Yahoo Autos 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review: Decent value, but Chevy's got something better
Pros: Attractive interior; excellent standard infotainment tech; affordable; good rear legroom
Cons: Slow acceleration and base CVT doesn’t help; dull driving dynamics; Chevy Trax is a better value
The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer is its brand’s slightly updated take on an affordable small crossover with style. It’s competitive for the increasingly popular subcompact SUV segment, but it’s also up against competitors that are generally more well-rounded, characterful and capable in key areas the Trailblazer claims as benefits, specifically utility and adventure-seeking capability. The Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, VW Taos and the admittedly pricier Ford Bronco Sport are better bets.
Though the name is similar, the Trailblazer doesn’t have its Blazer sibling’s focus on driving dynamics. Its three-cylinder engines won’t exactly get your pulse racing, and it’s not as engaging or even fun to drive as others can be in the segment. But it’s comfortable enough with its roomy back seat, and it’s got a lot of character. The so-so interior design gets an upgrade this year with flashy new screens for the infotainment and driver display.
While the Trailblazer is practical, stylish and a decent value, there is ultimately one major reason to consider something else, and you don’t have to go far at a Chevy dealership to find it. The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a far more compelling and competitive package, making better use of its cargo and passenger space, boasting a more engaging driving experience and starting at about $2,000 less. We think it looks better, too. Of course, it doesn’t offer the Trailblazer’s bigger engine upgrade, or more importantly, all-wheel drive. Basically, we may not recommend the Trailblazer, but there is a subcompact Chevrolet that does get a big thumbs up.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2024?
The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer gets some exterior design updates, particularly up front, as well as some new wheel designs for the various trims and new paint colors. Inside, it gets a new double-screen interface standard, including an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument panel.
What are the Trailblazer interior and in-car technology like?
The Trailblazer’s interior design and styling resembles other Chevy crossovers, especially as it’s been improved for the 2024 model year with bigger new displays that modernize the dash. There’s still plenty of black plastic switchgear, but it doesn’t feel cheap or especially low-rent for the money. The interior plastics are dressed up with interesting textures, and colorful trim pieces help keep the interior from looking dull or dreary. The Activ trim has some nice touches like yellow stitching and standard heated front seats and steering wheel. The RS gets similar comfort equipment, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and red interior accents for a sporty look. The available eight-way power driver seat allows for a long range of movement and would be suitable for taller drivers.
The new digital displays are standard across the lineup, and include an 11-inch central infotainment touchscreen and an 8-in digital instrument panel in front of the driver. If you’ve seen what’s in the updated 2024 Chevy Trax (or the 2024 Encore GX or the new Buick Envista, for that matter) you’ll be familiar. It uses a simple, straightforward version of GM’s Android-based infotainment system, with crisp graphics and easy-to-navigate menus and controls. We like that the menu icons remain docked on the left side of the screen. We also appreciate the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital rearview mirror is also standard equipment in 2024.
How big is the Trailblazer?
On the outside, the Trailblazer is one of the larger subcompact SUVs, although that doesn’t always translate to interior space, especially in the cargo area. Sitting in the back seat of the Trailblazer is pleasant from a pure space perspective, with 39.4 inches of rear legroom (only a half-inch less than the compact Equinox), but it’s a step back in ambiance, as most of the intriguing trim and style up front is abandoned for the back seat. You should also think twice about the available panoramic sunroof since it significantly reduces headroom.
Cargo space is officially measured at 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.3 cubic feet with the seats down. That’s just behind the Equinox in maximum utility. We found that it's not quite as spacious with the seats up as that official figure would indicate, ultimately falling toward the bottom of the segment for actual stuff hauling. The Trax can actually carry more with the seats up. On the plus side, the Trailblazer’s distinctive fold-flat front passenger seat grants it a degree of versatility that its competitors cannot match (apart from its mechanical cousin, the Buick Encore GX).
What are the Trailblazer fuel economy and performance specs?
The Trailblazer’s standard power plant is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and only available with front-wheel drive. As for fuel economy, it gets 29 miles per gallon city, 31 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.
The upgrade engine is another turbocharged three-cylinder, this one displacing 1.3 liters and providing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. That engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic. With front-wheel drive, it gets 29 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. The available all-wheel-drive Trailblazer’s efficiency suffers a tad, rated at 26/29/27 mpg.
