Technology & Safety Features
Chevrolet equipped the top of the line variant of the Trailblazer with cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable seats, automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, and steering wheel audio controls. Backup cameras are available for upgrades to complement the parking sensors.
In terms of new technology, the SUV is decked with the Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that is capable of seamlessly connecting Apple and Android smart devices. The infotainment system is linked to a 7-speaker audio system.
Launch
The Chevrolet Trailblazer was first introduced at the Bangkok Motor Show in 2012. It immediately made headlines coming out as one of the top choices in the midsize SUV category. In October of the same year, the model was launched by Chevrolet Philippines’ official distributor, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) in the country. Of note, the Trailblazer’s waiting list reached up to a thousand units long-- a record-breaking success that TCCCI did not quite expect.
Its reasonable pricing came at an advantage to build that much demand, as introductory prices for the Trailblazer started at only Php 1.3 million for its base 2x4 MT variant and Php 1.7 million for its top of the line 4x4 AT variant.
Exterior
The Trailblazer sports Chevrolet’s new signature dual-port grille and its iconic badge front and center. It is decked with sleek halogen multi-focal reflector headlamps and LED taillights. Under the headlights are daytime running LED lights that add character to the vehicle’s strong facade. Wheels differ range from 18-inch gunmetal black for the base model, up to 18-inch alloys for the top of the line variant.
Chevrolet offers this model in seven colors to choose from: Black Meet Kettle, Summit White, Switchblade Silver, Satin Steel Gray, Auburn Brown, Pull Me Over Red, and Mountain Blue.
Interior
The Chevrolet Trailblazer can sit up to seven passengers in its spacious cabin. Its generous legroom and headroom provide extra comfort. Similar to other midsize SUV’s, the rear seats can be folded to accommodate additional cargo. It opens up connecting the flat loading bay making more room for luggage.
The top of the line variant comes in a more premium leather upholstery while other variants have cloth-covered seats. It has a sleek dashboard that ensures all controls are within reach. As for the cooling system, the 4x4 AT variant is equipped with an Automatic Climate Control feature while other variants have manual air conditioning.
Platform & Chassis
All variants of the SUV sit on a GMT 31XX platform. The layout differs as 2WD variants are on front-engine, rear-wheel-drive while the top of the line variant comes in a front-engine, four-wheel-drive setup. The chassis of the Trailblazer is shared with Chevrolet Colorado, the brand’s midsize pick-up model. Likewise, it comes with an independent, double-wishbone with coil spring front suspension and a 5-link coil spring rear suspension, both with gas shock absorbers. The Trailblazer’s stopping power comes from vented disc brakes in both front and rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in two engine types: the 2.5L Duramax inline-4 engine for the base 2WD LT variant and 2.8L Duramax inline-4 for the succeeding, higher models. Engines of more premium variants produce 200 hp and 500 Nm of torque attached to a 6-speed automatic transmission with active select manual mode, while the 2.5L engine variant is still able to produce a good 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Both engine types enable the vehicle to perform well in either city traffic or mud crawling. Additionally, the SUV’s light steering technology allows the driver to maneuver with ease.
