2021 Chevy Trailblazer Review

Name: 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Price: 14495 USD
Rating: 3.6 (55 reviews)

Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV 4dr SUV Exterior

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$14,495 - $28,806

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Chevrolet Trailblazer model years

Chevrolet Trailblazer for Sale

2022
2021

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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Offers a lot of the latest technology and safety features
Activ model brings some light off-road capabilities
Roomy seating and cargo space for an extra-small SUV

Cons

Base engine lacks power
Transmission can be slow to downshift

What's new

After a 12-year hiatus, the Trailblazer name has been revived for the U.S.
Part of the second Trailblazer generation introduced for 2021

Overview

Slotting in between the tiny Chevy Trax and the larger Equinox, the new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the latest entrants in the burgeoning subcompact crossover class. The Trailblazer name has been absent since 2009 in the U.S. In many ways, this reboot follows the same playbook of the larger Blazer SUV that Chevy reintroduced last year.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$143/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For starters, the Trailblazer is similar to the Blazer in that it has hardly anything to do with its forebear other than the name. The old TrailBlazer (with a capital B) was a truck-based midsize SUV. This new Trailblazer (lowercase b!) is a smaller crossover SUV with car-based architecture. Also like the Blazer, the 2021 Trailblazer adopts some Camaro-like exterior styling cues for a uniquely aggressive appearance.

The Trailblazer also stands out slightly from other subcompact crossovers by offering the Activ trim level. Chevy has tuned it for off-road use by adding specialized all-season tires, revised shock absorbers, and a bit more ground clearance from a reshaped front fascia. The Activ also gets roof rails on a two-tone roof.

The Trailblazer's edgy styling fits right into this class of extra-small SUVs. And unlike rivals such as the Toyota C-HR, the Trailblazer doesn't sacrifice utility in the name of style. It has a pleasing amount of passenger and cargo space, a relatively comfortable ride, and decent power from the optional turbocharged 1.3-liter engine.

We've never been particularly fond of the Chevrolet Trax, especially compared to class leaders such as the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Honda HR-V. The new Trailblazer, however, is a strong competitor right out of the gate. It's worth checking out if you're shopping for a stylish and comfortable pint-sized SUV.

Which Trailblazer does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest stepping up to the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine since the base engine feels underpowered. Beyond that, consider getting the midrange LT trim. It adds a lot of standard features you'll appreciate, such as cruise control and keyless ignition and entry, and grants access to most of the Trailblazer's optional packages.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer models

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV that's available in five trim levels: L, LS, LT, Activ and RS. It comes standard with a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and comes bundled with a stronger 155-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Feature highlights for each trim include:

L
This base trim starts you off with:

16-inch steel wheels
In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Four-speaker audio system
Chevy Safety Assist suite of advanced safety features:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Automatic high beams

LS
The LS trim adds only a few features that include:

17-inch alloy wheels
Fold-flat front passenger seat
Six-speaker audio system
A few extra niceties (a compass, floor mats and vanity mirrors)

LT
The LT trim gets you a lot more, including:

Roof rails
Foglights
Heated mirrors
Tinted rear windows
Keyless entry and ignition
Cruise control
Remote ignition
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats

Activ
The Activ trim steps up its power and visual presence inside and out with:

Standard 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
Tires that are slightly better for off-roading
Unique exterior styling elements
Two-tone roof
Simulated leather upholstery
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

RS
The RS trim is similar to the Activ with only minor changes:

18-inch alloy wheels with standard tires
Red interior accents

Notable option packages for the Trailblazer include:

Driver Confidence package (offered on the LT trim and above)

Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
Rear parking sensors

The Convenience package (offered on the LT trim and above)

Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rear-seat USB charge ports
Household-style power outlet
Automatic climate control
8-inch touchscreen
Satellite radio

The Technology package is only available on the Activ and RS trims

LED headlights
Adaptive cruise control
Upgraded infotainment system
Wireless charging pad
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Bose premium audio system
High-resolution rearview camera

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer from 2008-2022.}

$330/yr

vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.98x/yr

vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.6%

vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

5 (55%)

4 (7%)

3 (7%)

2 (9%)

1 (22%)

3.6

55 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 55 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good design with small corners cut

Radu, 09/04/2020

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT)

Small but Design is good: better cruise control on steering wheel, passenger seat folds flat, standard rear proximity sensors. One small issue for me: no adjustments of air volume for each individual vent. Also, apparently engine is 3 cylinders and vibrates a little much at low rpm - know the tradeoffs.

AWESOME VEHICLE

Jerz- Ger, 08/28/2020

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)

I picked up my Trailblazer on August 8, 2020 and I am amazed at the style, handling and features on this car. RS series with Bose Stereo and glass moon roof and too many functions to mention plus the gas mileage is great, average 28 mpg around town, and 38 on the highway

Cute looks! Bad… everything else

KayakH317, 06/22/2021

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)

I bought the RS AWD and had been saving up and sold my dream truck to get something more affordable to drive. I loved it at first, awesome, quick, maneuverable! Then disaster, it started having a super hard shifting feel and would rev way up and jolt my forward, or rpms would drop and almost make someone rear end me! Took it to the shop and they claimed they drove it (got it back with 13 …

Back to the dealer ... Again...

Unhappy camper, 01/14/2022

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)

I have had my Trailblazer for a year now and it has been back to the dealer so many times - 1. recalled for actuator 2. bad gas leak from a cracked fuel rail, reeked of gasoline 3. radio stopped working - another recall/service bulletin. 4. some genius at GM thought it would be OK to use a plastic jack - NOT. another recall. 5. the doors wouldn't unlock and I couldn't get in the car. …

See all 55 reviews of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride…

2021 Trailblazer Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$19,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$143/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Trailblazer models:

Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects if a collision is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Following Distance Indicator: Displays the distance to the car in front and warns if you're following too closely.
Lane Keep Assist: Warns you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and nudges the car back in line if you don't respond.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover18.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Chevy Trailblazer Review

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Which Trailblazer does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good design with small corners cut

AWESOME VEHICLE

Cute looks! Bad… everything else

Back to the dealer ... Again...

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

2021 Trailblazer Highlights

Safety

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Join Edmunds

2021 Chevy Trailblazer Review

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Which Trailblazer does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good design with small corners cut

AWESOME VEHICLE

Cute looks! Bad… everything else

Back to the dealer ... Again...

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

2021 Trailblazer Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Chevrolet

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}