Chevrolet Trailblazer

Were it not for the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, there's a very good chance the return of the Chevrolet Trailblazer nameplate would have been a much bigger deal. Instead, we had to wait a year to finally test and evaluate it. Slotting in between the tiny Chevy Trax and the larger Equinox, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the latest entrants in the burgeoning subcompact crossover SUV class. We're pleasantly surprised with how it turned out, too.

Among its assets is an optional 1.3-liter engine that gets the Trailblazer up to speed with relative ease while the suspension delivers both a comfortable ride and confident cornering. To add to the appeal, the interior is attractively styled and comes well stocked with technology features. There's also a decent amount of backseat and cargo space. The Trailblazer manages to stand out from the crowd, too, with aggressive Camaro-like styling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a huge improvement over the aging Chevy Trax and is a great pick among other top extra-small SUVs such as the Buick Encore GX, Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on its performance, comfort and more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is an extra-small SUV that's offered in four trim levels: LS, LT, Activ and RS. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft of torque) and it's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and comes bundled with a stronger turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine (155 hp, 174 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

LS The most affordable Trailblazer comes standard with a decent amount of technology, but it's otherwise fairly basic when it comes to convenience and refinement. Feature highlights include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Fold-flat front passenger seat
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless functionality)
• Six-speaker audio system
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Automatic high beams

LT The LT trim adds several niceties, including:

• Roof rails
• LED foglights
• Heated mirrors
• Tinted rear windows
• Proximity keyless entry and push-button ignition
• Cruise control
• Remote ignition
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats

Activ The Activ trim represent the more rugged model and steps up the power and visual presence with:

• The more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged engine
• Tires and suspension tunings that are slightly better for off-roading
• Tow hitch receiver
• Underbody skid plates
• Unique exterior styling elements
• Two-tone roof
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Rear-seat center armrest
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Heated steering wheel

RS The RS trim is similar to the Activ with only minor changes:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with standard tires
• Red interior accents

Notable option packages for the Trailblazer include:

• Sun and Liftgate package
• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands-free liftgate

• Driver Confidence package (LT trim and above)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
• Rear parking sensors

• The Convenience package (LT trim and above)
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rear-seat USB charge ports
• Household-style power outlet
• Automatic climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen

• Technology package (Activ and RS trims)
• LED headlights
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Trailblazer and the car in front)
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• 8-inch touchscreen
• High-resolution rearview camera
• Bose premium audio system