Though it revives an old name, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an all-new subcompact SUV with razor-sharp styling, turbocharged pep, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
The 2021 Trailblazer does battle with the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30, among other small SUVs.
Offered in L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS trim levels, the Trailblazer lineup stretches from around $20,000 to upward of $33,000 with every option box selected. The Activ and RS trim levels are more about appearance upgrades than adding more convenience or luxury features.
All come standard with essential crash-avoidance tech, including automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, lane-keep assist, and 10 airbags. Tech-wise, the Trailblazer comes fitted with a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L (Original starting price when new: $20,195)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L started at $20,195.
The base Trailblazer L comes with front-wheel drive and gets power from a 1.2-liter turbo-3 rated at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Its sole color combination is white over black cloth upholstery.
Standard fare includes power features, air conditioning, and 16″ steel wheels with hubcaps.
Who is this trim for? The base Trailblazer L exists for dealerships to advertise an ultra-low price tag. Don’t expect to see many of these base models in the real world.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L includes:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility — Smartphone mirroring for select navigation, entertainment, and communication apps.
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection — This collision-avoidance tech can apply the brakes automatically to reduce the severity of impact with another vehicle or even a pedestrian crossing the street.
Lane-keep assist — Sensors nudge a wandering Trailblazer back into its lane without driver intervention.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS (Original starting price when new: $22,795)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS started at $22,795.
The LS adds a couple of speakers (for a total of six), a digital compass, 17-inch alloy wheels, floor mats, and a front passenger-side seatback that folds flat to help accommodate larger loads.
Perhaps more critically, it’s also the gateway to all-wheel drive and eight exterior paint colors, plus a couple of option packages.
The Driver Confidence and Cruise package adds cruise control, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitors, while the Blackout package includes — you guessed it — blacked-out exterior badging.
Who is this trim for? We consider the LS the actual base Trailblazer version thanks to its far wider color availability and its optional all-wheel drive. I
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS includes:
17-inch alloy wheels — These larger wheels are more stylish than the base versions, plus they won’t corrode quickly in wintry climates.
Available all-wheel drive — While not essential in many climates, all-wheel drive can be appealing in places where snow or even rain are regular occurrences.
Optional Driver Confidence and Cruise package — Cruise control is a significant help on highway trips, while parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alerts may help avoid a costly bump.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT (Original starting price when new: $24,895)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT started at $24,895.
The Trailblazer LT has dressier looks thanks to its silver-painted exterior trim, wheels with black accents, and tinted window glass.
Additional niceties include heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, and a remote start system.
Buyers can also have the Trailblazer LT with all-wheel drive with the larger 1.3-liter turbo-3, rated at 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. That version also comes with a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control.
Optional features include packages containing a power sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, leatherette upholstery, and adaptive cruise control.
Who is this trim for? With a wide array of optional extras and the allure of a more powerful engine choice, the Trailblazer LT is an excellent balance between features and value for the money.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT includes:
Optional 1.3-liter turbo-3 — This more powerful engine provides additional passing confidence, and its fuel economy ratings are higher.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ (Original starting price when new: $26,695)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ started at $26,695.
The Activ package is more about looks than features, though its slightly higher suspension and underbody skid plate give it a fraction of off-road ability.
It is equipped about like a Trailblazer LT with the optional 1.3-liter engine, though it also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob plus a fold-down armrest for rear-seat occupants.
A handful of option packages can add a larger touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and adaptive cruise control.
Who is this trim for? Rugged types, the Trailblazer Activ is for you — though this low-riding SUV is not much of an off-roader even with this chunky package.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ includes:
Off-Road Suspension tuning — A slightly higher stance gives the Trailblazer Activ a more rugged look than its siblings.
Appearance upgrades — Besides installing special interior and exterior trim, Chevy can paint the Trailblazer Activ’s roof a contrasting white or bronze.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS (Original starting price when new: $26,995)
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The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS started at $26,995.
“RS” stands for “Rally Sport” in Chevy-speak, but the Trailblazer with this trim is more about zippy looks than performance. It comes only with the 1.3-liter turbo-3, and it builds on the LT trim level with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, and twin exhaust pipe outlets.
Chevrolet offers a number of the same optional extras seen on the LT and Activ. Unlike the Activ trim level, the Trailblazer RS comes with either a black or red contrasting roof.
Who is this trim for? With few convenience features not offered on the LT, the Trailblazer RS is for shoppers seeking an added dose of style.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS includes:
18-inch alloy wheels — In addition to looking good, these taller wheels can help deliver slightly sportier handling.
Twin exhaust pipe outlets — They may not connect to a mean-sounding exhaust, but these round tailpipes add a distinctive look to this SUV’s tail end.
