2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS Review: Overshadowed by the Trax?

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer gains some modest updates, including new front styling and improved interior tech, but is it still Chevrolet’s best subcompact SUV? We tested a Trailblazer RS with all-wheel drive and a sticker price of nearly $35,000 to find out.

The interior technology, including the newly standard 11-inch screen, is among the best in the class and nicer than many bigger, more expensive vehicles, but the rest of the interior falls flat. It would be less disappointing in a more affordable vehicle — like, say, Chevy’s own Trax — but at our test vehicle’s sticker price and in a world where the Kia Seltos exists, the Trailblazer falls flat.

The driving experience is nothing to write home about; the Trailblazer handles competently and is peppy enough around town, but it’s clear Chevrolet didn’t spend money on driving refinement. Again, the problem is that there are competitors that do some or multiple aspects of the driving experience better: The Seltos is more engaging to drive with its optional turbocharged engine, the Subaru Crosstrek is cushier and more capable, and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid blows everything else out of the water when it comes to fuel efficiency — and on top of that, again, the Trax is just as good. All the Trailblazer has going for it compared to the Trax is available AWD and slightly more utility.

Join Road Test Editor Brian Normile as he drives the new Trailblazer and takes you through its pros and cons in the video above.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Subcompact SUV comparisons
1:26 - Interior
2:11 - Technology
2:28 - Interior materials
3:30 - Driving
5:06 - Fuel economy
5:48 - How does the Trailblazer compare?
6:29 - Outro

Editorial mission:

[kebsis]

I test drove both the Trax and the trailblazer today. I would say that while the Trax would seem to overshadow the TB at first glance, once you get behind the wheel you can see why the TB is a few thousand bucks more expensive. The Trax feels very floaty compared to the Trailblazers tighter handling, and the transmission is pretty clunky compared to the Trailblazer's much smoother ride.

[janetalbarado]

I literally just bought the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer RS yesterday in Fountain Blue and I love mine ! Price is what it is, but it was still cheaper and safer than the 2021 Hyundai Tucson I was driving and my new trailblazer RS is fully loaded. Granted I'm probably going to have this car forever by the time I pay it off, but I am extremely happy with my Trailblazer (2024 RS edition)

[dommmhaha]

considering upgrading my 2017 trax LT true north awd to the 2024 chevrolet trailblazer rs awd and this video was super helpful and informative !

[Alien]

Just purchased a (03/28/2024)2024 cacti green RS AWD, the cvt transmission scared me is why i chose the option that had the 9 speed.
I haven't put but 10 miles on it in 5 days, they were around the block. So cant say alot about it. The price point sold me, but i like the ride of a car at this point. Getting older I needed something off the ground, so i don't have to roll out.
Am i worried more years down the road, the rav4 will probably be better mechanically and resale value.
To new for me to give an honest opinion. I drive 5k miles a year, so may always be fine for me.

[GoldRaven-oeby]

Well i would definitely rather have this over a hyundai venue but compared to a cx30 or even a renegade or seltos it feels a lacking particularly in the performance department

[OrdinaryGK-SF]

A VERY thoughtful, useful and sensible review! Thank you!