“Love the design, wheels, and overall performance. Very comfortable and good on gas.”
Chevrolet Trailblazer: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a compact five-seat gas SUV known for bold styling, flexible cargo space, and useful technology in an easy-to-park package. The modern version sits between Chevrolet’s Trax and Equinox and comes with front- or all-wheel drive.
The Trailblazer name has changed with the market. It ended its original U.S. run in 2009 as a truck-based midsize SUV, then returned for 2021 as a much smaller crossover built for everyday driving. Since that return, its identity has centered on expressive design, practical space, standard safety technology, and more utility than its tidy footprint suggests.
Strengths
- Its small footprint makes it easier to park and live with than a larger SUV.
- The cabin uses space well, with 39 inches of rear legroom in 2026 and flexible room for people or cargo.
- Its standard active-safety suite has been a core feature of the modern Trailblazer since its 2021 return.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been part of the modern Trailblazer from the beginning.
- The 2024 refresh brought a clear technology upgrade, including a standard 11-inch touchscreen on every trim.
- Fuel economy is sensible for a gas SUV, with 2026 versions rated at 29 to 30 mpg in the city depending on configuration.
Who it's for
It suits singles, couples, and small families who want SUV versatility without the size of a larger family vehicle. It makes particular sense for commuting, city parking, errands, and weekend trips, especially when a roomy back seat and fold-down cargo flexibility matter more than strong acceleration or heavy-duty capability.
Chevrolet Trailblazer lineup
LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS have formed the core lineup since the short-lived L trim disappeared after 2021. LS is the starting point, LT is the middle step, and ACTIV and RS are the two upper alternatives. Pick LS when the essentials cover your needs, look to LT for a middle-ground used example, and compare ACTIV with RS when shopping the upper end of the range. Since the 2024 refresh, every trim has the larger 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display, updated front styling, and the standard safety suite, so even the base version covers the major technology basics.
Chevrolet Trailblazer generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Trailblazer spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation (2002–2009).
2nd Generation (2021–Present)
The Trailblazer returned for 2021 as a small SUV, replacing the old model’s truck-based midsize design with turbo three-cylinder engines, modern phone connectivity, and standard active-safety features. A 2024 refresh brought updated front styling and larger dashboard screens without changing the basic design.
400 In Stock
2026
The four-trim lineup, turbo three-cylinder engines, major technology, and safety features carry over.
2025
The refreshed styling, 11-inch touchscreen, 8-inch driver display, and standard safety suite carry over from 2024.
2024Mid-cycle update
Updated front styling and lighting arrived with new wheel designs, an 11-inch touchscreen, and an 8-inch driver display.
2023
The four-trim lineup, turbo three-cylinder engines, and standard safety suite carried over.
2022Trim changes
The entry-level L trim left the lineup. The remaining trims received electronic single-zone climate control.
2021New generation
The Trailblazer name returned on an all-new small SUV with turbo three-cylinder engines, standard active-safety features, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
1st Generation (2002–2009)
This TrailBlazer was a truck-based midsize SUV with six-cylinder and V8 power. The 2009 model year was its final U.S. year.
0 In Stock
2009Trim changes
The lineup narrowed to LT and SS. The LT kept the 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine, while the SS retained its 6.0-liter V8.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The modern Chevrolet Trailblazer is a small five-seat crossover. It sits between the smaller Trax and roomier Equinox, with compact dimensions, flexible cargo space, and bolder styling than a basic commuter.
What is the Trailblazer known for?
The Trailblazer is known for fitting useful passenger and cargo space into a small, easy-to-park SUV. Newer examples also emphasize large-screen phone connectivity, standard driver-assistance features, and distinctive styling.
Who is the Chevrolet Trailblazer a good fit for?
The Trailblazer suits shoppers who want SUV usefulness without a large footprint. It seats five, offers 39 inches of rear legroom on the latest model, and has a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying longer items.
Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer come as a hybrid?
No. The modern Trailblazer covered here uses turbocharged three-cylinder gas engines; the latest lineup does not include a hybrid or electric version.
Does the Trailblazer have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Modern Trailblazers were sold with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Check the individual vehicle because drivetrain depends on its engine, trim, and original configuration.
Is the newer Trailblazer the same kind of SUV as the old TrailBlazer?
No. The TrailBlazer sold through 2009 was a truck-based midsize SUV, including a V8-powered SS. The name returned for 2021 on a much smaller crossover designed mainly for commuting, flexible cargo use, and easier parking.
How different are Trailblazers from before and after the refresh?
The refreshed models have updated front styling and lighting, an 11-inch center touchscreen, and an 8-inch driver display across the lineup. Earlier versions use a smaller 7-inch touchscreen, but already offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and standard active-safety features.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
4.2
Chevrolet Trailblazer
(871 reviews)
“It's an American product. It's reliable, safe and nice to ride in. Very good on gas and has a smooth ride.”
“It's a great vehicle - the perfect size for a small family and for all day adventuring.”
“It is a good value. You do sacrifice some roominess for seating comfort, but that was acceptable for me.”
“Absolutely love my purchase of the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. It is exactly what I wanted and needed for a vehicle. Safe, reliable, and fun to drive. Great gas mileage, beautiful car. Couldn't be happier.”
“Fun and sporty (small) SUV with excellent gas mileage! Love the infotainment system that lets me text, answer calls and have navigation while driving without having to touch my iPhone!”