In the ever-competitive subcompact SUV segment, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer stands out with sharp styling, practical utility, and a dash of off-road flair. Drawing design cues from its larger siblings—the Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse—the Trailblazer delivers a muscular, chiseled aesthetic that turns heads while offering a versatile, spacious interior perfect for urban commuters and weekend adventurers alike.
While the Trailblazer doesn’t win the race in horsepower or acceleration, it excels where it matters most for its audience: rear-seat comfort, cargo capacity, and everyday usability. Add in a suite of modern tech features, robust safety systems, and an Activ trim with a touch of trail capability, and the Trailblazer emerges as a solid contender in the small SUV space.
What’s New for 2025?
After a significant update last year, the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer carries forward with only minor tweaks. The most notable addition is a new color option, Marina Blue Metallic, while the base engine now supports E85 ethanol fuel for added flexibility.
Engine and Performance: Efficiency Over Excitement
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes with two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options:
- 1.2-liter Turbo (137 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque)
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- 1.3-liter Turbo (155 hp, 174 lb-ft of torque)
- FWD with a CVT
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with a 9-speed automatic transmission
While the engines prioritize efficiency over raw power, the 1.3-liter engine provides slightly better performance for highway passing and everyday acceleration. However, rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross deliver more spirited performance.
The Activ trim adds off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, giving it a modest edge when venturing off paved paths. On-road, the Trailblazer delivers firm, controlled handling, though the suspension can feel a bit stiff over rough patches.
Fuel Economy Ratings (Estimated):
- 1.2-liter Turbo (FWD): 29 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- 1.3-liter Turbo (FWD): 29 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- 1.3-liter Turbo (AWD): 26 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
These figures align with most competitors, although Mazda’s CX-30 and Subaru’s Crosstrek offer slightly better efficiency with AWD.
Interior: Practical and Surprisingly Spacious
While the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer’s interior design won’t dazzle you with luxury, it delivers where it counts. The elevated seating position offers excellent visibility, and 39.4 inches of rear legroom set a benchmark in the segment. Compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek, rear passengers in the Trailblazer enjoy noticeably more space.
Cargo Space:
- Behind rear seats: 25.3 cubic feet
- Rear seats folded: 54.4 cubic feet
The Trailblazer also includes a flat-folding front passenger seat, allowing you to haul items up to 8.5 feet long—a rare and practical feature in this segment.
While the interior materials lean toward the utilitarian side, higher trims like the Activ and RS add sporty or rugged accents to elevate the overall aesthetic.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Modern and User-Friendly
Every 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer features an 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with an 8-inch digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot for on-the-go connectivity.
Standard Features:
- 11-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite radio
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Four-speaker audio system
Available Upgrades (Trim Dependent):
- Wireless device charging
- Bose seven-speaker premium audio system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Panoramic sunroof
Compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos, the Trailblazer’s infotainment system is easy to use, with quick response times and an intuitive layout.
Trims and Pricing Breakdown
1. LS ($24,395)
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- 11-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Push-button start
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
2. LT ($25,595) Recommended Trim
- Black-finish 17-inch wheels
- Roof rails
- Heated side mirrors
- Remote start
- Optional panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel
3. Activ ($28,995)
- Off-road suspension tuning
- Skid plate
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Optional Bose audio system and two-tone roof
4. RS ($28,995)
- Sportier design elements
- 19-inch wheels
- Dual-outlet exhaust
- Red interior accents
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
The LT trim strikes the best balance between features, price, and upgrade options, making it our top recommendation for most buyers.
Safety: Peace of Mind Comes Standard
The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We expect the 2025 Trailblazer to deliver similar results.
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high beams
Available Safety Upgrades:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
Chevrolet’s Teen Driver System is also included, allowing parents to monitor and set restrictions on younger drivers.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. The Competition
- Mazda CX-30: More powerful engine options and upscale interior design.
- Volkswagen Taos: Smoother ride quality and spacious rear seats.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Standard AWD and a rugged reputation.
- Toyota Corolla Cross: Practical and reliable, but less stylish.
The Trailblazer excels in cargo space, rear passenger comfort, and tech features, while falling behind in outright performance and ride comfort. For those prioritizing utility and value over driving excitement, it remains a strong choice.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer balances bold styling with practicality, offering class-leading rear-seat space, clever cargo solutions, and modern technology features. While it’s not the fastest or smoothest subcompact SUV on the market, its combination of utility, safety, and affordable pricing makes it a compelling option for value-focused buyers.
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