The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer lasts around 225,000 miles with some brake wear and transmission software issues reported. At $19,350 to $26,775, it’s a great value for a small practical SUV with some advanced technology.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a decent small SUV for shoppers on a budget, but is not a leader in the crowded market. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, modern interior, along with the technology features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are cheap for a small SUV, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also better than other SUVs its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread issues on the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, in general models from 2021 and newer are good with no major problems reported.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is bad from the three-cylinder engines which are more focused on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Trailblazer is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 31 MPG, giving 409 miles of range out of the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $38 cheaper than average at $172 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is cheaper than many other small SUVs while also holding value well, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Trailblazer?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offers an impressive level of standard safety features, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Trailblazer at 3.6/5, praising the roomy seating for a small SUV, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Trailblazer a 4.6/5, enjoying the standard technology features, but owners don’t like the cheap interior materials.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Have?
Common complaints found on the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer include premature brake wear, the transmission changing gears slowly, along with the stereo system freezing. Overall, these problems are similar to a lot of other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Trailblazer ages.
Premature brake wear is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, showing up at around 20,000 miles. The front brake pads in particular tend to wear out faster than in other vehicles. Replacing the front brake pads costs around $150, while a set of rotors is an additional $250 if they have been damaged by metal-on metal contact.
The transmission changing gears slowly is another issue on the Trailblazer in the first 5,000 miles. There are some transmission control module software updates available which can speed up the transmission along with making the gear changes smoother. Most dealers will install the updates for free, while some charge around $100.
The stereo system freezing up also shows up on some Trailblazer models at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system as well, which improves its reliability. Usually, dealers will install these updates for free as part of normal servicing, although some do charge around $50.
There are four recalls on the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, which is similar to some other small SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers a sensor on the electronic brake booster, which may be contaminated. Chevy will replace the booster on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the emergency jack, and tire pressure labels.
How Long Will the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Trailblazer can last around 225,000 miles, which is shorter than other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $500 per year.
As a used 2021 Chevy Trailblazer reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission shift interlock solenoid for $300, fuel injectors costing $550, along with the control arm bushings which cost $600.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great for a small SUV, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a Bose premium stereo system.
Standard safety technology is also excellent for an SUV in its price range with:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Teen driver
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane keep assist
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market while still being a practical choice. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,350 to $26,775, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $19,000 to $27,000. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 2% of its current value per year, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 8%.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Trailblazer?
There are five models of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered, from the base L throughout the top-of-the-line RS. The Trailblazer comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Sound System
- Chevy Safety Assist Features
LS is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat
- Compass
- Floor Mats
- Vanity Mirrors
- Six-Speaker Audio System
LT is next in the lineup with:
- Roof Rails
- Fog Lights
- Heated Mirrors
- Tinted Rear Windows
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Remote Ignition
- Cruise Control
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
Activ adds features such as:
- Off-Road Tires
- Two-Tone Roof Paint
- Simulated Leather Seats
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Upgraded Exterior Styling Elements
RS is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Red Interior Accents
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite radio
- Wireless Charging Pad
- LED Headlights
- Bose Audio System
What Engines Come In the Chevy Trailblazer?
- The base engine is a fairly weak 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder which makes 137 horsepower at up to 29 MPG. This engine comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
- An optional upgrade is the stronger 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder which produces 155 horsepower while getting up to 31 MPG. The front-wheel drive version comes with the CVT, while the all-wheel drive model has a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is poor, taking 9.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Trailblazer Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Trailblazer?
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind, offering a pleasant and enjoyable experience for those who spend time in the vehicle. The cabin features a contemporary design, with comfortable seating for up to five occupants. Both front and rear passengers can enjoy ample headroom and legroom, making the Trailblazer a suitable option for long drives or daily commutes.
The SUV also comes with a variety of standard and available features, such as automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, which contribute to overall comfort. Furthermore, the Trailblazer’s suspension is engineered to provide a smooth, composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a pleasant driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Trailblazer Have?
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a compact SUV designed to offer versatility and practicality for its drivers. It boasts a spacious interior, with ample storage space to accommodate the needs of various lifestyles. The Trailblazer features 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which provides plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other belongings.
If more space is required, the second-row seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo capacity to an impressive 54.4 cubic feet. Additionally, the front passenger seat can also be folded flat, enabling the transport of longer items with ease. Overall, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a well-rounded SUV with a significant amount of storage space for its class.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevrolet Trailblazer was introduced in 2021 after being out of production in the United States since 2009.
2009: 5.3L V8 engine removed from the lineup, Bluetooth added, final model year for the Chevrolet Trailblazer until 2021.
2021: All-new small SUV model designed to fit between the Chevy Trax and Chevy Equinox.
2022: Standard satellite radio, optional trailering package, L model discontinued.
2023: No major changes from earlier years.
How Does the Chevy Trailblazer Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a decent small SUV if you’re on a budget since it still features a lot of the latest safety technology, although predicted long-term reliability ratings are lower than some of the competition.
The Chevy Equinox is another compact SUV offered by Chevrolet, which is around $3,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Equinox, while the Chevy Trailblazer offers better standard safety technology. We recommend the Chevy Trailblazer since it’s more advanced and costs less money.
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular small SUV which is about $5,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Chevy Trailblazer is more maneuverable on small city streets. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s one of the most reliable small SUVs on the market.
