TEST: Chevrolet Trailblazer Z71

Quieter, more refined—yet still blazing trails

The first time I laid eyes on the latest Chevrolet Trailblazer, it was onstage in the Bangkok Motor Show last March. As facelifts go, it sported a worthy one, with a sharper-looking front end, new alloy wheels, and new rear-end trim that nicely freshened up one of Chevrolet’s bestsellers.

Inside, it sported a new dashboard as well as new interior trim with more luxurious leather and added sound-deadening materials for a smoother, quieter ride.

That Trailblazer on display had a custom medium-blue metallic finish that gave me an impression of a very elegant and upmarket vehicle. What it didn’t give me was an idea how the new Trail would look in a shade of red that would seem to be stripped right off a Ferrari’s sheetmetal.

And then I saw the range-topping Z71 variant here in Manila—in Retina-searing Red. From a wallflower, the Trailblazer is suddenly one of the most head-turning rides I’ve test-driven this year. And I’ve tested a Lotus, Maserati and Ferrari.

For 2016, the Euro 4-compliant 2.8L Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine offers better performance, improved fuel economy and lower emissions. With its Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), the 2.8-liter variants produce best-in-class 200hp and 500Nm of torque. (The 2.5-liter variant yields 163hp/380Nm.)

Complementing the improved engine is a retuned suspension and a tougher, more rigid chassis and fully boxed frame, greatly improving riding comfort.

The new Trailblazer features Electric Power Steering (EPS) that makes steering effort lighter in the city and at parking speeds. This is achieved by reducing power assist proportionately as speed builds, hence, the driver gets a properly weighted steering feel at highway speeds.

Its cruise, radio and phone controls are embedded in its jet-black, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ensuring that safety and entertainment are always within reach.

To ensure the ride is as quiet as it is refined, the Trailblazer benefits from a new wind noise package that was developed with newly redesigned door, window and windshield seals; front door glass that is 10 percent thicker; and a new aerodynamic headlamp design. As a result, the new Trailblazer is 8 percent quieter on the road than its predecessor.

On the outside, the 2017 Trailblazer has more angular lines that exude refined toughness, while retaining its strong proportions that undercore its go-anywhere capability. Its dual-port front grille, bumper and lamps that now come with daytime running lights give the midsize SUV its sophisticated exterior.

It also sports its signature goldenrod bowtie that represents Chevrolet’s strong reputation of being a global leader in the highly competitive SUV segment.

The top-of-the-line Trailblazer Z71 variant sits on a set of 18-inch gunmetal wheels that add to the vehicle’s rugged, good looks.

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in seven exterior paint options: Pull Me Over Red, Summit White, Satin Steel Grey, Black Meet Kettle, Mountain Blue, Auburn Brown, and Switchblade Silver—but it’s the red that’s truly the stunner.

Inside, the new Trail boasts a freshly designed dashboard and front console with a modern upmarket feel, enhanced by soft-touch materials and contrast stitching. The full seven-seater’s “theater-style seating” allows second- and third-row occupants a better all-around view.  It offers generous interior space with flexible seating configurations to accommodate various cargo-loading requirements.

It’s also fitted with new technologies that allow driver or passengers to project a simplified version of their smartphone screen onto the car’s touchscreen. The Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System has a wide, 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and is compatible with Android and iOS, making connections easier wherever you are on the road. Complemented by Siri Eyes Free and voice recognition software, making calls, navigating maps and browsing through music are made easier through verbal commands – ensuring your hands never have to leave the steering wheel.

The Trailblazer comes with a host of active and passive safety features that include Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Anti-Rolling Protection and Trailer Sway Control. Front airbags for the driver and passenger are also present.

The top Z71 variant also comes with other technological and safety features including Forward Collision Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It also features Remote Engine Start that, using the key fob, the engine can be started, allowing the cabin to be cooled before the family enters the vehicle.

Sharper looks (and fabulous new colors), strong engines, a comfortable ride, a spacious and well-finished cabin, a suite of useful new creature comforts and amenities, and loads of advanced safety features—and best of all, very attractive prices (P1,378,888, for starters, and P1,509,888 for the mid-range 4x2 2.8 LT)—the new Trailblazer has all it takes to vault to the top of the midsize SUV pack.