A 2023 Chevy Trailblazer Buyer’s Guide

January 13th, 2023 by

A close up of the headlight of a brown 2022 Chevy Trailblazer for sale is shown.

If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and comfortable subcompact SUV, then you might be on the hunt for a Chevy Trailblazer for sale. We’re big fans of this sporty yet sophisticated vehicle that delivers the power, durability, and safety you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet, all in an easy-to-handle curb weight packed with convenient features. And with a starting MSRP of $22,100, there’s no reason not to check out the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer if you’re looking for your next energetic subcompact SUV.[a]

The 2023 Trailblazer comes to us in four trims: the LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS. There are some innovations you can expect from them all, like a generous suite of safety assist features that are part of the standard Chevy Safety Assist package. This includes features like forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, and a following distance indicator. They’ll also comfortably seat five passengers and have convenient folding back seats to make more room for cargo when needed, a total of 54.4 cu.ft. to be exact. They even each boast Teen Driver technology, which lets you set limits on things like speed and music volume when your new driver is out on the road. But, there are some defining features that make each trim a little different and distinctly ideal for a certain driver. Here’s a look at each trim’s defining features to choose the best one for your needs.

The Trailblazer LS

The LS is an affordable option that has all of the basic standard features. It lacks bells and whistles in the style and entertainment/tech department, but it has available all-wheel drive, a generous suite of driver-assist features, spacious seating, and easy handling. The rear and front passenger seats fold flat to create extra cargo room when needed, which is true for all trims. You’ll get a seven-inch diagonal touchscreen here, through which you can enjoy wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility that comes standard across all trims, with a larger 8-inch touchscreen becoming available as you move up the trim line.

You get a six-speaker audio system here (the smallest of the batch) and a digital compass in the driver information system. It’s important to note that the LS has available cruise control, but just regular and not adaptive. That, again, is something you’ll need to pay more for. The LS is a solid, safe, easy-to-handle option for someone looking for something affordable but nothing fancy.

A person is shown using their phone to use carplay in a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer LT

The LT is a good option for those looking for all the basic functionality and reliability of the LS but with a few more creature comforts and upscale touches. This is where you’ll first see the 8-inch diagonal touchscreen become available, letting you see those apps and navigation on a larger interface. The LT also enjoys charging-only USB ports, so if you regularly power up devices on the road, this trim might be worth considering.

A few more luxury features appear here, too, including an available heated steering wheel, as well as standard heated driver and front seats. An available defroster system and humidity sensor show up here, too, to help you better control the climate in your cabin. This is the first trim where you see adaptive cruise control show up, which lets you decide the distance you want to keep between yourself and other cars and adjust the speed accordingly. If you don’t add it, you’ll still enjoy standard cruise control on the LT.

The Trailblazer ACTIV

You will notice a big jump in features once you get to the ACTIV trim. For the ACTIV, the standard engine is a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine boasting 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Once again, as with the LT, you get the 8-inch diagonal touch screen, but what’s exciting here is the added option of the Chevy Infotainment 3 Plus system. This will mean a larger touch screen, built-in navigation controls, enhanced voice recognition for hands-free commands, special in-vehicle apps, and personal cloud-based profiles that recall your preferences. Plus, the Bose premium 7-speaker audio system appears on this trim. The more tech-savvy drivers who crave a modern, streamlined infotainment system will like this upgrade.

It even has those previously mentioned charging-only USB ports available, and an available SD card reader also shows up in this trim. Like with the LT, adaptive cruise control is available on this trim, and regular cruise control comes standard. You get the addition of an available HD rear vision camera on this trim, too. Heated driver and front passenger seats are standard here, too. However, the steering wheel that was only available on the LT is now standard on the ACTIV, and the defroster system available on the LT is standard on this trim. The humidity sensor is still available but not standard here. As for a stylistic upgrade, you’ll see standard leatherette trim show up on this trim for a slightly more sophisticated look compared to the previous trims.

A red 2022 Chevy Trailblazer RS is shown parked on the side of a city street.

The Trailblazer RS

The RS has just about everything performance and comfort-wise that the previous trims have, which include the 1.3 turbocharged engine. You’ll get standard 18-inch high gloss aluminum machined face wheels, as well as standard black front and rear lower fascias and standard front and rear block bowtie emblems. The roof is available in either a crimson metallic or black metallic color for a unique style option, while LED tail lamps come standard, and LED headlamps are available.

Inside, you can choose the available jet black interior with red accents and leatherette trim on cloth seats. While those charge-only USB ports were the big tech surprise on the ACTIV and LT, you finally get available wireless charging for a clean, cord-free cabin on the RS. The Chevy Infotainment Plus 3 system is also available on this trim, as is the Bose premium 7-speaker sound system and the SD card reader. In addition to the full suite of driver-assist features offered on all trims, you can add the HD rear vision camera here, as well.

Go From Sporty to Stylish in the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer

The Chevy Trailblazer might be a subcompact SUV, but there’s nothing small about the options of features it offers throughout its trims. The LS is a solid choice with all the features that matter most when it comes to getting to your destination safely and enjoying the ride. With its low MSRP, it’s an excellent option for those needing a fun and affordable vehicle.

Those who need just a bit more luxuries can pay a modest upcharge for the LT, where they will find a few upgrades like heated seats and USB ports. Meanwhile, those who crave a comprehensive suite of technology features will want to spring for the ACTIV. The Chevy Infotainment 3 Plus shows up here, as does an available SD card reader and 7-speaker sound system. If you want all of the best features of the first three trims, plus head-turning style choices, you’ll want the RS, with its unique roof color choices, jet black and red interior option, and standard black fascia elements. If you’re considering the amazing Chevy Trailblazer, we here at DePaula Chevrolet welcome you to come in and let us help you find that perfect trim that meets your unique driving needs!


[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.