A New Chevrolet Trailblazer Is Here For 2021, But It’s Nothing Like You Remembered

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2021 Trailblazer at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Previewed earlier this year, the Trailblazer is a radical departure from its predecessor as it’s a small five-passenger crossover that slots in between the Trax and Equinox.

On the styling front, the model follows in the footsteps of the Blazer and features a prominent dual-port grille that is flanked by quad lighting units. Further below, there’s a faux skidplate and plastic body cladding that wraps around the vehicle.

Aft of the A-pillar, there’s chiseled bodywork and pronounced rear fenders.  Designers also installed a relatively flat roof and a distinctive C-pillar. Unfortunately, the rear end is a tad plain as it has a blocky tailgate and wraparound taillights.

Despite being called the Trailblazer, the model is a soft-roader.  However, buyers can make it look more capable by ordering the ACTIV trim package.  It includes rugged fascias, a unique grille and a trapezoidal dual exhaust system.  Other highlights include off-road focused dampers, a two-tone roof and 17-inch wheels with Hankook Sport Terrain tires.

Buyers can also go in the opposite direction and opt for an RS variant.  It has a massive mesh grille, black bowtie emblems and a sporty dual exhaust system.  The model also has a unique rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

Chevrolet didn’t say much about the interior, but it has a three-spoke steering wheel, gloss black trim and metallic accents.  The crossover also promises to have modern infotainment system which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While the Trailblazer is relatively small, it has plenty of practicality.  With the second row seats folded down, the model has a cargo capacity of up to 54.4 cubic feet (1,540 liters).  The front passenger seat can also folded and this enables the vehicle to accommodate items up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) long.

All Trailblazers will come equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking.  Other safety features include Auto High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Seat Reminder and a Rear Vision Camera.

Customers can also order more advanced systems including Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.  Other options are Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an HD Rear Vision Camera.

Under the hood, customers will have a choice of two turbocharged engines displacing 1.2- and 1.3-liters.  Chevrolet didn’t release detailed specifications, but they’ll develop up to 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS).

The engines will be paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox or a continuously variable transmission.  All-wheel drive will be optional, but even front-wheel drive models will have a special snow mode.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer will go on sale in the United States next spring and pricing will start under $20,000.

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