Advantages: Stylish interior; top-notch standard infotainment technology; budget-friendly; generous rear legroom
Disadvantages: Lacking in acceleration, base CVT is underwhelming; uninspiring driving dynamics; Chevrolet Trax offers better value
Entering its second year post-refresh, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer remains largely unchanged from 2024, except for the addition of Flex Fuel capability in the 1.2-liter powertrain.
While the Trailblazer is an appealing subcompact SUV, it faces tough competition from the Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, VW Taos, and the slightly pricier Ford Bronco Sport. Interestingly, its biggest competition may come from within the same Chevy dealer lot. The Chevrolet Trax, priced almost $3,000 lower, offers a more compelling package with better cargo and passenger space, along with a more engaging driving experience.
Despite its practicality, style, and affordability, the Trailblazer falls short in driving excitement. However, it does offer a spacious back seat, economical engine options, and the availability of all-wheel drive. The Google-based infotainment system is user-friendly and visually appealing. Nevertheless, there are more enticing options in the segment, including those from Chevrolet itself.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
Driving Experience | Pricing & Trim Levels | Safety Ratings & Features
What’s New for 2025?
The major update for 2025 is the introduction of Flex Fuel capability in the 1.2-liter turbo powertrain. Additionally, there are new exterior color options, including Marina Blue Metallic.
What are the Trailblazer interior and technology like?
Following enhancements for the 2024 model year, the Trailblazer’s interior now mirrors other Chevy crossovers, boasting modern displays and a refined look. The cabin features stylish design elements with textured plastics and colorful trim pieces, maintaining a premium feel. The Activ trim offers added touches like heated front seats and steering wheel, while the RS trim adds sporty details. The standard digital displays include an 11-inch central infotainment touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument panel, running a user-friendly Android-based system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a digital rearview mirror.
How spacious is the Trailblazer?
While the Trailblazer is one of the larger subcompact SUVs externally, its interior space, particularly in the cargo area, doesn’t reflect this. The rear legroom is ample at 39.4 inches, comparable to some compact SUVs. However, the ambiance in the back seat lacks the flair of the front. The available panoramic sunroof may reduce headroom significantly. Cargo capacity is measured at 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The unique fold-flat front passenger seat enhances versatility, although actual cargo space is slightly less than advertised. The Trailblazer falls towards the lower end of the segment in practicality, with the Trax offering more space with the seats up.
What are the Trailblazer’s fuel efficiency and performance specifications?
The standard 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine in the Trailblazer delivers 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, it achieves 30 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The engine is now E85-compatible for 2025, with a slight decrease in fuel economy. The optional 1.3-liter engine produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency with front-wheel drive is 29 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, while the all-wheel drive model returns 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
What is the driving experience like in the Trailblazer?
While the Trailblazer may not excite in terms of driving dynamics, it offers a balanced performance. The three-cylinder engines lack excitement in sound and acceleration, particularly the base engine with its CVT. The 1.3-liter engine with the nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive doesn’t significantly improve performance. The Trailblazer’s 0-60 time is around 9 seconds, which is average for its segment. A noticeable lag in throttle response contributes to its leisurely feel.
The Trailblazer prioritizes comfort over sportiness, featuring slow and numb steering and unremarkable body control. However, its comfortable ride quality and adept handling of rough roads make it suitable for daily driving. While not as engaging as some competitors, such as the Mazda CX-30, the Trailblazer offers a pleasant driving experience, especially in the Activ trim. If comfort and off-road capability are priorities, the Subaru Crosstrek is worth considering.
Additional Chevrolet Trailblazer Reviews
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer First Drive | And then there were two
Our initial impressions of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, exploring its engineering and background details. Although the interior has been updated since then, our overall assessment remains consistent.
2021 Chevy Trailblazer Luggage Test | Iffy space, good versatility
We discover that the cargo area isn’t as spacious as advertised, but the fold-flat front passenger seat enhances practicality beyond rear cargo capacity.
How much does the 2025 Trailblazer cost?
Starting at $24,395 (including $1,295 destination charge), the base LS FWD trim comes with the 1.2-liter engine and CVT. The LS FWD with the 1.3-liter engine is priced at $24,790, while the LS AWD with the 1.3-liter engine starts at $26,395. The LS trim includes an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless start, automatic LED headlights, and more.
The Activ and RS trims offer distinct styling and features. The Activ emphasizes ruggedness with unique suspension tuning and sport terrain tires, while the RS provides a sporty appearance with high-gloss black accents. Both trims come with the 1.3-liter engine as standard.
2025 Trailblazer pricing by trim:
LS FWD (1.2): $24,395
LS FWD (1.3): $24,790
LS AWD (1.3): $26,395
LT FWD (1.2): $25,595
LT FWD (1.3): $25,990
LT AWD (1.3): $27,595
Activ FWD (1.3): $28,995
Activ AWD (1.3): $30,595
RS FWD (1.3): $28,995
RS AWD (1.3): $30,595
What are the safety ratings and driver assistance features in the Trailblazer?
In addition to standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, the Trailblazer offers optional blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings from 2024 are expected to carry over to the 2025 model, with top scores in various categories and solid crashworthiness performance.
Overall, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer presents a compelling package with its stylish design, advanced infotainment system, and competitive pricing. While it may not excel in performance or driving excitement, it offers practicality and comfort for everyday use. For buyers seeking a versatile and tech-savvy subcompact SUV, the Trailblazer is worth considering.
