This week we are taking a look at the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer. Size-wise, it slots between the Chevy Trax and the Equinox. It is the least expensive SUV in the Chevy lineup, with a starting price of $19,000.
Exterior
My test vehicle is the sporty RS version, which is the top-of-the-line. It has sharp looking body lines, beautiful 18” wheels, dual exhaust, a rear spoiler, and I love the two-tone paint.
Powertrain
Under the hood, it has a 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine putting out 155-horses and 175-pound feet of torque. It has a 9-speed automatic. There is a smaller 3-cylinder available, but it comes with the CVT. This one is also all-wheel drive.
Interior
Inside the Trailblazer RS has nice cloth heated seats, limited red stitching around, red accents, and a surprising amount of headroom.
There are easy to read gauges with a configurable driver info center in the middle. I love the flat bottom steering wheel with controls.
The center console has USB and power ports, a wireless phone charger, a button to turn off the start/stop system, and you can turn on Sport mode.
Above that is the touchscreen that operates the Bose stereo, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a host of apps.
Moving to the back seat, there is decent leg room and good headroom, and it has a USB port and a 110 volt power outlet for charging your devices.
Cargo area is good, the two back seats fold down easily from the cargo area, and if you have something long to carry, the front passenger seat will fold flat also. With the back seats down, there is an impressive 54.4 cubic-feet of cargo room.
Standard Equipment and Options
Standard equipment includes keyless entry, power seat, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, front collision alert, the Teen Driver system, and rear seat reminder.
My review vehicle has $3,100 in options, most notable is a Bose stereo, adaptive cruise control, HD rear camera with cross traffic alert, rear park assist, lane change alert, LED headlamps, and blind spot monitoring.
There is storage in the rear compartment, which also includes a compact temporary spare tire. Most compact SUVs have nothing, just a repair kit.
Ride and Drive
The Trailblazer surprised me with good acceleration, a good ride, and responsive steering. There is a little more road noise than I like, but this is common in subcompact SUVs.
Fuel economy is terrific at 26 in town and 30 on the highway. MSRP on this top-of-the-line, super loaded SUV is $31,505.
Verdict
I am sure some people will be concerned about a 3-cylinder engine, but this larger of the two engines, combined with regular transmission provides plenty of power for entering freeways and such.
It is easy to see why this Korean-built SUV is one of the fastest selling vehicles in America.
- What I Liked Most: The sporty looks and fuel economy.
- What I would change: Would like it a little quieter inside.
- Fuel Economy: 26 city/30 highway/28 overall.
- Odometer reading when tested: 500 miles.
- Weight: 4,400 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Compact temporary.
- Length-Width-Height: 173.5” long/71.2” wide/65.7” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with the fuel filler on the driver’s side.
- Official Color: Crimson Metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 1,000 pounds.
- 2022 Chevy Trailblazer in a few words: A sharp-looking SUV that gets really good milage at a great price point.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/100,000 mile power train coverage with roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, and free first maintenance visit.
- Final Assembly Location: Bupyeong Gu. IN Korea.
- Manufacturer's website: Chevrolet
