How to Find the Perfect Pre-Owned Trailblazer

Since it was first introduced for the 2021 model year, the Trailblazer has quickly become one of our favorite subcompact SUVs and an amazing choice for a wide range of drivers. The fact that it’s only been around for a handful of years is advantageous if you’re interested in a used Chevy Trailblazer for sale since it means any model you find will be a recent offering.

It can be nice to have extra options available when looking at something that’s been around for a decade or two, but you’ll still want to focus on the last five years or so. The Trailblazer makes this easy for you, and it offers a fantastic selection of features for you to choose from when looking at different used models. Let’s take a look at each of the model years for the Trailblazer and note what makes each one distinct so you know what to watch for as you explore your options.

The 2021 Trailblazer: Kicking Things Off

There’s no better place to start than at the start. The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is the first model year and an all-new option that beautifully expands on what Chevy already offers. One of our favorite things about the Chevy lineup these days is that there is such a diverse range of vehicles we can help find all of our customers the perfect ride. When you’re looking for a pre-owned subcompact SUV, then the Trailblazer is a great choice, and a 2021 model ensures you have access to just about everything it has offered in its first few years.

For starters, there’s a standard 1.2L Turbo engine with 137 hp, which is a great choice, and it comes paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a smooth driving experience. This engine comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) and impressive fuel efficiency, with an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. If you want more power under the hood, then look for a model with the available 1.3L Turbo engine that offers 155 hp; this engine is available with FWD and the CVT or all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. If you go with this engine and FWD, then you get slightly better fuel efficiency, with an estimated 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

Despite its small size, you still get more than 25 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and more than 54 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front seats. That makes this a terrific option for zipping around city streets, fitting into small parking spots, and still giving you plenty of room inside for shopping bags, luggage, school supplies, and anything else you need. You can find numerous trim levels for the 2021 Trailblazer, including the starting L trim, the LS and LT with enhanced features, the adventurous ACTIV, and the top-end RS. Differences between these can be noteworthy: for example, the L comes with 16-inch wheels, while the LS, LT, and ACTIV have 17-inch wheels, and the RS features 18-inch wheels.

Inside the 2021 Trailblazer, a seven-inch infotainment display is standard, though you can find pre-owned models with an available eight-inch screen instead. Some models also have support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so keep that in mind. We’re pleased to say that the Chevy Safety Assist suite is standard on all Trailblazers, which includes a Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with a Lane Departure Warning. If you want enhanced safety features like a Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more, then look for a model with the available Driver Confidence Package.

The 2022 Trailblazer: Just as Good the Second Year

Changes after the Trailblazer’s release are pretty minimal, which is good news for you when looking at used models. This means you can shop with ease and know that the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Trailblazer models are quite similar; just focus on the trim levels and any extra features. Speaking of which, one important thing to note is that the L trim was dropped after the first year, so the 2022 and later models start with the LS. For its second year, there are a few extra options to look for including available roof rack cross rails, an available trailering package with a trailer hitch, and a heated steering wheel. You can also find a few colors on 2022 models that weren’t available the previous year, such as Crimson Metallic, Blue Glow Metallic, and Mahogany Red Metallic.

The 2023 Trailblazer: Minor Changes to Consider

For the 2023 model year, Chevy’s changes to the Trailblazer were even more minimal, so you can pretty confidently shop these models along with 2022 options and find the same things. Essentially, the only things you can find different about a used Trailblazer from 2023 are a few colors that weren’t previously available. If you have a strong inclination for Nitro Yellow Metallic, Fountain Blue, Sterling Gray Metallic, or you want an Iridescent Pearl Tricoat roof, then you’ll want to focus on 2023 models. Otherwise, anything you can find for the 2022 Trailblazer can be found here, and vice versa.

The 2024 Trailblazer: New Looks and Big Updates

If you noticed earlier, when we mentioned being able to shop certain models without worrying about missing out on much, that we didn’t mention the 2024 Trailblazer, then you’re very attentive. That wasn’t an oversight: for 2024, Chevy has updated and refreshed the Trailblazer for the first time in this generation. This isn’t an all-new version, but the updates are significant enough that it’s well worth noting what’s different. On the outside, you’ll glimpse new designs for the front fascia, exterior lighting, and grille that now differentiate the trims from each other. All trims also have new wheel designs, including exclusive new 19-inch wheels for the RS trim; performance remains just as impressive as ever.

Looking inside, there have been some important changes to refresh the interior. For starters, an eight-inch Driver Information Center display is standard in every model, along with a gorgeous 11-inch infotainment screen; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. This is a huge interior update that makes for a fantastic driving experience. You can find wireless phone charging in many pre-owned Trailblazers from 2024. More features like push-button start, cruise control, and an HD Rear Vision Camera are also standard on all Trailblazer models starting in 2024. With this being such a recent model year, a used 2024 Trailblazer could cost more than something from 2021, but the added features and likely reduced usage can make it worth the price.

Get the Chevy Trailblazer You’ve Been Looking For

As you can see, in the four years that the Trailblazer has been around so far, changes from one year to the next have been pretty minimal. As you’re looking at used models, just remember that the starting trim changed for 2022, so that can impact the prices you find, and certain exterior colors were added each year. The biggest update happened recently with the 2024 Trailblazer, so if you find a pre-owned model that is very recent, then it will have updated looks and an enhanced interior with improved tech features.

You’ll have to decide what features and options are most important to you (remember there are two engines available) and then choose the pre-owned Trailblazer that best meets your needs. And if you’re still not sure which one is perfect, then we’re ready to help you find what you’ve been looking for.