{"id":26151,"date":"2020-10-15T09:04:08","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T13:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=26151"},"modified":"2020-10-15T09:04:08","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T13:04:08","slug":"payne-review-re-imagined-chevy-trailblazer-takes-on-class-king-mazda-cx-30","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2020\/10\/payne-review-re-imagined-chevy-trailblazer-takes-on-class-king-mazda-cx-30","title":{"rendered":"Payne review: Re-imagined Chevy Trailblazer takes on class-king Mazda CX-30"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Chevrolet\u00a0Blazer has been roasted in &#8230;\u00a0well, a blaze of criticism for not being like the new\u00a0Ford Bronco. Unlike\u00a0the wildly anticipated Ford, the mid-size Chevy isn\u2019t sparking passion because it has forsaken its roots as a rugged\u00a0truck-based SUV.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Its sibling\u00a0 \u2014 the\u00a0subcompact 2021 Chevy Trailblazer\u00a0\u2014 is feeling the heat, too. The original 1999 Trailblazer was a premium trim of the Blazer. &#8220;We want our old\u00a0ladder-frame, rugged Trailblazer back,&#8221; cries the internet peanut gallery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cChevy just ruined the Trailblazer name, too,\u201d huffs Top Speed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThe 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a total letdown,\u201d stomps Motor Biscuit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThe Trailblazer nameplate has been used on a unibody crossover instead of a body-on-frame off-roader as it was in its previous iteration,\u201d moans CarBuzz.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/a99d9b7a-55f0-464e-97c7-e008f735fe63-trailblazer_rr3-4.JPG?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/a99d9b7a-55f0-464e-97c7-e008f735fe63-trailblazer_rr3-4.JPG?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer fills the increasingly popular subcompact SUV hatch segment.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer fills the increasingly popular subcompact SUV hatch segment.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I get it. The new Trailblazer is different.\u00a0Peter Gabriel left Genesis to go\u00a0solo and who the heck is this Phil Collins guy? Kirstie Alley followed Shelley Long and now &#8220;Cheers&#8221; is ruined! Drew Carey replaced Bob Barker?<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">To be honest, I know as much about those cultural earthquakes as I do the old Trailblazer. Which is to say, very little. I never drove one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">So instead of comparing \u201cTrailblazer: The Sequel\u201d to the original, I\u2019m going to compare it to its current competitive set. Namely the Mazda CX-30, the best subcompact crossover I\u2019ve driven.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Because that\u2019s what the Chevy Trailblazer is now:\u00a0A smaller SUV squeezed between the entry-level Trax and the compact Equinox. With its stylish design and high-tech interior, it\u2019s supposed to whet your thirst for the Blazer, should you covet a $40,000\u00a0mid-size ute.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Trailblazer makes a very compelling case for itself. Indeed, along with the CX-30, my fellow jurors voted the Trailblazer a semifinalist for 2021 North American Utility of the Year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Consider the high-volume LT trim I\u2019ve been flogging. At $28,180, the all-wheel drive Trailblazer comes nicely equipped, just like the comparable, all-wheel drive\u00a0$29,195 Mazda CX-30 Premium trim. That\u2019s not something I\u2019m used to.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\"><\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Starting with the Chevy Traverse I tested back in 2017, the current generation of Chevy sport utilities has been stingy with standard safety features. Features like adaptive cruise-control aren\u2019t standard on a Traverse until you reach the $55,590 High Country trim. Japanese manufacturers like Mazda, Subaru and Honda, on the other hand, have loaded their cars with standard cruise-control, automatic headlights, blind-spot assist\u00a0and more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">So essential have these features become that Mrs. Payne won\u2019t consider a vehicle unless it has adaptive cruise and all-wheel drive\u00a0for under $30,000.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Trailblazer has learned the lesson.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">While not offering adaptive cruise or blind-spot assist standard (both come standard on the Mazda Preferred trim, and all Japanese\/Korean competitors offer at least one of the two standard), the LT offers these important features for just $620 and $345 respectively. That&#8217;s\u00a0an affordable complement to standard goodies like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency-braking, automatic high-beams, Apple CarPlay\/Android Auto connectivity and 4G Wi-Fi. Cruising along busy\u00a0eight-lane I-96, these features quickly become essential to navigate traffic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/1e186e75-eeee-401c-b5ad-5d0c90d2164f-mazda_rr3-4.JPG?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/1e186e75-eeee-401c-b5ad-5d0c90d2164f-mazda_rr3-4.JPG?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The hatchback 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a more utilitarian version of the brand's sexy Mazda 3 sedan.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The hatchback 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a more utilitarian version of the brand's sexy Mazda 3 sedan.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Chevy executes handsome interiors with technology shared across model lines as diverse as Cadillac and Corvette.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">While I\u2019m drawn to the Mazda\u2019s premium interior with its high infotainment screen and remote rotary-controller, the Chevy\u2019s touchscreen is much more intuitive. Menus are easier to navigate; radio stations easier to store. The attention to detail in both cars belies their subcompact status.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">On the outside, I\u2019ve never been a fan of Chevy&#8217;s\u00a0too-busy split-grille fascias. But the Trailblazer (along with big brother Blazer) is one of the brand\u2019s more coherent creations. Maybe because Trailblazer is starting to look a lot like Hyundais, which have developed along similar lines with their mid-fascia headlights (upper \u201ceyebrow\u201d lights are running lights). Check out the new Hyundai Venue. Separated at birth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Upper trims of the Trailblazer get nifty touches like a white Mini Cooper-esque roof (so does Hyundai). But my LT and its sporty, 17-inch wheels looked great.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">That said, the Mazda CX-30 is still\u00a0prom queen with its long nose, swept headlights\u00a0and elegant lines. Even the overwrought fender cladding (SUV virtue-signaling) didn\u2019t spoil my white tester with its gray 18-inch wheels.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/bc264b4b-f133-4301-82f7-ca1f30b3a866-mazda_steering.JPG?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/bc264b4b-f133-4301-82f7-ca1f30b3a866-mazda_steering.JPG?