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Don’t let the “compact” label fool you. The 2025 Trailblazer isn’t just squeezing into the SUV crowd – it’s elbowing its way to the front with swagger. Updated looks, smarter tech, and a shockingly useful interior make it the urban adventurer’s secret weapon. Forget “just getting by.” This thing lives.
Size Check: Small Footprint, Bigger Surprise
It looks petite, feels spacious. Park it anywhere, pack more than you think.
| Measurement | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Length: 174.1 in | Fits tiny parking spots, slightly longer than a Kona |
| Wheelbase: 103.9 in | Surprisingly good rear legroom (39.4 in!) – no knee crunch |
| Cargo (seats up): 25.3 cu ft | Groceries + stroller? Easy work. |
| Cargo (seats down): 54.4 cu ft | Party trick: Fits an 8.5 ft surfboard diagonally |
| Turning Radius: 37.3 ft | U-turns without the 3-point turn of shame |
Translation: Bigger than a Kona, smaller than a CR-V. City parking? Mastered. Road trip gear? Handled.
Under the Hood: Punchy, Not Puny
Two tiny turbo engines that hate being called “cute.”
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo (FWD) | 1.3L Turbo (FWD/AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 137 hp | 155 hp (feels zippier!) |
| Torque: | 162 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft (hits low!) |
| Transmission: | CVT | 9-speed auto (smoother!) |
| Drivetrain: | FWD only | FWD or AWD for snow/gravel |
| 0-60 mph: | ~9.6 sec (yawn) | ~9.0 sec (AWD, respectable) |
| Vibe: | Basic commuter | The one you actually want |
Real talk: Skip the 1.2L. The 1.3L + AWD is the sweet spot – enough pep for merging, enough grip for dirt roads to the campsite.
Fuel Sipping: Your Wallet Will Thank You
Commute warrior mode: activated.
| Setup | City MPG | Highway MPG | Real-World Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L FWD (CVT) | 29 | 31 | Efficient but… meh. |
| 1.3L FWD | 29 | 33 | Best balance for most |
| 1.3L AWD | 26 | 30 | Worth the slight dip for extra grip! |
Translation: You’re not buying this for track days. You’re buying it for not constantly visiting gas stations. Win.
Interior & Cargo: The Tardis Effect
“Wait, that fits?!” – You, loading it.
| Space Metric | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Rear Legroom: | 39.4 in – Actual adults fit back here! |
| Max Cargo: | 54.4 cu ft – Ikea flat-pack? No problem. |
| Secret Weapon: | Fold-flat passenger seat = 8.5 ft skis/lumber! |
Why it matters: This is where the Trailblazer humiliates rivals. That fold-flat front seat? Game-changer for surfboards, DIY projects, or that awkwardly long rug. Clever > cavernous.
Trims & Tech: Pick Your Personality
From “sensible shoes” to “weekend rebel.”
| Trim Level | Personality | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|
| LS | The Budget Pro | Steel wheels, safety tech, gets you rolling. |
| LT | The Sweet Spot | Alloy wheels, leatherette, push-button start. |
| ACTIV | The Trail Lite | Rugged looks, skid plates, tuned for gravel. |
| RS | The City Slicker | Sporty looks, dual exhaust, flat-bottom steering wheel. |
Tech for All: Every trim gets the giant 11-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Chevy’s basic safety suite (auto braking, lane keep). Upper trims add Bose audio, adaptive cruise, wireless charging.
Safety: Peace of Mind Standard
No upcharge for breathing easier.
| Safety Feature | Availability | Why You Care |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Emergency Braking | Standard | Avoids fender-benders. Priceless. |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Nudges you back awake on long drives. |
| Rear Cross-Traffic | Optional (Worth it!) | Saves your bumper in crowded lots. |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Optional (Get it!) | Lane changes without the pucker. |
| Adaptive Cruise | Optional | Highway zen mode. |
Bonus: Top Safety Pick+ creds (with right headlights). Solid.
The Verdict: Why the 2025 Trailblazer Gets It
This isn’t the SUV you buy to impress gearheads. It’s the SUV you buy to live life without hassle.
- City dweller? It parks anywhere.
- Weekend explorer? AWD + ACTIV trim handles dirt.
- Parent/Budget warrior? Sips gas, hauls cargo cleverly.
- Style seeker? RS trim looks sharp.
It nails the basics brilliantly while throwing in genius tricks (looking at you, fold-flat front seat). For under $30k? It’s the small SUV that refuses to feel small. And yes, it absolutely still fits in your garage.
Find here: 2025 Chevy SUVS by Size
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