A silver 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is shown from the side parked on the side of a city street.

The Chevy Trailblazer: A CUV With SUV Dreams

Crossovers and SUVs are often lumped together, but they are two different styles of vehicle. A crossover is an ideal vehicle for someone looking to drive a car but with a bit more grit and capability, and the Chevy Trailblazer definitely has those attributes. There are many crossover options available today, but checking out a Chevy Trailblazer dealer will show you that Chevy’s subcompact is just about perfect. But what exactly makes the Trailblazer so perfect?

Stand Out in the Chevy Trailblazer

To start, the Trailblazer is a fun, outgoing CUV loaded with as much personality as it has features. The ACTIV trim is the standout pick among the four available options. Strategically placed curves and creases bulk up the compact vehicle, showing it can handle its own. Thick black cladding runs along the sides, the front and rear lower fascias, and the trim. Chrome inserts break up the cladding in the front and rear. Each detail comes together to give an edge to this otherwise charming CUV.

The Trailblazer’s looks are one of the things that put it at the top of the crossover list. Now, looks are definitely not everything, but finding a compact CUV that carries itself like an SUV and allows you to express the freedom that comes with this segment? That is everything. SUVs are symbolic of possibilities, adventure, and life, and the Trailblazer succeeds at encapsulating all those things.

A brown 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is shown with the rear liftgate open.

The Trailblazer Crosses Into Adventure

Not all crossovers are made equally. Some can’t quite hold up when off-roading, but thankfully, the Trailblazer ACTIV has all the right stuff to add some excitement to your life. This off-road is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, meaning you can customize how you use your CUV. If you are looking for something that can take you off the beaten path, the all-wheel drive option is for you. Specialized suspension makes off-road terrain easier to handle, providing a smoother ride.

A front skid plate is standard on the ACTIV, adding just the right amount of protection for sensitive vehicle components. You can tackle rocky roads and know that you and your CUV are better protected. The Trailblazer is powered by a zippy Ecotec 1.3L turbo engine that pumps out around 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. It won’t break the sound barrier, but it will do the job and do it efficiently. It’s even enough power to tow up to 1,000 lbs.

Unless you are a hardcore off-roader, you don’t need thousands of dollars worth of equipment to have the perfect vehicle for weekend fun. This is another reason the Trailblazer is the perfect crossover. It gives you just enough to explore unknown paths, load up for a weekend getaway, or take a toy or two out for a day on the water without adding all the expensive extras that many don’t need. The result is a fantastic CUV for a price most can afford.

It’s Part of the Family

Another reason people look for a crossover is that they want a vehicle with enough capacity to haul the family comfortably but, more importantly, safely. The good news is that the Trailblazer ACTIV actively protects you and your kin with a suite of standard driver-assist features.

Have you ever driven a little too close to the car in front of you? It’s ok; you can be honest because most people have, at one time or another. It may not seem that dangerous, but it can result in a disastrous collision. That’s why the Trailblazer’s Following Distance Indicator and Forward Collision Alert are excellent reminders to drive safely. These features display the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, warning if you are driving too closely or a collision is imminent.

Similarly, Front Pedestrian Braking will indicate if a person is in front of your vehicle. If needed, it can even brake or strengthen your braking to prevent an accident. A rear-vision camera assists in backing up. You can see a clear image of obstacles behind you and use the guidelines to park safely and more effectively. Lastly, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is a fantastic feature that determines if you are drifting unintentionally out of your lane and will provide a slight nudge to steer you back to safety.

The driver-assist features included with the Trailblazer give you plenty of protection, providing peace of mind while you enjoy your time with your family or commute to work. Speaking of family, the Trailblazer has one of the coolest safety features for families with young drivers. The Teen Driver system is a feature that allows you to configure specific settings to make sure your teen is learning safe and smart driving habits.

You can limit how loud the audio can be played, how fast the driver can go, and more. As an extra feature, Teen Driver provides a driver report card showing how well your teen driver is performing. This feature helps you stay connected to your teens and learn how to better help them in their learning experience. But it isn’t just the safety features that make this a perfect crossover. Plenty of available comforts enhance the experience of driving the Trailblazer.

A red 2023 Chevy Trailblazer RS is shown from the front after leaving a Chevy Trailblazer dealer.

Features and Tech for Everyone

The interior is sleek, and warm leather accents are available to help the cabin feel luxurious as well as comfy. The rear bench seat is a 60/40 folding seat to provide optimal cargo space when needed. Otherwise, the Trailblazer seats five, providing plenty of space for family and friends. For those of you in cold climates, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are found on all but the base trim. Imagine a cold winter morning rolling off you with the warmth of your Trailblazer comforting you.

The Trailblazer would not be perfect without the infotainment tech we have all come to expect out of a great vehicle. Fortunately, this model has a Wi-Fi hotspot, letting everyone in the family connect and stay up to date with the latest and greatest. Plus, with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto capabilities, you won’t lose out on important phone notifications.

A standard touchscreen infotainment screen displays important information, plays music, and even offers voice commands for compatible phones, providing a hands-free experience. Keyless entry and remote start are also standard on all but the base trim, ensuring you are comfortable before you even enter your Trailblazer. The remote start feature lets you heat or cool your cabin before you drive away into happiness.

All the added amenities are just another reason the Trailblazer is the perfect crossover. You get all the bells and whistles without being weighed down with useless features you will only use once in your life. This plays into the overall cost and makes the CUV easy to control and use.

The Perfect Crossover

The Trailblazer is the perfect crossover because it knows how to combine the comforts of a sedan with the capabilities of an SUV. Some SUVs offer a little too much, which is reflected in their higher costs. Sedans can be loaded with features at an affordable price but are too small and struggle to take on anything but paved roads. However, when you find the perfect crossover, you have more options than with either an SUV or a sedan.