The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer may share its name with a bygone SUV, but this modern subcompact crossover carves its own path in the urban landscape. Blending practicality with style, the Trailblazer offers a spacious interior, user-friendly tech features, and efficient powertrains in a package that’s easy to maneuver through city streets. While it may not be a trail-conquering beast, this small Chevy proves that good things can come in compact packages
The Trailblazer has undergone a significant refresh for 2024, featuring updates both inside and out. The SUV now has a redesigned front end with a new face and updated headlights, mirroring the styling of its larger sibling, the Blazer. Chevrolet has introduced fresh wheel designs to complement the updated look. The interior has also received a tech upgrade, with a standard 11-inch infotainment touchscreen now taking center stage on the dashboard. This larger display is paired with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the Trailblazer’s technological offerings and modernizing the driver’s interface.
The Trailblazer comes equipped with a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. There’s a 1.2-liter engine that delivers 137 horses or a zippier 1.3-liter variant that produces 155 horses. The smaller 1.2-liter engine is exclusively paired with front-wheel drive and utilizes a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In contrast, the larger 1.3-liter engine (and the one equipped on my test model) offers the flexibility of optional all-wheel drive. Along with the all-wheel drive configuration, is an upgrade to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the standard CVT found in the front-wheel drive models. Expect the larger 155 hp engine to get 26/city, 29/highway and 27/combined MPG.
A spacious and functional interior that complements the Trailblazer’s stylish exterior. While the cabin primarily features black plastic, it is designed with appealing textures that enhance its quality. Higher trims like my test model introduce colorful accents and chrome details, giving the interior a more upscale appearance.
The elevated driving position provides a commanding view (even for a shorty like me), typical of SUVs, and the rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults. A notable feature of the Trailblazer is its versatility; the rear seats fold flat, and the front passenger seat can also be folded down, allowing for longer items to be transported easily. This thoughtful design, along with various convenience features available in upper trims, makes the Trailblazer a practical choice for everyday adventures.
Driving the Trailblazer is a bit of a mixed bag. While it is not exactly quick off the dime it does tool along the road with a pep in its step. Steering is confident if not necessarily nimble and it feels planted on gentle curves. The interior is relatively quiet but some road noise leaks in at higher speeds.
Cute, compact with room for four adults, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD Activ, makes a great round the town subcompact SUV.
