Chevrolet Trailblazer Review: The Versatile Family SUV

Chevrolet Trailblazer Review

The Chevrolet Trailblazer stands out as one of the rare SUVs that effectively combines family-friendly features with off-road capability. While some SUVs, like the Nissan Pathfinder, are primarily designed for family use, others, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are tailored specifically for rugged terrains. The Chevrolet Trailblazer strikes a unique balance, offering decent off-road performance alongside comfort and safety features suitable for family outings.

Performance

We took the Trailblazer to the scenic Al Malaiha area near the Hatta highway in Dubai to test its handling on sandy dunes. The vehicle is equipped with a separate transfer case that includes a distinct set of gears for off-road driving, showcasing its serious off-road capabilities.

With a robust 236 horsepower from its V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Trailblazer easily conquers sandy terrain. Its features can be compared to those of the Mitsubishi Pajero, particularly its front and rear visibility, which outperform competitors like the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer in regular driving conditions.

• Smooth and easy driving with excellent control.
• Seating for seven, which is more than the five-seat options like the Volkswagen Tiguan.
• Weakness: Lacks cruise control feature.
• Absence of blind-spot monitoring system.

Interior

The interior design, typical of American styling, is both comfortable and tech-savvy. It boasts 6 airbags, 6-8 good-quality speakers, and well-padded seats with quality finishes.

For added security, it includes a reliable anti-theft system, which is crucial for family safety. The multifunction touchscreen serves as the central information hub, making it easy to access essential driving information.

The cargo space is more spacious than average when the third-row seats are folded down, although it’s standard when the seats are up. The legroom in the third row is commendable at 815 mm, which is larger than many other SUVs. All seats provide comfort, but the radio tuning system could use improvement, as it struggles to recognize stations, even in urban areas. We hope this is a rare system glitch.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a solid choice for family use and off-road adventures. It offers exceptional safety and comfort features. Its main competitor is the Mitsubishi Pajero in terms of general driving performance, while it also competes strongly with the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, as these are more family-oriented SUVs rather than vehicles that blend family and off-road driving.