Can the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ Actually Blaze a Trail? We take the toughest Trailblazer trim off-road to test its credentials. Scott Evans
Jul 13, 2020 motortrend.com
"Trailblazer" doesn't have to be a literal term. We talk about figurative trailblazers all the time, people or products that do things differently or break a glass ceiling. Although the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer may be an new product for the brand, it competes in an established segment, and both the marketing around our "Activ" trim level tester and the history behind the Trailblazer name suggest Chevrolet meant the literal definition. Let's put it to the test, then.
The original Trailblazer (and the Trailblazer trim level for the compact S-10 Blazer that preceded it) was a truck-based, body-on-frame SUV with proper four-wheel drive and a six- or eight-cylinder engine. The all-new model is a car-based, unibody crossover with two different turbocharged three-cylinder engines and manually selectable all-wheel drive.
Our off-road-focused Activ trim level tester gets a minor suspension lift, some underbody shielding, a revised front bumper for better clearance, and "sport terrain" tires. Never heard of a "sport terrain" tire? It's an all-season tire with aggressive-looking sidewalls that may or may not improve traction slightly in deep mud, sand, or snow. Technically, these tires are Hankook Dynapro AT2 all-terrains, but in a new configuration with considerably less aggressive tread likely optimized for on-road noise and comfort.
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Image courtesy of, and credited to, motortrend.com
So no, the new Trailblazer can't blaze a trail. The all-wheel-drive system is clearly meant as a traction aid in bad weather, shallow mud, dirt, gravel, and sand. With its open differentials, it's not going to get you over or through tougher obstacles even if the nose will clear them. The Trailblazer Activ is, as its name suggests, targeted at people with an "active lifestyle" in marketing speak who go to state parks and such where the ability to carry gear and not get stuck in the mud is all you really need. If your vacation itinerary includes an OHV trail, bring something else.
While we "get" that the Trailblazer wouldn't be that kind of product (despite it's mis-appropriated name), hopefully their advertising and marketing doesn't try and paint the product to be something it's really not. And if there is ever (EVER) a GMC version that makes the same claims, I hope they give it some actual capability to compete with the likes of the Jeep Renegade or Jeep Compass.
If not, then I am at least happy they didn't decide call it "Moab", "Patagonia", or something like that.
NO!! And MT lists all the reason why it wont. No real crawler gearing, approach/departure angles, traction issues because things can't lock up and function like say, a Jeep can even after turning on AWD. Bah Humbug Chevrolet.
Other than the engine choices, I'm impressed with the Trailblazer. It looks like GM has a hit on their hands! It's leaps and bounds better than the Trax.
They talk about the original Trailblazer like it had major offroad credibility. While I'm sure it could do better off-road, I better recall it being marketed as a family truckster vs. some kind of Jeep competitor. Why do this big off-road write-up on the new Trailblazer when we all know it's not meant to be a serious off-road vehicle. Might as well see how the C8 will handle off-road too.
What a missed opportunity. Ugh, I hate they used this nameplate on this cladding package of a product. Why wasn't this used for a SUV off of the Colorado? :doh: I guess GM doesn't think those 4Runner/GC sales are worth the effort, lets just produce another FWD/crossover turd mobile. :fall: :barf: :faint: :brick
What a missed opportunity. Ugh, I hate they used this nameplate on this cladding package of a product. Why wasn't this used for a SUV off of the Colorado? :doh: I guess GM doesn't think those 4Runner/GC sales are worth the effort, lets just produce another FWD/crossover turd mobile. :fall: :barf: :faint: :brick
Why do all the new small to mid-size CUV / SUV vehicles have to have black plastic trim around the wheel opening moldings, the front and rear bumper covers, and the front grille? They all look the same to me.
Line them up and from a distance, there is no distinction between manufacturers.
A little off topic - but I’ll bet the new Ford Bronco models will be an instant hit because they don’t look like the rest of the vehicles being produced. They will look unique and really stand out - off road capability notwithstanding.
They talk about the original Trailblazer like it had major offroad credibility. While I'm sure it could do better off-road, I better recall it being marketed as a family truckster vs. some kind of Jeep competitor. Why do this big off-road write-up on the new Trailblazer when we all know it's not meant to be a serious off-road vehicle. Might as well see how the C8 will handle off-road too.
Every time they remade the Blazer=Trailblazer it got worse or weaker as a capable 4X4. I noticed that particularly from my parents two early 90's models to the '95 model which I ended up buying from them.
I think GM used an old, familiar name with a fair amount of recognition for this new model - which is nothing like the original Trailblazer. By using an established name, it saves GM a lot of money spent on marketing, to establish a new name.
The few people that don’t like it really don’t matter to GM. They are looking for instant recognition in a name that is established and has some ruggedness to it.
Trailblazer isn't a storied name by any means, at the time it certainly blended into the family SUV landscape. The novelty of a BOF SUV today is probably what carries weight today, it was never a "Trail Blazer". It wasn't that long-lived either, lasting less than a decade and was largely forgotten like the GMC Envoy. I don't think anybody is really that bothered by its use here. But Blazer, that's another story. They missed an opportunity.
Trailblazer isn't a storied name by any means, at the time it certainly blended into the family SUV landscape. The novelty of a BOF SUV today is probably what carries weight today, it was never a "Trail Blazer". It wasn't that long-lived either, lasting less than a decade and was largely forgotten like the GMC Envoy. I don't think anybody is really that bothered by its use here. But Blazer, that's another story. That were an opportunity there they didn't use.
I suspect if they re-used the Lumina name on a CUV someone on GMI will freak out over it. Lumina has about as much historical brand equity as Trailblazer.
Yet another boring grocery getter designed for housewives who think missing the driveway is off roading. Once again, GM defiles a storied nameplate. Ford and Jeep get it. GM again sucking hind teat. Fire Mary Barro.
As I've said before, was really hoping the Blazer or Trailblazer would be a suitable replacement to the former S/T Blazer/Jimmy.
However it is not the case.
Interesting tidbit: Yeah the Encore GX came out earlier, but still, look at the difference between the two products. :think: Take it as you may even against the industry average. }
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