconds ! It would be 34 MPG Highway and 26 CITY . She would Be Base Price $23,995 . G.M. Would be Selling Close to a Million Per Year ! We sold the Buick With 498,017 Miles for $1,012 in 2011 . You Go Kid .

[@svpracer98]

Just why?? Two decades ago you started with a hatchback or compact... then maybe a midsized sedan... since when did everyone decided they need sudo off roaders that fail every task assigned to them?

[@SibRevs]

Calling this TrailBlazer is a comical travesty.

[@brenspin]

Meanwhile Ford continues to be late to the party while the market awaits a redesigned EcoSport (the first gen of which was late yet already outdated upon arrival).

[@Stressless2023]

Wife has a Ford EcoSport, I hate the thing but her and my daughter love it. This Trailblazer seems alot better.

[@Ron-fr4su]

Great debut for the second gen. First generation was a good SUV.

[@93remix]

2 WORDS CHEVY... BRON CO. Sad, another useless SMALL SUV, all car makers do this instead of just enhancing what's already out there

[@retrocompaq5212]

thats what sells the most

[@chaseman94]

More like CHEVY...KICKS. I'm referring to Nissan Kicks.

[@SD-pi9co]

Remember the Nissan Puke? Oops, I meant Juke.

[@cutroc350]

@@SD-pi9co Lol! I would call it the Nissan Joke.

[@Springbok314]

The new Bronco is fugly. The only thing worse is that electric “Mustang.”

[@TheMELTDOWN911]

I still can't believed that everyone complained about how awful the 2014 Jeep Cherokee front looked from 2014 to 2018.... now many SUV look like that.. and the Jeep Cherokee new design looks boring now.... I want to buy a 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

[@SD-pi9co]

Lol those Jeep SUV's are pure garbage. Grand Cherokee is the only Jeep product I'd even consider buying right now.

[@fugginrambo]

The transmission barely feels like it's working because, it's barely working Jon. 10 seconds is quick, even for Vin Diesel! But I think Ol' Dom was talking quarter miles

[@joskjj3625]

Not a trailblazer

[@herbiehusker1889]

Is the Mach-E a Mustang?

[@joskjj3625]

@@herbiehusker1889 since when were mustangs off-roaders?

[@Yee_Yee]

Being born in the late 90s, I’ll stick to my air cooled beetle and open header Chevys 👍

[@vacationcrazy1]

Yea, I would. They're probably still a lot more reliable too

[@alans.4167]

Stick to it, I regret selling my air cooled beetle.

[@Yee_Yee]

@@alans.4167 yessir, first memory I had was sitting in the back seat of my dads 74 super beetle. Don’t plan on getting rid of them 🤙

[@theKevronHarris]

I'm glad that John Davis mentioned the S10 Blazer name at 4:00.

[@JDMHaze]

I would be glad if he actually showed the blazer instead of the later trailblazer

[@theKevronHarris]

@@JDMHaze me too.

Why start off showing an Equinox??

[@paulwicklund5044]

GM needs to build a big block 3 cylinder, Lol.

[@currier207]

Remember when John Davis had hair?

[@macksun]

Dam am I the only one that likes this car?? It's not THAT horrible. What's horrible? Toyota's CH-R that I had for 3 yrs and returned last month. 0-60 in 12 seconds. Poor acceleration from start.

[@95mushroom]

Nope. The Trailblazer is the fastest selling vehicle in the US. The trolls hear Chevy/GM and never give the car a chance and regurgitate outdated, misconstrued opinions from long-forgotten, biased auto media outlets. The Trailblazer compared to what? A Ford EcoSport? A CH-R? A Nissan Kicks? The Trailblazer knocks it out of the park compared to those. I will say a loaded RS, does creep into nicely optioned Encore GX range tho.

[@macksun]

@@95mushroom Agreed 👍

[@tedschmitt178]

Needs a 6-speed and a clutch.

[@nightwolf883]

Who are they trying to fool, it’s just a lieutenant Dan sized Equinox

[@nodak81]

Nearly $30k for a 3-banger? lol, no thanks.

[@JDMHaze]

Chevrolet is fucking priceless I mean those kids are hilarious 😂

[@derakbell8143]

At least it has a 9 speed auto and not a cvt

[@Rosso488]

I like this. But the fuel economy isn’t what I call good.

[@c101rex]

This is staight up disrespectful we want our gas guzzling, environment harming V8 blazer back ):

[@megacharzard10gameing79]

Look how they mascared my boy

[@macksun]

lmao

[@steveespinola7652]

Gm is a shadow of what they use to be, the only decent vehicles they have is their pickups and the Corvette and Camero, that's it.

[@CapELarry]

I’ve always been very critical of GM for their quality of interiors, but I had this as a rental for a few days and it was surprisingly nice. If you just need a comfy commuter it’s great.

[@Stressless2023]

Same. My wife ended up buying one in May after we rented one in March for a road trip. We like it, nice looking little car.

[@jkk2399]

Many better options.

[@Stressless2023]

@@jkk2399 That's highly debatable. My wife loves hers.

[@jkk2399]

@@Stressless2023 if she is happy that's all that matters however it has lost every comparison I have seen.

[@Stressless2023]

@@jkk2399 I don't doubt that it has... But saying "many better options" is still a blanket opinion if only based on the rankings of automotive journalists giving "their" opinions. For some owners/consumers, there aren't many better options.

