2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Looking somewhat like a Chevrolet Blazer that was left in the dryer too long, the 2025 Trailblazer is a subcompact crossover with big SUV energy. It's not Chevy's entry-level model though. That honor belongs to the 10Best award-winning Trax, which costs thousands less and offers much of the same utility and space, not to mention the same instrument panel and base 137-hp engine. The main advantages of choosing the Trailblazer over its subcompact sibling are the option of a more powerful 155-hp three-cylinder, available all-wheel-drive, and underbody skid plates. That equipment makes the Trailblazer a better choice for light off-roading. Otherwise, there’s little reason to opt for the pricier Trailblazer over the Trax unless you prefer its more upright design. But there are plenty of other worthy competitors in the subcompact SUV class too, such as the athletic Mazda CX-30, which boasts a more premium cabin than the Trailblazer, the roomier Volkswagen Taos, and the Subaru Crosstrek, which is more adept off-road. Chevy has a big winner in this class but, unfortunately, it's not the Trailblazer.

What's New for 2025?

Having undergone a design refresh for 2024, this year's Trailblazer sees only minor updates. Color choices have been reshuffled, with Marina Blue Metallic being added for 2025. Mechanically, the standard engine has been calibrated and fitted with harder cylinder head valve seat material to make it E-85 compatible. Otherwise, the Trailblazer remains unchanged. The 2025 model goes on sale in fall, 2024.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Trailblazer LT, in our opinion, is your best option. While the less-powerful three-cylinder engine is standard, you can opt for the more powerful 1.3-liter and add all-wheel drive, which also includes a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also adds a larger touchscreen and gives you access to options such as roof-mounted side rails, adaptive cruise control, and the Convenience Package (automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charging pad, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and more), which make the Trailblazer far more agreeable.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

As with the Encore GX, the Trailblazer comes with one of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder generates 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A turbocharged 1.3-liter three is optional, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Given the difference in gearboxes and its greater refinement, we’d say the engine upgrade is well worth it. Still, acceleration is leisurely with either powerplant, but that’s no surprise in this class. Around town at slower speeds, the Trailblazer feels peppier than its acceleration-test numbers would suggest, but merging onto the highway or executing high-speed passing maneuvers does require planning. Just stick to the right lane when you stuff this Chevy with people and lifestyle debris.

0–60-MPH Times

Acceleration is unhurried with either powerplant. Even with the more powerful 1.3-liter engine, our tests saw the Trailblazer amble to 60 mph in a relaxed 8.7 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive Trailblazer with the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, 30 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway. Using E85 in the smaller engine sees that plummet to a meager 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Opting for the 1.3-liter engine and front-drive actually improves the combined fuel economy to 31 mpg, netting 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. All-wheel drive comes only with the larger engine, a combination that drops combined fuel economy to 27 mpg. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, an all-wheel drive Trailblazer RS returned 26 mpg. For more information about the Trailblazer's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Climb inside the Trailblazer, and you’ll find the driver sits up high, much like in a larger SUV. In the back seat, there is more than enough room for two adults to sit comfortably. Even though the interior is primarily trimmed in black plastic, it doesn’t feel tacky. Higher-end versions have chrome accents and colored trim pieces to lend a hint of a more premium appearance. And the Trailblazer excels at carrying whatever you’ll need to haul. Its roomy cargo area can be expanded by not only folding the rear seats but the front passenger seat as well. In our testing, we fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat; with the rear seatbacks folded, we fit a total of 19.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The driver gets an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster, while a sizeable 11.0-inch touchscreen anchors the middle of the instrument panel. A six-speaker stereo system is standard; a Bose seven-speaker stereo is available as part of the Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package on ACTIV and RS models. One USB-A and USB-C port are standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Chevrolet equips every Trailblazer with a set of basic driver-assistance technology and makes more advanced tech, such as adaptive cruise control, optional. For more information about the Trailblazer's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

When compared to many of the competitors, the Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard warranty coverage is unremarkably average. Searching for an SUV with a longer warranty? Look no further than the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, all of which come with up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. The Trailblazer's first planned maintenance visit is free, a feature not found in most competitors.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

More Features and Specs