Chevrolet resurrects the Trailblazer

With consumer demand for utility vehicles remaining strong, General Motors is slicing that market into ever thinner segments. The 2021 Trailblazer compact SUV, which the automaker just announced for the U.S., will go on sale on our shores early next year slotted below the Equinox.

When Chevrolet debuted the all-new Trailblazer last month at the Shanghai auto show it was billed as a “global” reveal, although it wasn’t entirely clear whether or not the compact SUV would be sold in the United States. Chevy already sells over 300,000 Equinoxes in the U.S, and in today’s announcement Chevrolet said that the Trailblazer would be positioned below the Equinox and above the subcompact Trax.

Clearly this isn’t the rugged, body-on-frame Trailblazer of old we’re dealing with but compact SUVs are one of the fastest-growing market segments. Giving consumers a more affordable alternative may help Chevy dealers keep potential customers from checking out what the Kia and Hyundai stores down the street have to offer in that segment.

No mention was made about available drivetrains or pricing, but Chevy did say that it will offer the Trailblazer in optional RS trim that comes with a standard two-tone roof that is said to “reflect” drivers’ lifestyles.  

Because the Trailblazer will be marketed as a family vehicle, Chevrolet’s announcement was sure to include the active safety features that will be standard equipment on the SUV. Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Front Pedestrian Braking are all standard, with camera based Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist and a high-def rear camera available as options.

Full specifications and pricing will be announced later.