The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is coming out next year. The company will position this vehicle in the crossover class, right between subcompact Trax and compact Equinox. This is expanding the lineup in the most demanded segment of the automotive market in the US. Sales of two existing models are slowing down, so GM needs something to refresh the interest in its crossovers.
The company announced the vehicle, but all other details are mostly speculations. We don’t know what will power the new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. Trax and Equinox can answer some questions. However, the diesel unit is a mystery. Also, will the Chevrolet finally get a hybrid crossover? Furthermore, enthusiasts expect a return of the SS model.
All sources are not official. However, the same origins were right when they announced the comeback of the Trailblazer before the company made it. SO, we can rely on some info. However, it is still early to talk about the final product. The crossover will debut in 2020, and then the cards will open, GM officially states. Until then, we can chase more details and prototypes on the road.
Trailblazer is Smaller Than Equinox
Dimensions of the new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer are unknown. We know the crossover is going to be larger than the currently smallest Trax (168.5 inches long). On the other hand, the vehicle is going to be shorter than the compact Equinox (183 in). The gap leaves enough space for another model to fit right between these two. We won’t predict dimensions, but the wheelbase will be somewhere in the middle as well (100-107 inches).
If we compare the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer to its predecessor, this is a significant cut. The last edition was 193 inches long. Now, it will be at least 15 inches shorter. Still, we could see the extended version, similar to the one on the Cadillac Escalade ESV. Well, the previous Trailblazer with such configuration was named EXT, while its larger sibling with this badge was actually a truck.
2021 Chevy Trailblazer vs Nissan Rogue Sport
The crossover market is definitely the most attractive nowadays. We could see the expansion of the segment in all ways. Now we have large models with a 130-inch wheelbase and down to subcompact models whose length is only 30 inches longer. New classes are being born every season. The one between subcompact and compact tiers already received two models.
General Motors doesn’t want the competition. But, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer will have it. Nissan launched a new model which will be a direct rival. Rogue Sport is smaller than Rogue and larger than Kicks. It is 172 inches long, and the new Trailblazer is going to be in the same region. We will definitely compare the performances and features of these two when the GM finally launches the new crossover.
Possible Engines and the SS Model
Again, we will use the closest siblings and a rival to see if it is possible to get the perfect drivetrain for the crossover. Trax is getting power from a 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit. With 140 hp, it is going to be very similar to Nissan’s model (141 horsepower). On the other hand, the new Trailblazer could go after higher outputs. Equinox steps up with a pair of turbo units. A 1.5-liter engine creates 170 hp, while the 2.0-liter drivetrain is a bit too powerful.
But, this one could be saved for the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer SS. On the other hand, this is going to be a huge blow. The last time we saw this badge in combination with the same nameplate in 2006, the system used a 6.0-liter displacement. Well, the model is now smaller, and efficiency is more important than power. It is pretty questionable if the SS trim is going to appear. Trailblazer could get the 2.0 engine with the RS model instead.
Hybrid Engine
Enthusiasts would like to see the hybrid engine the most. But, General Motors is losing a battle to the competition. While we are reading stories about new arrivals by other companies, the GM focuses on some other things. The market is changing, and it seems the US carmaker is finding it hard to adapt. Their crossovers need hybrid sources of power to survive.
Malibu is the only available hybrid in the market, and it can borrow its system to the new crossover. With 180 hp and 280 lb-ft, it can be a huge boost. Still, this is clearly speculation, without the real foundation. However, fans would be happy with a new system as well.
2021 Chevy Trailblazer Release Date and Price
The release date is one of the details we have directly from the company. As stated, the new Trailblazer is arriving in 2020. However, the precise period of the year is not available yet. On the other hand, since the crossover slots between the other two models, it is easy to predict that the same happens with the price. Trax costs $21,500 and the larger Equinox starts at $25,000. Trailblazer? Somewhere in the middle.