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The drver-focused cockpit of the nimble, \" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The drver-focused cockpit of the nimble, \" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Mazda has also been cream of class in handling; I flogged it with the confidence only a BMW X1 can rival. But GM engineers have developed a disciplined\u00a0cross-brand culture of tight, lightweight chassis from the best-in-luxe Cadillac CT4 to the lightweight Chevy Silverado to the nimble Equinox.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Trailblazer is no different, and it proved fun to drive as I lake-hopped across Oakland County from Loon to Wolverine to Orchard Lake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Chevy\u2019s 155-horse 1.3-liter turbo-3 banger (exclusive with all-wheel drive) can\u2019t rival the Mazda\u2019s 186-horse mill, but the 174 pound-feet of torque (versus CX-30\u2019s 186) is the real value here and pulls like a mule at low revs where you want it. Both engines are attached to buttery transmissions \u2013 6-speed Mazda, 9-speed Chevy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Loading more bling to go with its zing, my $29,195 CX-30 had a panoramic roof and leatherette seats that the Trailblazer can only dream of. Plus, the Mazda has\u00a0the best 360-degree safety system (so you can monitor other cars\u00a0around you) this side of Tesla.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/6046fb0f-7139-48d0-ada4-1e9af879f5f6-trailblazer_rr-camera.JPG?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/6046fb0f-7139-48d0-ada4-1e9af879f5f6-trailblazer_rr-camera.JPG?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Like all new cars, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has a backup camera - though the Trailblazer's resolution pales compared to other vehicles.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Like all new cars, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has a backup camera - though the Trailblazer's resolution pales compared to other vehicles.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Trailblazer counters with impressive creature-comforts. After all, SUVs are bought for utility first, driving dynamics second. Trailblazer shares with siblings Trax and Buick Encore one of my favorite interior tricks \u2013 the fold-flat front seat. This ingenious tool (when combined with flattened middle-row seats) not only allows the wee Trailblazer to carry long\u00a0toboggans or surfboards from hatch to glovebox \u2014 it\u2019s also is an instant ottoman should you require the rear seat to get work done on a trip.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With three more inches of rear legroom \u2014 and 10 more cubic feet of rear cargo \u2014 the Chevy is much more accommodating of your friends when you ask them along for some trailblazing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Speaking of trailblazing, it\u2019s also worth noting how difficult the Trailblazer makes its for the brand\u2019s electric ambitions:\u00a0For a significant $10,000-plus less, the Trailblazer has 137 more miles of range than an equivalent $39,790 Chevy Bolt EV (396 vs. 259), more cargo room and all-wheel drive for Michigan\u2019s\u2019 long winters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Nostalgia for old autos is natural. But when compared to the best the current market has to offer in subcompact SUVs and EVs, Trailblazer is a worthy sequel.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/d64c444f-5f11-45d3-a8e4-5a4e50d34a9b-trailblazer_fr-left.JPG?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/d64c444f-5f11-45d3-a8e4-5a4e50d34a9b-trailblazer_fr-left.JPG?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a long way from the original, rugged, 1999 Blazer. The new, cute ute is a subcompact offerings with smooth on-road dynamics.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a long way from the original, rugged, 1999 Blazer. The new, cute ute is a subcompact offerings with smooth on-road dynamics.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><strong>2021\u00a0Chevrolet Trailblazer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front- or all-wheel drive\u00a0five-passenger subcompact SUV<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $19,995, including $995 destination charge ($28,185\u00a0AWD LT as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 1.2-liter\u00a0turbocharged 3-cylinder;\u00a01.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power:\u00a0137 horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque (1.2-liter); 155 horsepower, 174 pound-feet of torque (1.3-liter)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Continuously variable transmission; 9-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 9.4 seconds (Car and Driver); towing capacity, 1,000 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,252 pounds (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA 26 mpg city\/30 highway\/28 combined\u00a0(as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Report card<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: AWD option; good interior room<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Good value, but still lacks standard options offered in competitors<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4\u00a0stars<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/09c76f27-4a56-4da7-bcbb-8008ddabd07d-mazda_fr-red-grass.JPG?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2020\/10\/14\/PDTN\/09c76f27-4a56-4da7-bcbb-8008ddabd07d-mazda_fr-red-grass.JPG?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"2020 Mazda CX-30\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2020 Mazda CX-30\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\"><strong>2020 Mazda CX-30<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front- and all-wheel drive, 5-passenger subcompact SUV<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $23,000\u00a0including $1,100\u00a0destination charge ($29,195\u00a0AWD Premium as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.5-liter\u00a0inline 4-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 186 horsepower, 186\u00a0pound-feet\u00a0torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: 6-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 7.2 seconds (Car and Driver est.); towing capacity, 1,500 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,388 pounds (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA est. 24 city\/31 highway\/26 combined (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Report card<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Sharp handling; premium looks<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Heavy black cladding; tight rear legroom<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4\u00a0stars<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Chevrolet\u00a0Blazer has been roasted in &#8230;\u00a0well, a blaze of criticism for not being like the new\u00a0Ford Bronco. Unlike\u00a0the wildly anticipated Ford, the mid-size Chevy isn\u2019t sparking passion because it has forsaken its roots as a rugged\u00a0truck-based SUV. Its sibling\u00a0 \u2014 the\u00a0subcompact 2021 Chevy Trailblazer\u00a0\u2014 is feeling the heat, too. The original 1999 Trailblazer was [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26151"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26151"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26151\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26152,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26151\/revisions\/26152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}