Finding yourself assigned a vehicle outside your rental category is a common occurrence these days. Recently, I experienced this firsthand, when I was given the keys to a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. This wasn’t the Trailblazer of yesteryear; it was noticeably more compact and sported an AWD badge, piquing my interest immediately. My initial assumption was a standard Chevy 1.5L turbo inline-4 engine under the hood, a far cry from the robust 4.1L inline-6 engines found in the early 2000s Trailblazers, one of which a friend owned and another I briefly rented and enjoyed for its smooth power, albeit with thirsty fuel consumption.
However, a quick peek under the hood revealed a surprise: a 1.3L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. Three-cylinder engines, while increasingly common in the European market, particularly in smaller SUVs and CUVs, are still somewhat unexpected in this segment in North America.
First Impressions: Sensible and User-Friendly
My initial impression was that the Chevy Trailblazer Awd appeared to be a practical and easy-to-use vehicle, and this proved to be accurate. The seats offered adequate support and comfort, enhanced by some tasteful stitching. While the material quality wasn’t top-tier – similar to the durable fabric found in the Malibu – the cabin shared a familiar Chevrolet feel. In fact, transitioning from a Malibu to the Trailblazer is remarkably seamless, with similar cabin width, gauge and switch layouts, and the urethane steering wheel with its controls.
In some respects, the Trailblazer’s interior design even surpasses the Malibu. The integrated touchscreen in the dash, positioned below the central air vents, ensures efficient air conditioning distribution. The redesigned electronic device cubby is flatter and more spacious, and the linear arrangement of outlets and switches below makes them easily accessible. Furthermore, the elevated seating position provides improved visibility, and the shifter and console height are ergonomically positioned for user convenience.
The exterior styling of the Chevy Trailblazer AWD demonstrates a good sense of design, with well-executed character lines. The front fascia, particularly the headlight arrangement, is a standout feature. Even the rear taillights, wrapping around the corners, contribute to a cohesive and appealing aesthetic.
Mechanicals and Performance: Utilitarian Approach
Delving into the mechanical aspects, information from the owner’s manual and online sources confirmed that the Trailblazer AWD is equipped with a conventional geared transmission – a 9-speed automatic. Interestingly, front-wheel-drive Trailblazer models utilize a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
The Chevy Trailblazer AWD presents itself as a highly utilitarian and practical vehicle, prioritizing function over outright refinement. The 1.3L 3-cylinder engine, while not coarse, emits a constant, rhythmic hum that is always present. When pushed harder, the hum simply becomes more pronounced. With approximately 140 horsepower, this engine is not designed for aggressive driving maneuvers like rapid passing or steep inclines. Despite the turbocharger, it’s no sports car.
The 9-speed automatic transmission could be described as “unconventional” in its operation. While gear changes are rapid and audible, the transitions between gears feel remarkably smooth, almost CVT-like, minimizing shift feel under normal driving conditions. However, more aggressive throttle input results in noticeable gear shifts. In stop-and-go traffic at lower speeds, the transmission can exhibit some gear hunting within the first three gears, occasionally resulting in jerky movements. In smoother, linear driving scenarios, the gear changes are seamless, although the short intervals between gears, accompanied by the distinct sounds, might be perceived as slightly unusual.
Ride, Handling, and Practicality: Sensible Compromises
The Chevy Trailblazer AWD demonstrates adequate agility on the road. The ride quality is reasonably smooth but can become unsettled on uneven surfaces. It represents an improvement over the now-discontinued Chevy Spark and Sonic in terms of ride comfort but falls short of the more refined ride found in the Malibu or even the last-generation Cruze. Wind noise is well-managed, but tire and suspension noises are not as effectively isolated, constantly reminding occupants of the road surface below and the vehicle’s non-premium positioning. Having previously driven the larger Chevy Traverse with its 3.6L V6, the difference in overall refinement is significant.
The elevated seating position in the Trailblazer provides good forward and side visibility. However, the thick rear roof pillar does compromise rearward visibility at angles, a common characteristic in vehicles of this type. The rental model I drove lacked parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, features that would be highly beneficial, especially as I prefer a combination of mirror checks and over-the-shoulder glances when changing lanes.
Alt Text: Front three-quarter view of a Chevy Trailblazer AWD showcasing its modern front fascia and lighting design.
The cargo area behind the rear seats is generously sized, thanks to the Trailblazer’s boxy design. Folding the split rear seats forward expands the cargo capacity considerably, making it well-suited for transporting larger items. While a slot for a rear cargo cover was present, the cover itself was missing – a common issue with rental vehicles. The rear windows are tinted, but a retractable cargo cover would still be a welcome addition for added security and privacy, especially for personal belongings.
Inside, the controls are logically arranged and easy to use. However, the absence of remote releases for the hatch and fuel filler door is a minor inconvenience. On the positive side, the fuel door is locked when the vehicle is locked. Fuel economy can fluctuate significantly, and the real-time fuel consumption display provides useful feedback to the driver. Even with the drivetrain set to 2WD and “eco” mode engaged, the AWD system’s additional weight is still a factor. Fuel economy ranges from less impressive in city driving to quite respectable on steady highway cruises. The 9-speed automatic transmission enables the Trailblazer AWD to cruise at 65 mph at around 1,900 rpm, contributing to improved highway fuel efficiency, a benefit partially achieved by the downsized 3-cylinder engine.
Alt Text: Interior view of the Chevy Trailblazer AWD dashboard, highlighting the integrated touchscreen, user-friendly control layout, and spacious cabin.
Conclusion: A Practical Choice in the CUV-SUV Segment
Transitioning to the Chevy Trailblazer AWD from other Chevrolet models, particularly the Malibu, is remarkably easy. Considering the similarities and differences, the Trailblazer can be viewed as a taller, less refined, 3-cylinder Malibu in a CUV-SUV form factor. For consumers who prioritize the packaging and price point that this vehicle offers, the Chevy Trailblazer AWD presents a sensible and practical option in the competitive compact SUV market. It may not be the most refined vehicle in its class, but it delivers on functionality and user-friendliness, making it a worthy contender for those seeking a capable and versatile daily driver.
