2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS Review: Sporty Styling and Spacious for Its Size

Chevrolet’s appealing Trailblazer compact crossover hasn’t changed much since it debuted in 2021. However, there are a few updates for the 2024 model year, including a more dynamic grille design, a larger touchscreen, and new wheel options. I tested the sporty Trailblazer AWD RS trim this time instead of the more basic LT. The RS has a black mesh grille, black Chevy bowtie badges, dual chrome exhaust tips, and 19″ aluminum wheels with a pinwheel design that looks like a five-pointed ninja star.

As before, the Trailblazer Activ and RS trims are available in two-tone paint combinations. This RS was painted in Summit White with a gloss black roof and A-pillars. Two new colors are available for 2024, including Copper Harbor Metallic and Cacti Green.

The Trailblazer I drove has a diminutive 1.3-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged ECOTEC mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine outputs 155 horsepower at 5600 RPM, and its peak 174 lb-ft. of torque kicks in as low as 1600 RPM. Fuel economy comes in at 26 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined. All trims can be configured as front-wheel or all-wheel drive – the FWD versions have a CVT instead of the automatic gearbox. The entry-level LS and LT FWD trims are available with a less powerful 1.2-liter engine, but that only saves $395, so I’m not sure why that’s even offered.

Despite its size, this small engine is engaging and feels right-sized for the small crossover. It accelerates smoothly and quietly, though it’s not exactly quick. It does 0-to-60 mph in a pokey 9 seconds. I’m unsure if it’s the sporty styling or peak torque coming on early, but it never felt that slow. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a nice, direct feel, and the MacPherson strut suspenion up front help the Trailblazer feel connected to the road without being harsh. There’s a bit of wind noise in the cabin at highway speeds, but nothing too intrusive.

Inside, the RS trim has a premium look and feel. The seats are wrapped in a convincing and easy-to-clean faux leather material called EVOTEX. The driver and front passenger seats get red accent stitching and RS badging on the headrests. Those seats are heated, as is the steering wheel. An optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel bigger than it is.

Metallic red accents can be found on the doors and dashboard, offering a nice splash of color to contrast the otherwise black interior. Red stitching continues across the dashboard, on the shift lever boot, and around the sporty D-shaped steering wheel.

For 2024, there’s a new 11-inch-diagonal touchscreen for accessing GM’s multimedia system and a larger 8-inch driver information display in the gauge cluster. This new dual display setup feels more modern and harmonious than the original configuration’s smaller, disjointed screens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard this time around and work well with the available wireless charging pad, which is part of the $1195 Convenience Package. That option package also includes a hands-free power liftgate, LED logo projection, automatic air conditioning, second-row USB-A and USB-C ports, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 120-volt power outlet, and a few other minor upgrades.

I was pleasantly surprised by the space in the rear seat of the Trailblazer, which is better than you’d expect in such a small crossover. By slightly reducing available front-row legroom, Chevy came up with a more equitable situation for back-seat passengers. I’m six feet tall and was perfectly comfortable driving or riding in the back. Plus, the Trailblazer’s relatively flat and tall roofline helps with headroom. The back row seats up to three passengers, though the middle seat loses legroom due to the driveline tunnel.

Cargo space is pretty good, too, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with those seats folded. Like most modern SUVs, the seats fold in a 60/40 split for versatility. One big bonus with the Trailblazer is that the front passenger seat can also fold down, allowing you to carry items up to 8.5 feet long. The cargo deck can be set at two levels, one to increase available height and the other to provide a flat loading area with seatbacks. I appreciate that Chevy included an actual spare tire with the Trailblazer. It’s a temporary donut, but that’s a much better option when you have a flat than the inflator and sealant kits that are becoming more commonplace with new vehicles.

Like most things, prices for the Trailblazer are a bit higher than they were back in 2021. The entry-level Trailblazer LS FWD starts at $24,395, while the Trailblazer RS AWD tested here had a base price of $28,700 and a sticker price of $34,670, including options and destination charges. I liked the Chevy Trailblazer the first time I drove it, and I still do. It’s a sharp-looking car – especially in RS trim. Its cabin is comfortable for front and back seat passengers and has a playful driving personality. That said, I’d love to see Chevy offer a hot hatch version of the Trailblazer with a bit more power someday.