As the market has evolved so rapidly over the past few years
here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, there have been enough entries in the
crossover SUV category to make even the savviest spring shopper a bit confused.
We promise that before you feel you are entirely in over your head, adjusting
your gaze over to the budget-friendly side of things will always reward you in
the long run. The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer was recently praised by the Motor
Biscuit crew for its segment-leading performance and stellar
reliability scores.
Incredibly stable performance for the price point it comes
in at has ranked the Trailblazer as a top-choice for many no matter what their
budget is, and it comes equipped with either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter
turbocharged engine. Both powertrain versions are mated to a continuously
variable transmission, and the J.D. Power auto editing team
ranked segment-leading 86 out of 100 for reliability. Current buyers need
reassurance that the model they are buying is built to last, and the
Trailblazer has secured its spot in this regard with its stellar track record.
The Trailblazer’s interior stands out among many offerings
with notable elements that allow for a bold statement and puts forth a first
impression of being very spacious and comfortable. A 7.0-inch touchscreen comes
standard on entry-level trims, with the option to move up in size to 8.0-inch.
The Edmunds.com review staff praised the current-year model for
consistently being “exceedingly competent”, consistently winning as being
positioned a half-step ahead of the rest. Very satisfied buyers are thrilled
with its small, easy-to-park size and excellent fuel economy.
Don’t let the smaller size fool you: the Trailblazer possesses
enough punch to navigate urban hills and pass on the highway, with the
all-wheel drive option sporting a more powerful engine. Audio controls and an
intuitive touchscreen nicely complement the infotainment package that is very
simple to operate. The Trailblazer exists as an attractive and winning option
up against competition against crossovers such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos,
and Mazda CX-30.
The Edmunds.com testing team was very pleased
with the nine-speed automatic transmission, which consistently keeps the
smaller-size engine in a well-performing “sweet spot”. Accurate steering
ensures driver confidence on various road types, and the front seats are very
supportive and firm. The Trailblazer’s ride height is just a slight notch above
a compact sedan, while being very simple to step into. Be sure to also check
out the optional panoramic sunroof, with adequate headroom for all sizes of
passengers.
The available high-definition backup camera works
excellently even in low light, and wireless connectivity is standard for both
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-A and USB-C ports come as standard to keep
front passengers fully connected and entertained during the drive. Fuel economy
comes in at an EPA-estimated 28 mpg during combined city/highway driving, with
the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine not requiring premium fuel as a few others in
its class. As the nicer weather brings about opportunities to ditch the
confines of the city and head outdoors, the Trailblazer is one of the few
subcompact SUVs that can dig right in and tow a trailer to make for the perfect
weekend.