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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2021 is the Trailblazer’s return to the U.S. as an all-new small SUV. This first model year introduces a five-trim lineup positioned between the smaller Trax and larger Equinox.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
3rd generation crossover Trailblazer, first U.S. model year; all-new for 2021.
Chevrolet sells the Trailblazer as a small SUV for everyday driving that still looks ready for adventure. The core pitch is style, easy city size, flexible cargo space, and a useful mix of safety and phone-friendly tech, with room to choose a simpler base trim, a convenience-focused LT, or the more expressive ACTIV and RS versions. Its main draw versus rivals is that it mixes standout design with standard safety features and smart cabin flexibility in a compact footprint.
The lineup runs from the simple L and everyday-focused LS to the comfort-oriented LT. ACTIV adds an off-road-tuned suspension and a functional skid plate, while RS takes a sportier approach with 18-inch wheels, black exterior details, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Every trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a standard active-safety suite.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Trailblazer returns to the U.S. as an all-new small SUV with five trims: L, LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS. It sits between the Trax and Equinox in Chevrolet’s lineup and includes flexible seating for carrying passengers or longer items.
Powertrain
The new lineup uses two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter and a stronger 1.3-liter. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are represented in the range, depending on the trim and setup.
Styling
The lineup introduces distinct trim themes. ACTIV has a rugged look with protective hardware and unique suspension tuning, while RS has black exterior details, 18-inch wheels, and a sport-styled front end.
Safety
Every trim starts with Chevrolet’s active-safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, a following-distance display, and automatic high beams.
Tech
A 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto is standard across the lineup.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter / 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter / 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28–29 mpg | 28–29 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 137–150 hp | 137–150 hp | 150 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 162–174 lb-ft | 162–174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.4 cu-ft | 54.4 cu-ft | 54.4 cu-ft | 54.4 cu-ft | 54.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer an all-new model?
Yes. The 2021 Trailblazer is an all-new small SUV and the first U.S. model year of this crossover generation. Chevrolet positioned it between the Trax and Equinox.
What engines does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer use?
The 2021 Trailblazer lineup uses two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter and a stronger 1.3-liter. ACTIV and RS have the 1.3-liter engine, while the base L has the 1.2-liter engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Does every 2021 Trailblazer have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2021 Trailblazer trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
What safety features are standard on the 2021 Trailblazer?
Every 2021 Trailblazer has automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, a following-distance display, and automatic high beams.
How are the 2021 Trailblazer ACTIV and RS different?
The ACTIV is the rugged-themed version, with an off-road-tuned suspension, a functional skid plate, and 17-inch wheels. The RS focuses on sporty styling with 18-inch wheels, black exterior details, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and round polished exhaust tips.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
(315 reviews)
“technology is great, ride is great, its just a little tight on storage space for my golf clubs”
“The Chevy trailblazer is the best thing I have ever had. Very reliable and comfortable, and love the accessibility”