Body Styles

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a five-door subcompact crossover SUV with a bold, athletic profile and sporty detailing. It features a split-level front fascia with slim LED running lights above the main headlamps, a wide grille, and pronounced fenders that enhance its mini-Blazer styling. At around 4.41 meters in length, it’s compact enough for urban maneuverability but offers a tall roofline and high seating position for SUV-style visibility. The roofline gently tapers rearward, particularly in RS trims with available black two-tone roofs, giving it a slightly coupe-like edge. Short front and rear overhangs improve approach angles for light trail use in ACTIV models, while body cladding adds a rugged, ready-for-anything look.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name “Trailblazer” was originally used on higher trims of the S-10 Blazer in the early 2000s, and later became a standalone mid-size SUV. For this latest generation, Chevrolet repurposed the name for a smaller, more globally aligned model — aiming to evoke a spirit of exploration, confidence, and adventure. It bridges Chevrolet’s SUV legacy with a contemporary interpretation of versatility in compact form.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Trailblazer” is a compound English word meaning one who pioneers a new path — often used metaphorically to describe leaders or innovators. In the automotive context, it suggests capability, exploration, and leadership — qualities Chevrolet associates with the SUV lifestyle. The term is widely understood and has positive, aspirational connotations across languages, reinforcing the vehicle’s target positioning for adventurous, youthful drivers.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Trailblazer offers a vibrant range of exterior paint options such as Nitro Yellow, Vivid Orange, Blue Glow, Mosaic Black, Sterling Gray, and Crimson Red, with contrasting Summit White or Zeus Bronze roofs in two-tone configurations. These colorways enhance the SUV’s visual appeal, especially in RS and ACTIV trims that include blacked-out grilles, red accents, or silver skid plates.

Inside, the Trailblazer features a youthful, functional cabin with available two-tone interiors such as Jet Black with Red accents (RS) or Jet Black with Almond (ACTIV). Soft-touch surfaces on the dash, contrast stitching, and patterned trim panels add texture and personality. The central 11-inch touchscreen (in post-2024 refreshes) is paired with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing connectivity and customization. Seating materials range from cloth to Evotex synthetic leather with available heated front seats and a flat-folding front passenger seat for extended cargo flexibility.

Wheels range from 17 to 19 inches. ACTIV models ride on machined-face alloys with sport-terrain tires, while RS models get aggressive gloss black 18- or 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires. The visual differences are clear — ACTIV feels off-road-inspired, RS leans into street style.

Top Expensive Options

• Panoramic Dual-Pane Sunroof: $1,295
• 11-inch Infotainment System with Navigation: $1,200
• Bose 7-Speaker Premium Audio: $895
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering: $1,000
• Trailering Package (with Hitch Guidance): $650
• Two-Tone Roof and Appearance Package: $900
• Evotex Synthetic Leather Seats with Heating: $700
• Wireless Device Charging Pad: $450
• ACTIV Skid Plate and Suspension Package: $1,150
• RS Blackout Appearance Package: $795

vs Competitors

The Trailblazer competes with other subcompact crossovers like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. Compared to the HR-V, it offers punchier acceleration and more engaging styling. Against the CX-30, it sacrifices interior refinement but offers better infotainment and cargo flexibility. The Seltos and Kona beat it on powertrain variety, but the Trailblazer counters with better ride comfort and simpler controls. The Crosstrek remains the off-road leader, but the Trailblazer ACTIV brings rugged styling and AWD for light adventuring. In short, it carves a niche with personality, comfort, and value-focused tech in a crowded segment.

Fun Fact

Though the Trailblazer shares its name with a larger, now-defunct SUV, the current model is built on GM’s VSS-F platform — also used for global models like the Buick Encore GX. It’s assembled in South Korea and designed with global markets in mind, making it one of Chevrolet’s most internationally aligned products. Its youthful design and two-tone color schemes were directly influenced by customer clinics with Gen Z and millennial drivers.