[@cutroc350]

I'm having trouble finding out where it's manufactured.😉

[@cascorcoran5118]

It's made in south Korea, trail blazer is one of the few GM cars made overseas and offered in the U.S

[@JDMHaze]

@@cascorcoran5118 FEW? Most of their little shitboxes are made in Korea dating back to dae woo days

[@cascorcoran5118]

@@JDMHaze Yes few, the Trax, spark and trailblazer are the few Chevy cars made overseas in south Korea. These are the only ones made there but still offered in the U.S

[@cascorcoran5118]

@@JDMHaze If you want to add Buick it's the encore, encore GX and envision. The encores are made in south Korea and the envision is the only Chinese made car in the GM lineup for the U.S

[@JDMHaze]

@@cascorcoran5118 HM is already catering to the Chinese market so I'm not surprised , Especially seeing they are selling a luxury minivan over there

[@kevinheneghan74]

2002 of 2009 chevy trailblazer of trailblazer ext always been a better suv than new chevy trailblazer. old trailblazer I6 of V8 engine are built to last. All old trailblazer have a tow package is standard all cross border have lot room for passengers of cargo.

[@brianfeeney3936]

two words...simulated skidplate

[@dforrest4503]

The best thing about this car is the fold flat front passenger seat. Not sure why more manufacturers don’t do this. Oh yeah, they want you to buy a bigger, more 💰 vehicle.

[@nodak81]

If you think a seat folding flat is "the best thing" about a car, then it's a pretty crappy car.

[@rovert94]

They should never bailed out GM. All they do is churn out trucks, a Corvette, Camaro and crap. This car is for the geriatric who buys it right off the lot without considering anything else.

[@rovert94]

To be clear, the trucks, Corvette and Camaro are not crap.

[@lucasworktv]

Gorgeous car

[@quentinwooten30]

Hi-de-ous

[@dforrest4503]

But better than the Trax!

[@davesecx]

It looks better than almost any other chevy SUV.

[@summerfalls1998]

Chevy makes some 🗑 vehicles

[@rickreid81]

A swing & a mis for GM. Excellent SUV!!! Horrible little 3 banger engine. Typical GM. They needed to just drop in the turbo 1.4. Then they would have had a hit!

[@27Zangle]

These things are selling like hotcakes. I would hardly call that a swing and a miss. I do agree that a larger engine option would be nice.

[@maxrx7]

Chevy making some more trash 👎

[@JDMHaze]

3cyl, cvt "blazer" in the name ? ok, chevy just dont give a f** nomore lmaoo

[@blintzkreig1638]

Lost me at being built in Shanghai China

[@JDMHaze]

lost me at 3cy, cvt , blazer and Trailblazer lmaoo

[@michealcorleone665]

idk how GM sells cars tbh

[@andersonfirmino8925]

Sensacional amigão 👏👏👏

[@mikemaybe5999]

John looks better

[@robertamoyaw1979]

Around town Crossover, space, tech n mpgees. Should have been a hybrid or fully Boltbased ev .

[@foxtrot685]

GM will put a bunch of cash on the hood of these and all will be well. That, for you “why not a Mazda cx whatever,” is why this thing will sell just fine. Within a few months you’ll be able to get a basic version with AWD for less than $18k after incentives and it will sell to the customer that swears they need a crossover, or AWD, or both but doesn’t see the point of paying for something better, or doesn’t have the means to pay for something better. Not saying that’s good or bad, but this product does serve a purpose. Now, I disagree with the notion that it’s “priced right,” because without incentives and dealer deals… this thing is way too expensive for how subpar it is. These things can kiss $30k when optioned and this is FAR from a $30k vehicle. Hell, it far from a $25k vehicle.

[@Stressless2023]

My wife loves hers. I find it to seem pretty well screwed-together, decent interior materials, priced right even without incentives when compared to the competition (but we did get hers for around $23k after discounts - MSRP was $26k for her pretty loaded RS trim), it's peppy enough around town, and real world gas mileage is excellent for a non-electrified drivetrain... Probably wont be very mechanically durable long-term given the tiny turbocharged 3cyl engine, but we probably wont keep it much past 100k miles to find out anyway.

[@rabit818]

Watering down the camaro look.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

Bronco fear not lol 😆

[@JDMHaze]

lmaoo

[@davidlusk4350]

Lmao 😉 🤣 reading these comments on here. I wasn't aware everyone here had a Ferrari, or Bugatti budget. Hell half these comments are from guys who can't get anything nicer then a civic, or mid size suv. It's a fine lil runner for people who don't want to spend much on a lil lifted hatchback. I doubt it'll be sold in 3 years from now. I mean who wants to ride in a cheap lil car when you can have a Civic sport edition with pep boys 3m accessories slapped all over it. 😁😆😅🤣😂

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Junk!

[@davesecx]

This guy has been doing reviews for like 35 years. He looks the same too.

[@carlosfeliciano6598]

It is so much like a Hyundai/Kia, I just don't like it.

[@Beefy01]

Nope. There's nothing right about a Chevy or any GM product🤢🤮 for that matter.

[@Therio0976]

GM= Garbage Motors..You'll be lucky if you you make it out of the warranty mileage without the trans or AWD failing...Junk

[@dohc1067]

Nice looking cuv, impressive braking. I will wait and see 👀 on the quality though. Honestly I don't see alot of them 😕 though.

[@paulsheehan789]

don't like the two tone seats.

[@231gnx]

GM junk! A 3cyl in a SUV! All these Generic Motor crossovers look the same and are ALL front wheel drive! I hope GM goes out of business and Toyota buys them.The Vette is the only thing(Caddy's Blackhawk too)

[@Maximus20778]

What a boomer owo time to make fun of this guy

[@paulsheehan789]

don't like the white roof.

[@tmklunk]

I love it

[@JonJon239]

modern cars are a joke

[@basshead.]

1st

[@rj9617]

@Braden Blair primary objective in life is to be first on a video lol.