2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Updated Looks and Tech, Same Disappointing Engines

When Chevrolet resurrected the Trailblazer three years ago, what we saw had nothing to do with the original Trailblazer that was sold several years earlier. The latter was a rugged midsize SUV with off-road driving in mind. The new one? More like a city-oriented crossover that prefers to stay away from the trails.

For 2024, a mid-cycle refresh is in order—and that’s a good thing. As you know, General Motors previously had this bad habit of not making any real changes to its vehicles and watching them fall behind the competition until the time came to introduce a new generation. Meanwhile, Japanese and Korean automakers are regularly updating their products after 2-3 years and giving customers more reasons to choose them over their American rivals.

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New Design Inside and Out

The 2024 Trailblazer is not a big seller, but it’s not because it looks unattractive or anything like that. Many people would agree on the fact that the little Chevy boasts sharp styling. The front and rear ends have been revised, and the grille is unique to each trim level. RS models have a sportier appearance complete with sleek LED headlights, aggressive bumper design and sloping rear window capped by a handsome spoiler. Don’t miss the dual tailpipes, either.

Inside, the refreshed dashboard features an 8-inch digital instrument cluster paired with an 11-inch touchscreen. The driving position is good and most of the controls are ergonomically arranged. Fit and finish generate no major complaints and compare favourably with most subcompact crossovers.  

The cabin provides adequate space, even for rear-seat occupants, and while the trunk is not the largest in the segment, you can fold the front passenger seat completely down to accommodate long items.

Three Cylinders Only

If you don’t like three-cylinder engines, then the Trailblazer is not right for you. Base models get a turbocharged 1.2-litre unit that puts out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels only via a continuously variable transmission. The same powertrain can be found in the cheaper Chevrolet Trax, by the way.

The alternative is a turbocharged 1.3-litre triple-cylinder—optional on LT, standard on RS and ACTIV models. This one delivers 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. Keep in mind that AWD needs to be manually engaged. Otherwise, the Trailblazer defaults to FWD. The idea here is to improve fuel economy, but with a combined NRC rating of 8.6 L/100 km, we’re not impressed. Consider this: the 191-horsepower Mazda CX-30 is slightly more efficient.

The Achilles’ Heel

To sum up, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer looks sharp and offers a spacious, practical interior. Why isn’t it near the top of its class?

Again, we have to go back to those three-cylinder engines. Regardless of displacement, acceleration is modest at best. Sure, the 1.3-litre mill offers generous low-end torque, but it needs to work harder and quickly runs out of steam, no doubt explaining its poor fuel economy. Recent enhancements made by Chevy engineers are said to improve reliability, but from a performance and efficiency standpoint, there’s no difference with the previous units.

That’s a shame because the Trailblazer’s combination of ride and handling is commendable, the interior proves comfortable even on long trips, and practicality trumps a number of competitors.

As mentioned earlier, RS models will appeal to drivers who appreciate a sporty-looking exterior, especially with 19-inch alloys and a rear spoiler. Performance is far from sporty, though. At least the bigger wheels contribute to better handling.

Meanwhile, ACTIV models stand out with an off-road-tuned suspension, but seriously, who’s going to take their Trailblazer to, you know, blaze new trails?  

Give credit to the Trailblazer for packing lots of safety and driver assistance features—something many families look for. We just wish the powertrain part of the equation was as good as the rest.

What About the Trax?

Willingly or not, Chevrolet created a rivalry between the more affordable, entry-level Trax and the Trailblazer positioned right above it. The former, ironically, is roomier and has a longer wheelbase. The two share the same standard 1.2-litre engine. Only the latter can be had with the more powerful 1.3-litre engine and all-wheel drive.

If you don’t mind slightly slower acceleration and can settle for front-wheel drive, definitely go with the Trax instead.