Chevrolet Trailblazer: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

Most significant changes: The subcompact Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV was all-new for 2021 and carries over for 2022 with little change; the lowest-priced L trim level has been dropped this year. Newly available for 2022 are a heated steering wheel, trailering package, roof rack cross rails and a few additional paint colors.

Pricing: With the dropping of the L base trim level, which started at $20,195 (all prices include $1,195 destination), the new entry price for a Trailblazer is $22,795 for the LS trim with front-wheel drive. That’s the same price the LS was for 2021 but is a $2,600 boost over the former lowest-priced version of the SUV. Higher trims get $100 to $200 increases.

On sale: Now

Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022? Opt for the 2021 if you’re on a budget and want the lower-priced, discontinued L base model. Even with higher trim levels, consider saving a little money on a 2021 since there are no major changes for 2022.

Chevrolet’s subcompact Trailblazer continues with little change for 2022 after arriving for 2021 as an all-new small SUV that revives a well-known Chevy SUV badge which disappeared more than a decade earlier. Updates for 2022 include just a few newly available features including a heated steering wheel and trailering package.

The Trailblazer is bigger and roomier than Chevy’s smallest SUV, the Trax, but smaller than its Equinox compact SUV. It competes in this hot, crowded category with other small SUVs including the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Rogue Sport and the new Toyota Corolla Cross.

Power

The carryover powertrains are a 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder or a 155-hp, turbo 1.3-liter three-cylinder. Transmissions for either engine are a continuously variable automatic transmission or a nine-speed automatic. Front or all-wheel drive are offered, with the latter requiring the 1.3-liter engine and nine-speed automatic. EPA-est imated combined ratings range from 28 mpg to 31 mpg, competitive among rivals.

Features

With the demise of the L base model that was FWD-only, the four remaining trims all are available with AWD for $2,000 on the LS and LT or $1,500 on the top trim levels, the outdoorsy Activ and RS with a blacked-out and more upscale feel. While the two top trims have different personalities, they share the same take-your-pick base price. In addition to a sportier look and interior, the Activ gets its own suspension tuning, a little more ground clearance, some underbody shielding and sportier tires, though it stops well short of being ready for off-roading.

The Chevy Safety Assist bundle of safety technology is standard on the Trailblazer and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane keep assist with lane departure warning. Multimedia tech includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch display option and an available Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Prices

Trailblazer base prices for the remaining 2022 trim levels, including an unchanged $1,195 destination fee, are:

LS: $22,795 (unchanged)
LT: $24,995 (up $100)
Activ: $26,895 (up $200)
RS: $26,895 (up $200)

The Competition

Versus its rivals, the Trailblazer offers good looks, a nicely designed interior (though inconsistent materials), decent roominess for the class, competent driving manners and competitive value in its lower-priced trim levels. But it also offers less-than-competitive power with either of its two available engines and a ride that can be on the rough side. There is also less value in top trim levels that can pass $34,000 with options.

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