The Sporty 2022 Chevy Trailblazer Delivers Affordability and Next-Level Technology

Shopping for a new car? Take a moment to check out some of the best deals in the 2022 model year. Chevrolet continues its commitment to manufacturing high-quality cars, trucks, and SUVs filled with next-generation technology and safety systems designed for optimal driving enjoyment and occupant peace of mind. That’s why the team here at Raceway Chevrolet, your Chevy dealer in Allentown, PA, loves all of the things Chevy brings to the table year after year.

With all that innovation, you’d expect some price creep, but Chevy takes a different approach–building vehicles that even the most budget-conscious buyers can afford. From the adorable subcompact Trax crossover to the sub-$15,000 Spark hatchback and the iconic and legendary Malibu sedan, the lineup is infused with great choices that won’t tug too hard on your purse strings.

One of our favorites is the newly redesigned and reintroduced subcompact Trailblazer crossover. It features two available engines, sporty styling, and a signature two-tone roof for even more curb appeal. With a back seat that’s actually comfortable for passengers, it’s a great family vehicle option. The Trailblazer has a starting price tag of under $22,000, so it’s also perfect for first-time buyers. Is the Trailblazer right for you? We take a closer look at all the fun and functionality within this dynamic mini ute.

Entertainment, Infotainment, and Connectivity

First and foremost, today’s drivers want tons of entertainment options when they’re behind the wheel, especially during long commutes or on weekend road trips. Chevy understands this with an infusion of infotainment-based technology features designed to keep everyone connected and happy while on the go.

The Trailblazer features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with an available wireless connection. Select the available Technology Package and equip your Trailblazer with a nicely sized 8-inch HD infotainment touchscreen. It runs on Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Plus Operating System for lightning-fast responsiveness and easy navigation between apps and functions, including optimizing the package’s 7-speaker Bose premium audio system.

The system is augmented by Chevy’s available Connected Services subscription plans, accessible via the myChevrolet smartphone app. You can opt for a monthly service that turns your smartphone into a remote key, letting you sound the horn, lock/unlock the doors, and remotely start your vehicle right from within the app. It also tracks important vehicle diagnostic data and stores driving history information for future reference.

The Teen Driver feature lets parents closely monitor their new driver by setting boundary and speed alerts, as well as record driving behavior to help keep them safe and teach good driving habits. The system limits speed and also has a Buckle-to-Drive feature, which prohibits drivers from putting the vehicle in drive until after the seat belt is fastened. These small restrictions add up to keep new drivers mindful of what’s important – their safety.

Performance and Utility

Since the Trailblazer is technically a utility vehicle, buyers expect it to deliver on cargo capacity, passenger volume, and overall SUV-like performance. Chevy takes it a step further, equipping this subcompact crossover with 174 lb-ft of torque, enough to haul cargo and deliver power at low speeds. The base 1.2-liter turbo engine delivers 137 horsepower, and the larger available 1.3-liter bumps that number up to 155 horsepower for smooth acceleration to highway speeds.

If fuel efficiency and a low cost-of-ownership are important to you, check out the Trailblazer’s max fuel economy ratings of 29 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. Buyers looking for all-weather driving confidence can opt for the available all-wheel drive powertrain. The handy drive mode selector mounted by the shifter lets drivers choose from three modes: normal, all-wheel drive, and sport. The system adjusts traction for ideal driving manners in various road conditions.

Front-wheel drive Trailblazers come with a continuously variable transmission for additional fuel economy, and the all-wheel drive version features a nine-speed automatic. Both offer smooth shifting dynamics and plenty of available power in every gear, especially at the low end for great performance in inclement weather or when hauling a full load of cargo.

Your weekend visit to the big box home store won’t require two trips to haul purchases, thanks to the available 54.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. In fact, flexible seating configurations allow stowage for cargo up to 8.5 feet long. With all four seats up, there’s comfortable seating for five, with rear passengers enjoying nearly 40 inches of legroom and nearly 38.5 inches of headroom.

Styling, Trims, and Equipment

Spaciousness headlines the Trailblazer’s long list of desirable characteristics, and as buyers move through the trim lineup, they’ll discover opportunities to dial-up both sportiness and high-end luxury. The standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is ample size for interacting with smartphone content via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but upgrading to the available 8-inch version offers even more opportunity for technology to dominate the dash.

The infotainment system can connect up to two devices simultaneously, and it features available SiriusXM satellite radio, which sounds great on the base 4-speaker audio system. Audiophiles can travel up the trim range to find a more robust six-speaker stereo or a top-of-the-line Bose premium system. Opt for the Sun and Liftgate Package, and you’ll add a dual-pane power sunroof and a hands-free programmable liftgate.

Chevy offers the Trailblazer in four trims: the base LS, the LT, the ACTIV, and the RS. Choose the LS if budget is your number one consideration because its starting price of just under $22,000 is easy on the wallet. You’ll still get plenty of standard equipment, including 17-inch wheels and a fold-flat front passenger seat for efficient cargo hauling. For a few thousand more, the LT features LED fog lights, power outside heated mirrors, and a remote start system.

The ACTIV comes standard with the larger 1.3-liter engine and includes dual exhaust, LED taillights, special sport terrain tires, and a luxurious heated steering wheel that’s perfect for cold mornings. The luxurious top-of-the-line RS hovers at just under $26,000 and adds 18-inch wheels, active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The optional Convenience Package adds automatic climate control, extra USB ports, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Next-Generation Safety Technology

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer earned a perfect 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, due in no small part to Chevy Safety Assist, a standard feature that combines six different driver-assist technologies to keep the driver alert and everyone safe.

Chevy Safety Assist includes the following systems: Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam High Beam Assist. These systems rely on a series of sensors, cameras, and radar to provide the driver with feedback about what’s happening around the vehicle.

IntelliBeam High Beam Assist takes the drudgery out of manually switching between low and high-beam settings, making nighttime driving easier and safer. Engage the Following Distance Indicator, and the system alerts you when you get too close to the vehicle ahead. You can preset your preferred distance and relax, knowing that you’ll be notified if you start to close the gap too quickly.

The Automatic Emergency Braking feature is designed to aid drivers when a collision is imminent or expected. The system applies extra braking pressure in an effort to minimize or avoid potentially serious collisions. Front Pedestrian Braking works much the same way, but it’s tuned to look for people that cross into your intended lane of travel. Lane Keep Assist sends an alert when it senses the vehicle is drifting out of its intended lane of travel and provides gentle steering nudges to correct it.

With these kinds of safety innovations, Trailblazer owners can rest easy knowing they’re protected even further from potential hazards. Not only that, but the standard Rear Vision Camera is there to help with backing out of driveways and parking spaces, minimizing the potential for accidents in historically challenging driving situations. While the bulk of driving responsibility still falls on the driver, these semi-autonomous features are comforting and allow occupants to spend their time enjoying the drive even more.

A Lot to Love

There’s a lot to love about the 2022 Trailblazer, especially if your shopping list includes an affordable, fun-to-drive crossover with dramatic exterior styling and plenty of high-end infotainment technology to keep everyone smiling.