2023 Chevy Trailblazer General Motors offers two completely different vehicles under the Chevy Trailblazer brand: the first is the Trax’s roof-mounted monolithic subcompact crossover.
The second is the mid-size cousin of Chevy Colorado on the international market.
And from what GM has heard, the body on the frame may not have the next generation when the current generation ends its life.
Before we get into the details, let’s go back a few steps to understand how we got here. The Chevy Trailblazer SUV was launched in select international markets in 2012.
was the first version of the GM 31XX platform, which was used with the Chevy Colorado in international markets, and was also sold in several markets such as S10.
2023 Chevy Trailblazer Review
The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer continues to be a small and inexpensive entry point into Chevy’s SUV range. Competing with models like the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks, the Trailblazer offers a choice of two small-capacity turbocharged 3-cylinder engines, optional all-wheel drive and adult-friendly second-row seats. There is also a large cargo area with a capacity of about 25 cubic feet.
Look for the Trailblazer 2023 to receive minor changes to color, trim, and package options. The Trailblazer is still fairly new, so the mid-cycle redesign is likely to last another 1-2 years.
Reintroduced to the Chevrolet lineup for the 2021 model year, the latest upgrade has seen the Trailblazer updated with standard tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with satellite radio.
The RS is the sportiest trim, with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and an exterior styling inspired by the Camaro muscle car. The RS fits in with a more powerful turbo engine, though it’s not a speed engine.
To show off its outdoor attitude, the Trailblazer Activ comes with underbody skid plates, solid suspension and tires suitable for at least light off-road adventures.
The Trailblazer is available in five- and seven-passenger configurations and is offered with a GM Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (XLD25 and XLD28) and a 3.6L LY7 V6 petrol engine. Although this version of the Trailblazer was never available for the North American market, GM has done a significant job of keeping the vehicle up to date throughout its life in a market where it is present via revised pages and new features.
In fact, the 2021 model year will bring another refresh. But as the model gets fresher, the number of markets where it is available continues to shrink.
Within a few years of its launch, the Chevy Trailblazer has been sold in South Africa, Southeast Asia, Russia, and South America. It was also available in Australia and New Zealand as the Holden Colorado 7, with the 7 representing a seven-passenger seating capacity, before being rebranded as the Holden Trailblazer.
Coincidentally, GM has pulled out of all but one of these markets over the past decade, first out of Russia, followed by South Africa, Southeast Asia, and – most recently – Australia.
GM continues to be a major player in South America, where it is one of the best-selling car brands, including Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. As such, South America is the only remaining market where GM sells and manufactures the Chevy Trailblazer SUV.
However, it may have a bit of a future as sources told GMA that General product planners are considering not replacing the Trailblazer.
A look at the Chevrolet lineup in South America reveals a good reason for this: The Trailblazer is roughly the same size as the 2019 Blazer crossover, and both offer roughly the same price tag.
So when the current Trailblazer, currently produced exclusively at GM São José dos Campos in Brazil, reaches the end of its lifecycle, it is fully detachable, with a mid-size Chevy Blazer crossover.
The GM Rayong plant – another facility where the previous Chevy Trailblazer was produced – was recently sold to Great Wall Motors China as GM pulled out of Thailand.
As far as we know, the current Trailblazer will sink around the calendar year 2023, although it is possible that this timeframe will be extended beyond that, and the current model will remain on sale, without a next-generation successor.
The situation might have been very different had GM made the Trailblazer available in North America, where it would have had direct rivals with the Toyota 4Runner and indirect competitors to the Jeep Wrangler, the all-new Ford Bronco, and the now-discontinued Toyota FJ Cruiser.
In fact, GM planned its Wrangler and Bronco rivals to be based on the all-new architecture but recently changed course by canceling work on a new platform that would underpin such models.
This new, unreleased architecture, known as the GM 32XX prior to its cancellation, will also underpin the next-generation Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Now, both pickup trucks will be redesigned on top of an upgraded version of the current 31XX platform which will be called the 31XX-2; they are expected to launch for the 2023 model year.
Read next: 2023 Chevy Blazer Review, Pricing, and Specs
2023 Chevy Trailblazer Design
Overall, the Chevy Trailblazer 2023 is a compact crossover with a pleasing design and discreet packaging. The biggest downside to the Chevy subcompact, which is visually inspired by the midsize Blazer and matches the slightly smaller Trax, is its low-powered engine.
Neither of the two turbocharged three-cylinders—a 137-hp 1.2-liter and a 155-hp 1.3-liter—have the nerve to drive the Trailblazer excitedly, especially at highway speeds. Fortunately, it feels more responsive and agile around town thanks to fast steering and good body control. If only the journey wasn’t so hard. Even so, the Trailblazer’s interior remains cool and offers adult-friendly rear seats and a feature-packed infotainment system.
While the most luxurious models have the best content, their high prices lead to diminishing returns, but the lower trims are well equipped and for the most part satisfactory.
The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer makes the smallest changes to the Trailblazer lineup. A heated steering wheel is now an option on the LT trim and is standard on the ACTIV and RS. Roof Rack Cross Rails and Trailer Kits, Seat Belts and Front Plates are new options installed by dealers.
