Overview

What's New for 2023

The 2023 Trailblazer is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. The LS trim gets our recommendation. We'll explain why.

LS

The LS comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, automatic halogen headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, and a manual liftgate. Within the cabin, you get cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a driver's seat with six-way manual adjustability, a front passenger seat with four-way manual adjustability, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a flat-folding front-passenger seatback.

On the tech front, the LS trim has a 7-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All Trailblazers come with safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a keyless entry keypad are available.

The Trailblazer LS offers a respectable range of standard features, and we think it will satisfy value-oriented shoppers. However, we'd recommend paying a little extra to add the optional blind-spot warning.

LT

The LT builds on the LS by adding roof rails, LED fog lights, gloss-black 17-inch wheels, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start, cruise control, heated front seats, keyless entry, and tinted rear windows. The options list includes adaptive cruise control, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Activ

Consider the Activ trim if you frequently venture off-road. It comes with rugged exterior styling elements, an upgraded engine, a slightly raised suspension, and an underbody skid plate. This trim also adds a heated steering wheel and simulated leather upholstery. Wireless device charging, a seven-speaker premium Bose stereo, an 8-inch touchscreen, and adaptive cruise control are optional.

RS

The RS has the same upgraded engine as the Activ. It adds 18-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and upholstery that combines cloth with simulated leather. Options include a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Trailblazer offers a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter. The 1.2-liter provides 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It's sold on front-wheel-drive models only and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 1.3-liter generates 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. It's available with front-wheel drive and the CVT or with a nine-speed automatic in combination with all-wheel drive.

This Chevy can take some time to gather speed, even with the more potent of the two engines. And while there's adequate horsepower under the hood, certain rivals have more muscle and nimbler handling. For example, the Mazda CX-30 and Mini Countryman are better choices if horsepower and athleticism are priorities.

The Trailblazer's suspension is tuned for a firm ride quality. This SUV feels a bit stiff on the road, but the handling isn't harsh or uncomfortable. If you're looking for an extra-small SUV with a ride that's more comfortable and forgiving, we'd recommend the Buick Encore.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer's cabin isn't quite as impressive as its sheet metal. The Mazda CX-30 has a more stylish, upscale interior. The Trailblazer does give drivers a comfortably elevated seat placement. And this SUV is a class leader for rear legroom. It has more room for second-row passengers to stretch their legs than the Kia Seltos.

This Chevy is a top choice if you value cargo capacity. It has 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks lowered. That's more cargo space than you'll get in the Mazda CX-30 or Hyundai Venue.

The 2023 model hasn't yet been tested, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the identical 2022 Trailblazer a perfect five stars for overall crash protection. And while it hasn't yet evaluated the 2023 model, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2022 Trailblazer a Top Safety Pick+.

All Trailblazers come with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional. Additionally, GM's Teen Driver feature is standard. This feature lets you regulate and monitor your teen's driving.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer distinguishes itself with its eye-catching design cues, and it has more rear-seat legroom than the rival Kia Seltos. And this Chevy is at the front of the class when it comes to cargo capacity, offering more room for your stuff than the Hyundai Venue. The Mazda CX-30 has more horsepower and sportier handling, and the Venue has better fuel economy. Still, the Trailblazer is an appealing pick for shoppers seeking handsome styling and good utility at a reasonable price.

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Hyundai Venue

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos

Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Mazda CX-30