Overview
The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer stands out as a stylish and surprisingly spacious option in the subcompact SUV category, offering excellent value. As one of Chevy’s smallest and most economical SUV choices, it competes fiercely in its segment, boasting a comprehensive array of standard features, ample interior space, and conveniences such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Furthermore, for the 2024 model year, it receives a mid-cycle refresh, featuring refreshed styling, additional paint and wheel choices, and upgraded technological offerings like an expansive 11-inch infotainment system.
What’s New for 2024?
For the 2024 model year, the Chevrolet Trailblazer undergoes a mid-cycle refresh, introducing refreshed front-end styling, fresh wheel designs, and two additional paint options: Cacti Green and Copper Harbor Metallic. Among the notable updates are the inclusion of standard features such as cruise control, push-button start, and an HD backup camera. Inside, the Trailblazer receives an upgraded 11-inch infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster as part of its standard equipment package.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Models and Pricing
Starting at $23,100, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers the base LS model, while the mid-range LT trim begins at $24,300. For those seeking more features, the RS and Activ trims are available, both starting at $28,395. Opting for the recommended 1.3-liter engine entails a $395 premium on the two lower trims but comes standard on the Activ and RS trims. Additionally, all-wheel drive, exclusive to the 1.3-liter engine, incurs an extra $1,600 cost.
| 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer | MSRP |
| Trailblazer LS | $23,100 |
| Trailblazer LT | $24,300 |
| Trailblazer Activ | $27,100 |
| Trailblazer RS | $27,100 |
Driving The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevy Trailblazer, a small SUV focused on efficiency rather than performance, typically aligns with the subdued driving experience common among subcompact SUVs. However, we found the base 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine to be lackluster in terms of performance. Opting for the optional 1.3-liter engine provides a modest boost in power and efficiency, making it a more compelling choice. While the Trailblazer offers a compliant ride on smooth roads, it tends to feel jittery over rough terrain, particularly with the 19-inch wheels on the RS model. For extended journeys, the smoother ride provided by the 17-inch wheels on other trims is preferred.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Similar to the Encore GX, the Trailblazer provides a choice between two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter. The former delivers 137 horsepower, while the latter offers a more robust 155 horsepower. The 1.2-liter variant exclusively features front-wheel drive paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the 1.3-liter engine can be coupled with optional all-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive also swaps out the standard CVT for a well-coordinated nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite its larger engine and all-wheel drive capability, the acceleration of the 1.3-liter Trailblazer in testing was underwhelming, clocking a leisurely 8.7 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour. Although it feels lively at slower speeds around town, merging onto highways or executing high-speed passes demands foresight. While the Trailblazer’s handling is decent on curves, its ride quality often suffers from harshness over uneven road surfaces.
Fuel Economy
The EPA has released fuel efficiency data for Trailblazers equipped with the 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, excluding those with the smaller 1.2-liter engine. Front-wheel-drive models of the 2024 Trailblazer achieve an estimated 31 mpg combined, with 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive variants, according to the EPA, are only marginally less efficient, achieving an estimated 27 mpg combined, with 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway (1 mpg lower than 2023 models). We will provide updates on highway fuel economy performance after conducting our 75-mph test drive.
Roomy Little Interior
The Chevy Trailblazer’s interior impresses with its generous space, offering ample seating in both rows and boasting one of the segment’s largest cargo areas, enhancing practicality.
Despite the prevalent use of black plastic, the textured finish elevates the overall quality perception, avoiding any sense of cheapness. Standard features include a digital gauge cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and push-button start, ensuring functionality.
Opting for the higher trims introduces a touch of style, with Evotex faux leather upholstery adding a premium feel. The RS trim exudes sportiness with red accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, while the Activ trim embraces an outdoor aesthetic with “Artemis” accents and “Activ” embroidery on the headrests.
Additionally, both top trims offer heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat for added comfort and convenience.
Stylish Exterior
The Trailblazer boasts strong exterior styling, with variations across its trim lineup. Each trim features a unique front end design and distinct wheel designs, contributing to the SUV’s individual character.
The top two trims offer an optional contrast roof, enhancing the Trailblazer’s visual appeal. Size-wise, the Trailblazer aligns well with the dimensions typical of the subcompact SUV segment.
Specifications
| Fuel Economy | City 29 mpg/Hwy 31 mpg/Comb 30 mpg |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles |
| Max Seating | 5 |
| Horsepower | 137 @ 5000 RPM |
| Cargo Space | 54.4 cu.ft. |
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room | 40.0 inches |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 inches |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 7.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.5 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 inches |
| Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 54.4 cu.ft. |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet |
| Wheel Base | 103.9 inches |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4189 lbs. |
Fuel Economy
| City | 29 mpg |
| Highway | 31 mpg |
| Combined | 30 mpg |
Mechanical
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular |
Performance
| Horsepower | 137 @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 @ 2500 rpm |
| Engine | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter |
Technology
- Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Hands Free Phone
- Internet Access
- Remote Engine Start
- Smartphone Interface
- Touch Screen Monitor
- USB Port
- Voice Recognition System