Since its 2002 introduction, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer has been one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America in terms of sales. Qualities like a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, plentiful features and an inexpensive price made it a hit with consumers early in the model cycle, but fleet operators have picked up much of the slack in recent years. However, based on our testing experience, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer leaves much to be desired as a midsize SUV.
Although modern luxury features such as navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment are available, this SUV’s handling dynamics are more state-of-the-past than state-of-the-art. The standard Chevy TrailBlazer’s unresponsive suspension and imprecise steering don’t inspire confidence on back road detours or during quick transitions on the expressway. In past years, traditional body-on-frame SUVs like the TrailBlazer weren’t expected to handle well in these situations. But times have changed and virtually all of the Chevy’s domestic- and import-brand rivals now offer superior road manners.
Another major drawback is the TrailBlazer’s cabin design. It looked out of date soon after this midsize SUV’s debut, and the quality of the materials and construction has always been suspect. Now that the long-wheelbase EXT version has been dropped, there’s no way to get a third-row seat, and maximum passenger capacity is down to five. The second-row accommodations, at least, are reasonably spacious.
From a performance standpoint, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS is an interesting choice, as it addresses the base SUV’s handling woes via substantial tuning to the chassis and steering. The SS also provides rip-roaring performance, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V8. But in the grand scheme of things, the SS is a niche vehicle. For a workaday midsize SUV, other truck-based competitors will serve you better than the standard Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
Current Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and SS. The LS comes decently equipped, while the LT allows access to some higher-level features. Chevrolet offers two different packages for the SS model. The basic TrailBlazer SS (1SS) is equipped similarly to the LS but features a larger V8, sport-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior with black mesh grille. The uplevel version of the TrailBlazer SS (3SS) has the above performance upgrades but comes with all the LT’s amenities. Apart from a white-faced tachometer and “SS” monograms on the seats, there’s nothing special about the SS interior.
Two engines are available on the TrailBlazer LS and LT models. Both start out with a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder producing 291 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Next up, and recommended if you’re planning to tow, is an optional 5.3-liter V8 at 300 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque featuring cylinder-deactivation technology to boost mileage. Both engines are hooked up to four-speed automatic transmissions, with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (4WD).
The TrailBlazer SS packs a 6.0-liter V8 punch borrowed from the Corvette, and in this application it’s rated at 391 horses and 395 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and two-wheel drive are again offered, but instead of 4WD, the SS substitutes an all-wheel-drive system to improve on-pavement performance at the expense of off-road capability.
Behind the wheel, we’ve found that the Chevrolet TrailBlazer’s suspension delivers a mixed bag of goods — its soft tuning results in a soft, comfortable ride around town and on the highway, but push it hard into a corner or hit the rough stuff too fast and the TrailBlazer’s overly compliant setup gets out of sorts quickly. Most buyers will find the standard inline-6 engine adequate, but it’s definitely lacking in low-end torque. The optional V8 is more satisfying in this regard, though it feels like a bit too much engine for the softly tuned chassis.
The Chevy TrailBlazer SS is an altogether different beast. It moves off the line like a muscle car, hauling itself to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds — about as fast as a Dodge Charger R/T. Better yet, the SS model’s modified chassis is fully capable of handling all that power. When the TrailBlazer SS is pushed through twists and turns, body motions are well controlled and steering feel is excellent.
Past Chevrolet TrailBlazer models
As a unique model, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuted for 2002, though the name “TrailBlazer” was actually in use previously as an upscale trim level for the regular four-door Blazer SUV. After the TrailBlazer’s debut, Chevy slowly phased out the Blazer and let the TrailBlazer become its main truck-based midsize SUV. There was also an extended-wheelbase version called the TrailBlazer EXT that offered seven-passenger seating and class-leading cargo room. At the time, the 4.2-liter engine made 270 hp.
The big news for 2003 was a special North Face Edition trim package and the availability of a 290-hp, 5.3-liter V8 in the extended TrailBlazer EXT, while the next couple of years saw a host of evolutionary improvements like power-adjustable pedals, restyled seating, side-curtain airbags, DVD-based navigation, CD/MP3 audio and satellite radio. The hotter, performance-oriented Chevy TrailBlazer SS debuted in 2006. This was also the year that the 5.3-liter V8 became available for non-EXT models and the inline-6 engine’s power rose to 291 hp. The TrailBlazer EXT was dropped for ‘07.
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