2023 Chevy Trailblazer Color
2023 Trailblazer Colors The upcoming Chevy Trailblazer 2023 will introduce a third model year to its third-generation nameplate, first debuting as a new small crossover for the 2021 model year. Now, GM Authority has learned that the Trailblazer 2023 will no longer offer three specific paint colors.
The three exterior paint options set to be phased out with the debut of the Chevy Trailblazer 2023 include (relevant paint codes listed in brackets):
- Zeus Bronze Metallic (G7G)
- Oasis Blue (GHC)
- Satin Steel Metallic (GYM)
Additionally, the dual-tone Zeus Bronze Metallic (J34) roof will also be phased out after the 2022 model year. In lieu of this option, the Chevy Trailblazer 2023 will introduce the following paint colors to the lineup:
- Nitro Yellow Metallic (GHS)
- Fountain Blue (GLN)
- Sterling Gray Metallic (GZB)
- Iridescent Pearl Tricoat two-tone roof (J3B)
As GM Authorities previously discussed, General Motors is poised to discontinue the Chevy Spark and Chevy Trax after the end of the 2022 model year. As such, the Chevy Trailblazer 2023 will be the Bow Tie brand’s new crossover and entry-level model in the US and Canada.
What’s more, GM will also expand production of the Chevy Trailblazer at the automaker’s Bupeyong plant in South Korea, adding about 6,000 units to the production schedule. The majority of new sales volume will be produced in 2023.
Production of the Chevy Trailblazer for the North American market is carried out exclusively at GM’s Bupeyong plant in South Korea, but the crossover is also produced at GM’s Dong Yue plant in China for the Chinese market.
For specifications, the Chevy Trailblazer is available with two engine options, namely the 1.2L I3 LIH turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the 1.3L I3 L3T turbocharged petrol engine. rated at 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Underneath the body panels, the Chevy Trailblazer uses the GM VSS-F vehicle set.
The metallic paint color list has also been expanded to include Crimson, Blue Glow, Vivid Orange, and Mahogany Red.
2023 Chevy Trailblazer Interior
The cabin design isn’t nearly as intimidating as the exterior, but it’s spacious, functional, and comes with lots of comfort items in the upper trim. The driving position is high, like an SUV and there is plenty of room for two adults to be comfortable in the back seat.
Although most of the interiors are made in black plastic, all of them sport an interesting texture so as not to look cheap. The top-tier model adds colored trim pieces and chrome trim which gives it a more luxurious look.
Behind the rear seats is ample cargo space, and Chevy not only provides a rear seat that folds flat but also a front passenger seat that folds up to create room for extra long items.
The Trailblazer will be equipped with the latest Chevy Trailblazer 2023 infotainment system, which allows two Bluetooth devices to be connected simultaneously. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but the 8.0-inch option is optional.
It will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as Sirius XM satellite radio and will opt for a technology package that provides wireless connectivity to the two smartphone interfaces.
A four-speaker stereo system is standard on the L-base, but upgrading to higher values results in a six-speaker setup or a Bose premium seven-speaker stereo system.
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2023 Chevy Trailblazer Engine
Like the Encore GX, the Chevy Trailblazer 2023 is expected to offer two distinct 1.2-liter and 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The first is 137bhp and the second is 155bhp.
The 1.2-liter engine is front-wheel drive only and features a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the 1.3-liter engine offers an all-wheel drive option.
Opting for an all-wheel drive system also replaces the standard CVT with a smooth nine-speed automatic gearshift.
The Trailblazer’s 1.3-liter all-wheel drive acceleration failed to impress us on our test track, resulting in a leisurely 9.4-second 60-mph time.
Cruising around the city at a slower pace, the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer feels fresher than its test results, but merging onto the highway or maneuvering through high-speed takes some planning. While Trailblazer doesn’t.
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer MPG
The most efficient 2023 Chevy Trailblazer, according to the EPA, is the larger 1.3-liter three-cylinder front-wheel-drive model that delivers 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway ratings.
An upgrade to all-wheel drive reduces that figure to 26 and 30, respectively. We tested the all-wheel drive model and it delivered 31 mpg over 200 miles of road driving.
We didn’t use the smaller 1.2-liter front-wheel drive Chevy Trailblazer 2023 in our road tests, but the EPA’s estimated fuel economy for this model is 29 mpg city and 31 highway.
For more information on the Trailblazer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
2023 Chevy Trailblazer Price
Look for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer which starts at around $22,000. That compares well to other subcompact SUVs, such as the Hyundai Venue, Volkswagen Taos, Subaru Crosstrek, and Jeep Renegade.
Adding all-wheel drive costs about $1,500 to $2,000 extra, depending on the trim chosen.
The off-roader Activ light trim and sporty RS model will likely continue to have an asking price of around $26,000 in the front-wheel drive format.
- LS $23,795
- LT $25,995
- Activate $25,895
- RS $27,895
2023 Chevy Trailblazer Release Date
Meanwhile, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer crossover – which has just been launched in North America, China, and Korea for the past 12 months – will carry the Trailblazer name going forward.
This vehicle saw very solid demand in all markets that provided it, and exceeded sales expectations in the United States.