Used 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer shows how dynamic the subcompact SUV class is these days. Chevrolet brought this generation of Trailblazer to market as recently as 2021, yet a new generation of Honda HR-V is set for the 2023 model year and should be one of the top choices. Several other contenders also deserve further attention, such as the Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos.

Although the subcompact SUV class as a whole is conspicuously light on models offering driver involvement, the 2023 Trailblazer still manages to be one of the less engaging examples. There must be some kind of logic to offering both a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter engine, but since the latter’s power output is more acceptable and fuel economy is slightly better, Chevrolet should ditch the 1.2. No one would object.

These engines don’t even have the usual complement of four cylinders. They’re 3-cylinder units, cooking up either 137 or 155 horsepower. Neither figure represents that much fun.

Not that the Chevy Trailblazer’s chassis is woefully under-served by such modest muscle. The suspension doesn’t absorb bumps (or recover from them) particularly well. A situation not helped by the RS model’s 18-inch alloy wheels. The rest of the range runs on 17-inch alloys.

The Activ model’s suspension focuses on off-road work, but this is no rock-crawler. Front-drive Trailblazers have 7.5 inches of ground clearance (7.6 with the RS); all-wheel-drive versions have 8 inches, including the RS.

The all-wheel-drive system also brings driving modes of Normal, Sport, and Snow. Plus a 9-speed automatic transmission vs. the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found on front-drive models.

Downside: There’s quite a lot of black plastic in the 2023 Trailblazer subcompact SUV. Upside: It’s all textured nicely.

What the dashboard lacks in design flair, it makes up for in functionality. And the top two trims gain some body-colored trim accents to liven up their cabins. The RS also receives a flat-bottom steering wheel so people will know it’s the sporty version.

The driving position is suitably elevated and occupant space is generous for the class — as illustrated by rear legroom of 39.4 inches. Behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats is a luggage area of 25.3 cubic feet, which expands to 54.4 cubic feet when folded flat. The front passenger’s seat also folds down for added cargo-carrying versatility.

Subcompact SUV Roominess

This might be the aspect that draws potential buyers away from other dealerships. Like it or not, the Chevy Trailblazer has a definite presence, disguising its dimensions in the opposite way to the usual approach by appearing bigger than a typical subcompact SUV.

The Activ model has a bit of an off-roading emphasis with a skidplate, trim-specific wheel design, and “sport terrain” tires. And where this model has dual exhaust tips of a trapezoidal design, the RS has round versions.

This year’s new paint choices mean that all versions of the 2023 Trailblazer can come with a contrasting Sterling Gray Metallic roof. The Activ and RS Trailblazers can be ordered in Nitro Yellow Metallic. Fountain Blue, another new color, is available only on the RS.

STANDARD WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO
Now that we’ve all come to expect Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration in virtually every new car, the next thing to spoil us is wireless connectivity. The 2023 Trailblazer allows users to enjoy smartphone apps on the infotainment system without having to get the actual phones out of their pockets or purses.

LT TRIM
Not a feature, admittedly, but possibly our preferred combination of features at an affordable price. If the budget allowed, we would definitely add blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors, the 1.3 engine, and all-wheel drive.

Trim levels of the 2023 Trailblazer range are LS, LT, Activ, and RS. The LS comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, active noise cancellation, cloth upholstery, and single-zone air conditioning.

The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite radio, one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and six speakers.

Among the driver assistance features are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, Teen Driver system, and automatic high beams.

A Driver Confidence package for the LS adds cruise control (not adaptive), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. It’s also eligible for all-wheel drive, which brings the 1.3-liter engine as well.

LT trim brings LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, roof rails, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, heated front seats, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Options for the LT version include the 1.3-liter engine with or without all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel, and simulated leather seating surfaces.

Activ trim haș the heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard, plus the 1.3-liter engine, simulated leather upholstery, and LED taillights. The RS version adds 18-inch alloy wheels and cloth/simulated leather seating surfaces.

The top three trims are all eligible for a Convenience package adding an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic climate control, 120-volt outlet, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. A panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate also are available.

The optional Driver Confidence package for these versions doesn’t include the basic cruise control system.

Activ and RS also offer a Technology package that includes adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, LED headlights, and a premium 7-speaker Bose audio system.

The two lowest trims in the 2023 Trailblazer lineup (LS and LT) have a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This connects solely to the front wheels (FWD).

The two upper trims (Activ and RS) employ a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine developing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Once again, front-wheel drive is standard, but this is the engine used whenever you get all-wheel drive (AWD) on your 2023 Trailblazer. The LT also offers this engine as an option with front-wheel drive.

All 2023 Trailblazers come with automatic transmissions. Front-drive versions have a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and those with all-wheel drive gain a 9-speed unit.

Regular unleaded gasoline works just fine.

1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3
137 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/31 mpg

1.3-liter turbocharged inline-3
155 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
174 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/33 mpg (FWD), 26/30 mpg (AWD)