2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer review
Chevrolet TrailBlazer highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plenty of tech and driver-assistance features
- Ample cargo space and seating
- Off-road capability on Activ trim
Cons
- Base engine lacks power
- Automatic transmission is slow to downshift
- Overly sensitive braking
Mileage (EPA estimate)
26 city, 30 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
A stylish exterior meets an adaptable cabin
If you're looking for a subcompact SUV with attractive styling, around-town pep, and a versatile cabin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer could be the vehicle for you. Returning after a 12-year hiatus, the Trailblazer is back with a bold design, two turbocharged engine options, and plenty of features, making this a great SUV for a wide range of driving needs. If that includes dirt roads and gravel paths, you'll appreciate the ACTIV trim's specially tuned shock absorbers and underbody shielding, so you can get out and explore in the 2021 Trailblazer.
All Chevrolet TrailBlazer years
2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer trims
L:
Includes 16-inch steel wheels, power-adjustable manual-folding sideview mirrors, infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and more.
LS:
Features 17-inch aluminum wheels, 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar control, heated driver and front passenger seats, six-speaker audio system, and more.
LT:
Adds LED fog lamps, electronic cruise control, available power panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, available remote start, and more.
ACTIV:
Includes a skid plate, leather-wrapped shift knob, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, contrasting roof color, leatherette seats, and more.
RS:
Unlocks 18-inch high-gloss black machined-aluminum wheels, polished round dual-outlet exhaust tips, sporty cloth and leatherette seats with red accents, and more.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
1. Snazzy style
If you're looking for a subcompact SUV with lots of spunk, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is sure to grab your attention. Sporting a striking appearance with sculpted lines and bold proportions, this SUV has a daring personality with a fresh, modern vibe. With 10 exterior Chevy Trailblazer colors, you can select a hue to suit your taste, while the standard two-tone roof on ACTIV and RS trims is a playful way to stand out from the crowd. Other details, like customized stitching in the 2021 Trailblazer ACTIV and RS trims, elevate this SUV's cabin from ordinary to outstanding.
2. Flexible interior
Whether you're whizzing through the city or exploring the outskirts, the Chevy Trailblazer interior is versatile for cargo and passengers. With 40.9 inches of front-seat legroom and 39.4 inches in the back, your friends and family will ride comfortably no matter where they sit. An available flat-folding front passenger seat (2021 Trailblazer LS and higher trims) and a 40/60 split-folding second-row seat allow you to carry items up to 8.5 feet long, such as a kayak or skis. The cargo area also features a gate on each side to hold smaller items, like groceries, or you can fit a set of golf clubs by removing the gates. Maximum cargo capacity in the 2021 Trailblazer is an impressive 54.4 cubic feet.
3. Turbocharged power
The 2021 Trailblazer offers two turbocharged ECOTEC® three-cylinder engines - a 1.2L and a 1.3L. The 137-hp 1.2L comes standard on L, LS, and LT trims with front-wheel drive only and is equipped with a CVT. If you'd like more traction for tough conditions, the 1.3L engine (optional on 2021 Trailblazer LS and LT or standard on ACTIV and RS) is available with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drivetrain replaces the standard CVT with a nine-speed automatic transmission; plus, the 1.3L features three drive modes (Normal, Sport, and Snow) for customized dynamics. Whether commuting to the office or road-tripping with friends, the 2021 Trailblazer can get you where you want to go.
4. Adventurous spirit
If your travels straddle paved roads and dirt paths, the 2021 Trailblazer ACTIV is at home on the highway or the campsite. Special shock tuning and 17-inch high-gloss black machined-aluminum wheels can give you the confidence to venture beyond the asphalt, while sturdy side cladding and a functional skid plate are designed to offer added protection from dirt and debris. The 2021 ACTIV trim comes standard with the 155-hp 1.3L three-cylinder engine with 174 lb.-ft. of torque and available all-wheel drive, so you can get out there and explore.
5. Helpful technology
All 2021 Trailblazers come standard with an infotainment system and seven-inch touchscreen display, which lets you stream Bluetooth audio from two devices, use voice commands, and access certain smartphone apps with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities. A rearview monitor is included on all trims, and there are standard IntelliBeam® headlamps that turn the SUV's high beams on or off according to surrounding conditions. All 2021 Trailblazer models are equipped with standard driver aids, including front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Chevrolet Trax is an incredibly maneuverable subcompact SUV that had a full interior and exterior refresh in 2017. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were also made standard that year, while the infotainment system was upgraded in 2020. It also has good fuel economy for those long drives; the 2017 Chevrolet Trax achieves an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg with the 1.4L engine.
Other standard features of the 2017–2021 Chevrolet Trax include:
Back-up camera
Available WiFi hotspot
Driver lumbar
The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV with a high cargo capacity and plenty of standard tech features. It handles smoothly and offers a quiet and pleasant ride. Models from 2017–2021 have 23 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row, which opens up to 57.8 cu-ft with the third row folded for a total of 98.2 cu-ft of total interior volume.
Standard features on the Chevrolet Traverse model years 2017–2021 include:
Chevrolet MyLink interface
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Seven-inch touchscreen
60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat
The Chevrolet Tahoe has all the size and space. The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe is available with two engine choices and a six-speed automatic transmission. A front-wheel-drive 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L V8 engine can tow up to an estimated 8,600 pounds when properly equipped.
There are three trims available to buy: LT, LS, and Premier. The base-level LS trim includes features like Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker audio system.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet TrailBlazer an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet TrailBlazer 1st out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet TrailBlazerChevrolet TrailBlazer features and specs
LS 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.2L
Horsepower
137
Torque (ft-lbs)
162
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
103.9"
Overall length
173.5"
Width
71.2"
Height
65.2"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 39.4"
Head room
F 40"/R 38.4"
Front tires
225/60R17
Rear tires
225/60R17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer FAQ
The 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LS: 28 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- LT: 28 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- L: 28 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- Activ: 29 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- RS: 29 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Chevrolet TrailBlazer as 0 out of 16 among Fullsize SUV
The 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Reviews.
More about the 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Color options
Exterior colors:
Dark Copper Metallic (LS, LT, and ACTIV)
Iridescent Pearl Tri-coat (LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS)
Midnight Blue Metallic (LS, LT, and ACTIV)
Mosaic Black Metallic (LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS)
Oasis Blue (RS)
Pacific Blue Metallic (LS and LT)
Satin Steel Metallic (LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS)
Scarlet Red Metallic (LS, LT, and RS)
Summit White
Zeus Bronze Metallic (ACTIV)
Interior details
All 2021 Trailblazer models offer two rows of seating for five passengers.
Maximum cargo capacity is 54.4 cubic feet of volume.
2021 Chevy Trailblazer dimensions include 39.4 inches of rear-seat legroom.
ACTIV and RS trims come standard with leatherette upholstery.
All 2021 models include a center console with two cupholders and an integrated phone slot.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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