2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Pictured: 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer RS AWD, front 7.11.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 1.2l FWD, 4dr SUV 1.3l FWD, 4dr SUV AWD
Engines
1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.2L 3-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
31 combined · 29 city / 33 hwy
Length
173.6 in
Curb weight
3,014–3,225 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 small SUV (26.4 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.3L 3-cyl turbo and 1.2L 3-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,014 lb (4dr SUV 1.2l FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 33 highway), 17% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 197 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2021

  • New body dimensions: 18.1 in shorter, wheelbase −9.1 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engines added: 1.3L 3-cyl turbo and 1.2L 3-cyl turbo
  • Engines dropped: 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.2L 6-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 17 to 31
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 TrailBlazer →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 1.2l FWD173.6 in71.3 in65.7 in103.9 in61 / 61.8 in3,014 lb62/38
4dr SUV 1.3l FWD173.6 in71.3 in65.7 in103.9 in61 / 61.8 in3,067 lb62/38
4dr SUV AWD173.6 in71.3 in65.7 in103.9 in61 / 61.8 in3,225 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Trailblazer FWD1.3L 3-cyl turboAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 33 / 31+17%$2,150288
Trailblazer FWD1.2L 3-cyl turboAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 31 / 29+10%$2,300302
Trailblazer AWD1.3L 3-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive26 / 30 / 28+17%$2,400314
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.4 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV AWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV AWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release
Frontal crash test — 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release
Side crash test — 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (this car)31 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Ford Bronco21 MPGNot rated20
2021 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (4)

Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift › Stand · Jun 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V440000 · 135,400 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
Risk
A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
Service Brakes · Sep 24, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V588000 · 3,677 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.
Risk
If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Sep 3, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V537000 · 105 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
Risk
If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 21, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V295000 · 20 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles factory-equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires. The certification label on these vehicles does not provide the tire size and cold tire pressure information for front and rear tires, as required. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and will mail corrected labels for customers to apply, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202304070.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

197Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
20,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other56
Power Train41
Electrical System40
Engine38
Service Brakes30
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking9
Structure › Body6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1124/12: 325/01: 225/02: 425/03: 125/04: 725/05: 425/06: 425/07: 325/08: 725/09: 625/10: 625/11: 225/12: 226/01: 126/02: 326/03: 726/04: 726/05: 226/06: 526/07: 1126/08: 226/09: 326/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 40 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 38 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other TrailBlazer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 TrailBlazer31173.6 inNot rated112
2025 TrailBlazer31173.6 in★★★★★126
2024 TrailBlazer31173.6 in★★★★★136
2023 TrailBlazer31173.6 in★★★★★075
2022 TrailBlazer31173.6 in★★★★★1112
2009 TrailBlazer17191.7 inNot rated018
2008 TrailBlazer17191.7 inNot rated081
2007 TrailBlazer17191.7 inNot rated5255
2006 TrailBlazer16191.7 inNot rated5270
2005 TrailBlazer16191.7 inNot rated0207

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →