GM has reincarnated the Chevrolet Trailblazer for the 2021 model year, not as a large, body-on-frame SUV that it was before, but rather as an all-new, small crossover. The Bow Tie brand hopes that its new crossover will provide a “uniquely youthful, yet functional alternative” in the fast-growing small SUV segment.
The new Trailblazer features bold front and rear fascias, flaunting a new iteration of Chevy’s signature dual-port grille design aesthetic that gives the fascia a strong, aggressive appearance. The accent bar is aligned with the headlamps, helping to visually widen the Trailblazer’s stance. A bold hood gives the front add even more attitude, while a lower fascia insert comes in the form of a simulated front skidplate that adds a visual element of strength. The side profile features taut body lines, a sleek roofline with a “floating roof” element that work to accentuate the Trailblazer’s youthful character. RS and ACTIV trim models boost the visual appeal with standard two-tone roofs.
Indeed, the new Trailblazer has quite a distinct exterior design, but one that differs moderately by trim level. So to detail exactly how each 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer trim differs from the rest, we’ve compiled the following visual comparison.
Trims
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is offered in five trim levels. From base to range-topping, the five trims are:
- L (1VL)
- LS (1LS)
- LT (1LT)
- ACTIV (1SA)
- RS (1RS)
A notable difference between the trim levels is the roof coloring. The L, LS, and LT models all receive body-color roofs, while ACTIV models receive either Summit White or Zeus Bronze Metallic; RS models receive either Mosaic Black Metallic or Scarlet Red Metallic roofs.
For the sake of consistency, each trim level is finished in Summit White paint – which is the only color available across all Trailblazer trim levels – and does not include optional equipment beyond that introduced by each trim level. Note that this comparison applies exclusively to 2021 model year Trailblazer, though we expect the 2022 model year to remain mostly the same as the 2021 model.
Front
The new Chevrolet Trailblazer offers four different front fascia configurations differentiated by the front grille, front bowtie badge, lighting surround, and lower valance treatment.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
| Trim | Grille | Light Bezels | Bow Tie Badge | Fog Lamps | Lower Insert | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L (1VL) | Black Trailblazer-signature horizontal 4-bar | Black | Gold | None | Black | Body Color |
| LS (1LS) | Black Trailblazer-signature horizontal 4-bar | Black | Gold | None | Black | Body Color |
| LT (1LT) | Black Trailblazer-signature horizontal 4-bar | Black | Gold | LED fog lamps | Silver | Body Color |
| ACTIV (1SA) | Black Trim-Specific | Black | Gold | LED fog lights | Chrome | Two-Tone |
| RS (1RS) | High-gloss black RS-signature hexagonal | Black with extended lower section | Black | LED fog lights | Paint-matched | Two-Tone |
Profile
The new Chevrolet Trailblazer lineup offers five different profile configurations differentiated by five elements: the wheels, roof rails, door handles, outside mirror caps, and lower door moldings/side skirts.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
| Trim | Wheels | Roof Rails | Keyless Entry | Mirror Caps | Side Skirt (Rear Door) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L (1L0) | 16-inch Steel with bolt-on cover | None | No | Black | Regular |
| LS (1LS) | 17-inch Silver-painted aluminum | None | No | Black | Regular |
| 1LT (1LT) | 17-inch High Gloss Black machined aluminum | Yes – Silver | Yes | Body color | Regular |
| ACTIV (1SA) | 17-inch High Gloss Black machined aluminum | Yes – Black | Yes | Roof color coordinated | Regular |
| RS (1RS) | 18-inch High Gloss Black machined aluminum | Yes – Black | Yes | Roof color coordinated | Modified |
Rear
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers four different rear end configurations differentiated by four elements: the lower valance design and coloring, the rear Bowtie badge, rear reflectors, and the exhaust treatment.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer L
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS
| Trim | Rear Bowtie Badge | Valance | Rear Reflectors | Tail lamps | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L (1L0) | Gold | Black | Horizontal | Halogen | Tucked under |
| 1LS (1LS) | Gold | Black | Horizontal | Halogen | Tucked under |
| 1LT (1LT) | Gold | Black/Silver | Horizontal | Halogen | Tucked under |
| ACTIV (1SA) | Gold | Black/Silver | Horizontal | LED | Dual with trapezoidal tips |
| RS (1RS) | Black | High-Gloss Black | Vertical | LED | Dual with round |
About The New Chevrolet Blazer
Following the previous Trailblazer’s departure from the U.S. market in 2009, Chevrolet is re-introducing the nameplate for the 2021 model year. Based on the GM VSS-F platform, the new Chevrolet Trailblazer is a total ground-up redesign. It slots between the Trax and Equinox into the subcompact crossover segment with new styling language similar to that of the Chevrolet Blazer, which itself is inspired by the Chevrolet Camaro. In fact, those paying particularly close attention may have noticed that the Blazer looks very similar to the all-new Blazer.
Inside, the new Chevrolet Trailblazer features a dual-cockpit interior layout with an integrated center stack. Various finishes and stitching are customized to allow for different appearances at each trim level. The center console provides several storage options with up to 3.5 liters of open storage and 4.4 liters of storage under the armrest, as well as dual cupholders.
Additionally, the Trailblazer features 40/60 split folding second row seats, which enables the vehicle to accommodate objects up to 8.5 feet long, 10 with the second row folded. Overall storage capacity is rated up to 54.4 cubic feet.
The 2021 Trailblazer offers two powertrain options:
- The 1.2L I-3 LIH, which makes 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a CVT (continuously-variable transmission)
- And the turbocharged 1.3L I-3 L3T, which makes 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and is mated to the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission
It’s worth noting that the more powerful engine, the L3T, is standard on all-wheel drive (AWD) models, and is available on front-wheel drive (FWD) models when they are equipped with the Performance Package, which provides Sport mode and Snow mode calibrations.
Additionally, the package requires the inclusion of the Convenience Package and Driver Confidence Package, meaning all AWD models will feature automatic climate control air conditioning, SiriusXM Radio, an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen display, one type-A and one type-C USB charging ports, a 120-volt power outlet, an inside rearview auto-dimming mirror, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, covered, sliding visors, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist. In other words, AWD Trailblazer models will be well-equipped.
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Comment
Trailblazer with 1.3L or 1.2L motors for off-road is a joke! More Obama designs! How about larger tires in back and smaller tires in front to allow it to roll down hill?
Harley Earl is spinning in his grave!!
Hire some ENGINEERS and stay out of their way!
SEND THE CURRENT DESIGN FOLKS back to Europe to work on window coverings and table cloths!