Cute Go-Getter: Chevrolet’s 2024 Trailblazer

Chevy’s little Trailblazer ute got a mild mid-cycle makeover for the 2024 model year.

Up front there is a new grill, lights and fascia – different for each trim level. From the side you’ll notice different wheel designs.

The updates are more significant when you get inside. The center infotainment screen has grown from 18 to 28-cm in size, and the driver faces a new 20-cm digital instrument panel.

For 2024, the Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in a dizzying array of trim levels.

It starts with the base LS with front wheel drive at $29,500. Next up is the LT FWD at $31,300. Both are also available with all-wheel-drive at $31,500 and $33,300 respectively. The Activ model comes with AWD at $35,800 and topping the trim ladder is the RS at the same $35,800.

While priced the same, the Activ model gets different suspension tuning, 17-in wheels, a skid plate and “sport terrain” tires. The notion is a more off-road-oriented vehicle. The sportier RS has blacked-out trim and fancier 19-inch alloys wrapped in all-weather rubber.

Three cylinders under the hood? Why, yes! Why not?

In all cases, power comes from a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. FWD models get a 1.2-litre three-pot producing 137 horsepower and 160-lb.ft. of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Driving all four wheels is a 1.3-litre unit putting out 155-horses and 174-lb.ft. of torque through a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission.

Don’t be misled by the fact there are only three cylinders under the hood. The RS level tester had the larger of the two and, thanks to turbocharging, offers reasonable off-the-line punch and passing ability.

You won’t win any drag races against the more powerful competition, but all-in-all, this is a satisfying powertrain. I would not expect to be as impressed by the 1.2-litre/CVT base unit!

Another positive impression is the amount of space inside this little Trailblazer ute.

While belted for five occupants, four will be much more comfortable, surprisingly so. Both front and rear seat occupants are treated to more legroom than you’d expect from a vehicle casting such a small shadow. With the rear seat in place, there is room for 716-litres of cargo. Drop those seats and that space grows to 1,540 litres.

Also of note is how easy it is to get in and out of the Trailblazer. The doors open nice and wide and the roofline is high enough to minimize how much you have to stoop getting in and out.

The Trailblazer is now the smallest among the Bow Tie’s utility vehicle offerings. It is positioned between Chevrolet’s entry-level Trax and the Equinox.

Thanks to a makeover for the 2024 model year, the Trax has grown and is now slightly longer and wider than the Trailblazer. It also offers a tiny bit more rear seat legroom and cargo space. But it has less power, and comes only with front-wheel-drive, a distinct disadvantage in Canada.

The Trailblazer offers a competitive set of technical features.

There are USB-A and USB-C ports front and rear. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. That is a good thing.

For some strange reason integrated navigation is not available, even at this top trim level. You have to use the app on your smartphone for directions.

The mid-cycle refresh for 2024 has kept the Trailblazer in the game. This is a highly competitive segment. What the Trailblazer may Iack in terms of performance, it more than makes up for with class-leading room for people and their packages in a good-looking and well-equipped package.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS

PRICE

Base: $32,999

As tested: $40,074 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights with automatic high beams, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist

INFOTAINMENT

28-cm colour HD touchscreen, Bluetooth streaming for two devices, voice-command pass-through to phone, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, satellite radio

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Keyless open and start, eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar, heated front seats and steering wheel, fold-flat front passenger seat, 19-in machined aluminum wheels, power heated mirrors

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Power panoramic sunroof, $1,695; Convenience package (automatic climate control, illuminated vanity mirrors, 120-volt outlet, USB charging only ports, hands free liftgate), $1,355; adaptive cruise and sound package (seven-speaker Bose audio system, adaptive cruise control), $1,195; crimson metallic paint, $495; sport pedal kit, $235

MECHANICAL

Turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder, 155 horsepower, 174 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel. Nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 9.0 / 8.1

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,421-mm; width, x- mm; wheelbase, 2,640-mm; weight, 1,367 kg

COMPETITION

Buick Encore, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos & Soul, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross