Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 Philippines Review: An accomplished player in the local PPV market

Chevrolet PH sent Pinoy drivers the new Trailblazer that exudes a facelift from its previous iteration.  As a matter of fact, the refreshed Trailblazer has actually helped put the Chevrolet brand on the SUV map in the Philippines - mostly diesel SUV-loving Southeast Asian market since its debut.

Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 Philippines: An accomplished player in the local PPV market

Precisely, the Trailblazer is classified as a PPV (pickup passenger vehicle) and Philippines is a great market for such type of cars with a long list of celebs such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Amidst them, the new Trailblazer is absolutely not inferior. The current generation model has been tailored to be nicer, more versatile and undoubtedly, will get you excited.

Stick to our Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 Philippines Review on Philkotse.com and you will believe what we say. Before starting, please note that in this article, the top-of-the-line Chevrolet Trailblazer Z71 4WD is in the spotlight.

All-new Chevrolet Trailblazer

Now we see a bolder and more aggressive Trailblazer

The facelift version’s shape is appealing, to be honest. Now we see a bolder and more aggressive Chevrolet Trailblazer in 2018. To cite an instance, the new split bar grille is now flanked by new headlights, reminding us about what of a typical Chevy truck. The bumper corners, meanwhile, is dominated by massive faux air intakes which exudes a more sculptural appearance. Mostly, the front fascia is obviously Chevy without second thoughts.

The new split bar grille is now flanked by new headlights, reminding us about what of a typical Chevy truck

Figure of the pre-facelift version, by some means or other, still exists on the side and at the rear car. The taillights are old, but the more rugged look is demonstrated in prominent shoulder lines. Nonetheless, if only the Z71 graphics disappeared, the rear facet would be more subtle.

Figure of the pre-facelift version, by some means or other, still exists on the side and at the rear car

If only the Z71 graphics disappeared, the rear facet would be more subtle

Being a higher-end model, the Z71 is pampered with a set of gloss back 18-inch alloys with polarizing stripe package – a special privilege other variants cannot have.

The nip and tuck covering the Trailblazer 2018 exterior is enough for passers-by to mistake it for an all-new model

For the most part, the nip and tuck covering the Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 exterior is enough for commuters to mistake it for an all-new model, not just a facelift.

>>> Read also: 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Black Edition launched in the Philippines

Not only carrying over the outer, but the modifications also continue to make the inside miles better than the previous Trailblazer with an adaption of the US-mode Colorado pickup layout. Correspondingly, there is a big leap on the topic of ergonomics and design in the Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 interior, from the dash to door panels.

The modifications continue to make the inside miles better than the previous Trailblazer

Below the infotainment screen, the dainty circular automatic climate control housing has presently made room for a slim marked panel. Further, window switches, revised door cards, and side mirror adjusters are more user-friendly in the 2018 model year. Other than that, the Chevrolet car will have a new instrument cluster which is sharper and more legible with a soft, white glow.

The signature MyLink infotainment system found in many cars in Chevrolet's model lineup is also refurbished: more well-organized and easier to reach. Also, it supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and even, satellite navigation system.

The Trailblazer cabin is surprisingly spacious

The cabin’s ambiance is added by more soft-touch materials in door panels and the dash whose design gives the front fascia a bolder and more modern look.

Most of the things here are new but for the steering wheel. That said, if you blindfold a pre-facelift Chevy Trailblazer owner, they might not realize they’re touching the switches, buttons, and panels of their car’s steering wheel.

To haul cargo, just fold down the third row by an easy one-step process

Being a large PPV, there is no denying that the Trailblazer cabin is surprisingly spacious, albeit not class-leading. To haul cargo, just fold down the third row by an easy one-step process.

The latest Chevrolet Trailblazer model still runs the same 2.8L Duramax turbo diesel engine as the predecessor. In the new Trailblazer, the mill remains powerful with 200 PS and a max torque of 500 Nm, coming paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and an electronically-controlled 4WD system. These figures make it the most powerful player in its class.

The 2018 Trailblazer still runs the same 2.8L Duramax turbo diesel engine as the predecessor

Sitting inside the SUV is not very comfortable. In defiance of an array of adjustability offered by the power seats, a touch more lumbar support is of the essence. In actual fact, softer seats would definitely bring occupants comfort, especially during long trips. Even better, how about an adjustable steering wheel?

The ride is firm yet never jarring while running 35 psi in the tires with a full load. Nonetheless, when putting the Trailblazer and other new contenders for comparison, it is fairly humble.

The US car manufacturer has managed to enhance the Trailblazer’s handling, to tell the truth. Previously, driving a pre-facelift felt downright heavy; however, for now, the  2018 model features an electronic power steering system (EPS) for much easier steering. In the meantime, the system feels consistent and steering reactions are responsive.

Not only performing excellently around town, but the Chevrolet Trailblazer currently on sale also approves that it’s a brilliant cruiser on highway roads. The suspension has not been tuned up though, the steering shows sign of being far better than the old version.

Off-roading, of course, is also the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s forte

Inheriting qualities from pickups, off-roading, of course, is also the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s forte. It can challenge muds and soft soil with ease. When moving through tougher roads, you can hear the Duramax engine’s grunt that means you don’t have to shift to low range. What’s more, due to the 4WD-Hi system, overcoming obstacles is just a pushover.

In terms of fuel consumption, the car dip 8.1 k/L at 17.4 km/h in normal city driving. On the highway, it can easily average 13.7 km/L of fuel at 92.6 km/h.

The 2018 Trailblazer is stricken with a long list of safety equipment. For a detailed list, look at the specs sheet at the end of our review.

Being a range-topping, the Z71 is coddled with stability control, traction control as well as a raft of airbags. Beyond that, driver assists can definitely help you avoid incidents while forward collision warning (FCW) is helpful at night. In addition, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are fully furnished in this protective guy.

For 2018, the top dog Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 AT 4x4 Z71 can be had at ₱1,998,888 with new excise taxes included. This price tag, when compared to that of the Toyota Fortuner and MU-X, is relatively fair. Come to think of it, updates and refinements are worth this packet. Of note, keep in mind that this is the pricing for a top-end model, so if you want to pay less, go for lower-end trims.

>>> Check out full Chevrolet Trailblazer Philippines price list

With the information mentioned above, it is understandable that Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 will be a total new wind in the Philippines domestic auto market. Let's sum up the general ideas on the pros and cons of this Trailblazer.

At the end of the day, we’re really curious about what you think about the Trailblazer 2018 model year at this moment. If you are convinced of it, our Chevrolet Trailblazer 2018 Review is already efficacious.

If you are in the market for a PPV, take this fellow into consideration

In brief, the Chevy’s PPV is awesome in terms of comfort, ride, and handling, not to mention its handsome look. So, if you are in the market for a PPV, take this fellow into consideration. Free from doubt, the facelifted Trailblazer can confidently take the fight to any rivals in the PPV market today. 

But you know, auto market in the Philippines is so diverse and active, that's why you have multiple choices to equip you the best cars for sale at the best price. Let's take a careful look at every car and make the most appropriate decision.