Vehicle Overview
Chevrolet’s midsize TrailBlazer SUV, which debuted early in 2002, is closely related to the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X. The five-passenger TrailBlazer comes in LT and SS trim levels and competes with the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
New for 2009
The 5.3-liter V-8 is dropped from the engine lineup.
Exterior
The TrailBlazer rides a 113-inch wheelbase and measures 191.8 inches long. It’s longer than the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee, but a little shorter than the Explorer. At 74.7 inches wide, it falls in the middle of its competition. With a height of 74.5 inches (with a standard roof rack), the TrailBlazer stands the tallest among its competitors. The SS model has no roof rack option and stands 67.8 inches tall. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches. The SS has unique exterior styling and rides on a one-inch-lower suspension.
- 17- or 18-inch wheels on LT, 20-inch wheels on SS
- Chrome package on 2LT includes chrome luggage rack, door handles and wheels
- Available power sunroof and both factory- and dealer-installed running boards
Interior
The plastic-heavy dashboard incorporates a four-spoke steering wheel and large instrument gauges. Two-row seating is standard, and the backseat folds for additional storage. With all seats in their upright positions, there is 41 cubic feet of cargo room. With the rear seat down, volume increases to 80 cubic feet. The SS model features performance-style leather bucket seats in front, aluminum and chrome accents, and other SS-specific cues within the cabin.
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
- OnStar 8.0 standard
- Available Bluetooth phone connectivity
- Optional Bose speaker system and rear seat DVD entertainment system
- Optional leather seating
- Optional power-adjustable pedals
Under the Hood
A 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with variable valve timing powers the LT models, and a 6.0-liter V-8 moves the SS. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic, although the SS uses a heavy-duty one. The TrailBlazer SS rides on 25 percent stiffer suspension springs and has bigger brakes and a larger front stabilizer bar. When properly equipped, the TrailBlazer can tow up to 6,800 pounds.
- 285-horsepower, 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder with 276 pounds-feet of torque
- 390-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 400 pounds-feet of torque
- All-wheel drive available on both LT and SS
Safety
All TrailBlazer models come with OnStar 8.0 (with one year of Safe & Sound service). The service includes advanced crash response.
Standard safety features include:
- Side curtain airbags with rollover sensors
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
