Will the Chevy Trailblazer make a comeback in the U.S.?

There is nothing America likes more than a good old fashioned comeback. Whether its a show that has been on hiatus and is returning for its next season, or a distressed pop-star who has gotten her life back together – comebacks are a wonderful thing. They create something for us to cheer for, to look forward to, and to relish in. Chevrolet has been making a few comebacks of its own recently – such as the redesigned Colorado midsized pickup truck, and has one more that car dealerships may soon be displaying in their showrooms.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is rumored to be making a return to the United States market. Currently, the midsized SUV is being built in Thailand and sold in overseas markets, and the rumor mill is buzzing with the sweet news that the Trailblazer will be making its way back into American showrooms next year. While the reports about the Trailblazer’s return is only rumored to be true by Edmunds, it is a rumor that will hopefully become factual by this time next year. Bringing back the rugged looking SUV would put Chevrolet in the running with automakers such as Jeep, whose Jeep Grand Cherokee is a similar comparison to the Trailblazer.

Chevrolet is denying the report made by Edmunds, but with the reintroduction of the Colorado into the U.S. market, it would be the perfect time to bring back the midsized SUV. The Chevy Colorado is set to be built in Wentzville, Missouri and has been scheduled to debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2020 Update: Yes, Yes it Will!

It’s funny now, looking back at what we wrote so many years ago, and how long it took to come to fruition. But now we have a definitive answer to the question posed by the title of this post: yes, it most certainly will make (is making) a comeback here in the US. It’s not the same ol’ TrailBlazer we said goodbye to more than a decade ago, as the original series came to an end in 2009. After all, the Traverse continues the proud tradition set by the original, and the all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is here to make a new place for itself.

New Size and Design

In looking at the all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, the first thing you’ll probably notice, at least if you’re familiar with the original from the early 2000s, is that it’s quite a bit smaller than before. The original TrailBlazer (yes, it was spelled like that originally with a capital “B” hanging out in there) was a midsize SUV. This all-new Trailblazer is now a small crossover SUV, which means it’s built on a car platform rather than on a truck platform like the original version was, and like the current Traverse now is.

As a small SUV, the 2021 Trailblazer is smaller than the original was in 2002, which you’d probably expect simply from the terms “midsize” vs. “small.” It’s quite a bit smaller, in fact, measuring more than a foot shorter from nose to tail compared to the original. But, as we said before, if you’re looking for a midsize SUV, then ignore the names and check out the Chevy Traverse, which is a powerful, midsize SUV that really does live up to the TrailBlazer legacy.

This new Trailblazer is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a small model, and what’s been available doesn’t quite meet your needs. It slots comfortably right between the compact Chevy Trax and the other small Chevy SUV, the Equinox. You can see this quite easily simply by looking at the maximum interior cargo of these three SUVs:

• 2020 Chevy Trax – 48.4 cu.ft.
• 2021 Chevy Trailblazer – 54.4 cu.ft.
• 2020 Chevy Equinox – 63.9 cu.ft.

As you can see, just from looking at these numbers, there was quite a gap between the Trax and the Equinox, so it seems only natural that Chevy would introduce a new option to fit there. The 2021 Trailblazer is exactly that option, with seating for five, just like the Trax and Equinox, and some of the best standard safety features in the Chevy lineup (we’ll get to them later).

Power and Performance

One of the things we’re hearing a lot about the all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is just how much fun it is to drive. This is, in part, due to the two engines offered on it, both of which provide you with a sporty experience behind the wheel. The standard engine is a 1.2L Turbo ECOTEC engine that provides up to 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque; while there’s an available 1.3L Turbo ECOTEC engine that delivers up to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines come paired with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).

Those numbers might seem a little low for an SUV, and if the new Trailblazer was still a midsize model, then they likely would be. As a small SUV, however, these engines are plenty powerful, and you really have to feel them for yourself to experience just how much fun they are to drive. The CVT system can take some getting used to, especially if you’ve had many years of feeling that jarring shift from one gear to the next, but once you adapt, it becomes quite nice.

The all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer comes with front-wheel drive standard, though all-wheel drive is available on every trim for it. That means that whatever you’re looking for in your small, crossover SUV, the Trailblazer can deliver. It comes with 16-inch wheels standard, though higher trims are available with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on the options and packages you choose.

Updated Interior

You would expect the all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer to have a modern interior, and you would be correct on that. While some of the features will vary depending on the trim you look at, the Trailblazer comes with a 7-inch Infotainment display and 4-speaker sound system standard, with a 3-inch driver information display in even the starting model. Higher trims expand those features, as you would expect, and there are additional options available.

For example, the highest trim, the RS, features a 6-speaker sound system with an available 8-inch Infotainment display, as well as a pair of heated front seats. The RS features a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar, numerous USB ports, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls. It also has a compass display, keyless open, remote start, cruise control, and much more to make for a fantastic overall driving experience.

In addition to these standard features, available options include a Bose premium audio system and an HD rear vision display. You can get a wireless charging pad that works with compatible devices, along with wireless support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus there’s an available 4-inch driver information display. A panoramic sunroof and automatic climate control are also available, so you can get just the right experience that you’re looking for in the sporty, all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer.

Incredible Safety Features

One of the most notable aspects of the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is that it has some of the best standard safety features of any vehicle in Chevy’s lineup. Standard safety features on the Trailblazer include ten airbags, signature LED daytime running lamps, and a rear vision camera. All of that is nice, but what’s really impressive are the active safety features: automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and a lane keep assist system with a lane departure warning are all standard. You also get a following distance indicator and forward collision alert, standard on every model of the Trailblazer, not to mention a Teen Driver system, tire pressure monitoring system, and a tire fill alert.

Of course, if you want additional safety features, then there are more available, including a rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, and a lane change alert with a side blind zone alert. You can also get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and there are more available packages and options. Overall, however, even without any available options, the standard safety features on the 2021 Trailblazer really put your safety first and include a lot of systems that you usually have to pay more for as an extra option.

Old Name, New Experience

Overall, we’re incredibly excited to see the Trailblazer make a return to the streets of Cincinnati, even if it has been significantly transformed by its absence. Since the Traverse continues to serve as the modern incarnation of the original TrailBlazer, it’s great to see that though the name might be (more or less) the same, Chevy has put considerable effort into creating something bold and new. If you’re ready to see the Trailblazer for yourself or check out any other vehicle in the impressive modern Chevy lineup, then call or visit us at McCluskey Chevy today.