A Trophy Track Record: Three Reasons to Buy a Used Chevy Trailblazer

The Chevy Trailblazer might boast one of the most interesting automotive evolutions we can remember, but there’s no arguing with the results. The Trailblazer began as a trim option for the popular Blazer SUV before being spun off into its own model in 1992. The midsize model was lauded for its utility, performance, and family-friendly design, but was replaced by the Traverse in 2009 as Chevy embraced the new crossover approach.

While the Traverse proved to be a popular replacement, you can’t keep a good SUV down. The revived Trailblazer made a strong impression right out of the gate with the 2021 model landing a spot on MotorTrend’s coveted “Best Subcompact Crossovers” list. The respected automotive publication praised the Trailblazer’s sporty, Camaro-inspired design, spacious seating, and modern technology, but this hard-earned recognition only marked the start of Chevy’s winning ways.

The Trailblazer has amassed quite a trophy case since adopting its new crossover design, with critics singling out the SUV’s safety, performance, and modern technology. There are plenty of reasons to consider the Chevy Trailblazer when visiting DePaula Chevrolet, if you’re looking for a great used car dealership, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Let’s explore some of the awards the SUV has landed over the last few years and learn how a pre-owned Chevy Trailblazer could be the perfect fit for that empty spot in your garage.

An IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for Multiple Years

The Trailblazer’s roomy second row and ample cargo space make the subcompact a compelling choice for families seeking a used crossover, but it’s the SUV’s arsenal of advanced safety equipment that really seals the deal. The Trailblazer earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in both 2021 and 2022, thanks to its high-quality construction and a comprehensive list of standard safety features that instill drivers with a newfound sense of confidence.

The Chevy Safety Assist Suite

The crossover earned top rankings in all six crashworthiness categories and also saw high marks in the IIHS’s crash avoidance and mitigation tests, thanks in large part to the Chevy Safety Assist package. The comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sees the Trailblazer to fare exceptionally well in vehicle-to-vehicle accidents thanks to features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, and an available adaptive cruise control system that’ll allow you to maintain a set speed while keeping your distance from other vehicles.

Chevy’s Exclusive Teen Driver Technology

There’s certainly no discounting the importance of the Trailblazer’s cutting-edge ADAS, but another standard safety feature is sure to enhance the SUV’s appeal among those who are a little nervous about handing the keys over to the next generation of drivers. Chevy’s Teen Driver technology allows parents to keep an eye on their kids’ driving habits, exert a little control, and instill good behavior, no matter how far-fledged the drivers might fly from the nest. From setting a prescribed speed limit to preventing the crossover from shifting into drive until front-seat passengers are buckled, the Teen Driver system provides valuable peace of mind for parents and guardians.

Worried about the kids paying more attention to their playlist than to their safety? A Seatbelt Audio Mute feature will keep the cabin quiet until everyone is properly restrained, and a speed warning feature can provide audio and visual alerts if the system detects excessive acceleration. The Trailblazer’s Teen Driver system even comes with a handy in-vehicle report card that logs every transgression in real time, allowing parents to review the vehicle’s maximum speed, distance driven, how often various safety systems were engaged, and other important data before doling out punishments or praise as necessary. Teen Driver technology comes standard on more recent models, making the SUV a particularly attractive choice for those looking to put their kids behind the wheel of their first car while still ensuring plenty of accountability.

A Wards’ “10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” Winner

The Trailblazer’s three-cylinder engines defy their modest size to provide the subcompact crossover with an efficient ride that’s never hurting for power, at least as far as Wards is concerned. The automotive media outlet fawned over the SUV’s 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine, gracing it with a “10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” award back in 2021 and dubbing the turbocharged mill as “The Little Engine That Could”.

Horsepower and Torque

Producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, the three-cylinder engine provides the sort of power-per-liter that’s sure to turn some heads. The Chevy Corvette’s high-performance reputation is nothing less than legendary, but as Wards points out, the Trailblazer’s own output actually surpasses that of its iconic mid-engine brethren. At 119 hp per liter, Wards says that the Trailblazer offers an extra 40 hp per liter when compared to the 2021 Corvette Stingray, thanks to “a combination of technology, tidy sizing and torquey response.”

Impressive Efficiency

“Most people behind the wheel would never know that there’s only three cylinders doing the work,” says Wards senior editor Tom Murphy, and we’re inclined to agree. The subcompact isn’t going to win you any drag races with its unremarkable zero-to-60-mph time, but it provides the sort of efficiency and power-to-size ratio that makes the Trailblazer a difficult option to ignore on the used market. The Ecotec engine can be paired with AWD, and is the most efficient option in the current lineup with an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

How has Chevy managed to maximize the motor’s efficiency? Wards credits the all-aluminium construction, turbocharger, and double-overhead cam design, as well as the SUV’s active thermal management system, variable flow lubrication, and its “nearly invisible stop/start system”. The 1.3-liter engine comes standard on the Trailblazer’s RS and Activ trims and is also available on some LS and LT models. The base L trim is offered with a 1.2-liter version of the turbocharged engine that delivers a respectable 137 hp and an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

Wards’ “10 Best UX” Award

The term “UX” might sound like a bit of digital age jargon, but it’s pretty easy to understand once you untangle the acronym. Short for “User Experience”, UX basically describes the way that a person interacts with a particular product or system. In terms of automotive technology, the term is typically used to describe a vehicle controls, menus, settings and, as of late, its infotainment software and related systems.

The Infotainment 3 Plus System

Infotainment technology has become the newest arms race amongst automotive brands, and Chevy has kept its stable of cars, trucks, and SUVs well ahead of the pack with its Infotainment 3 Plus software. Designed to replace the previous MyLink system, Chevy Infotainment 3 Plus allows drivers to leverage the latest advancements to create a safe, seamless ride that can truly elevate the daily driving experience. The system first debuted on the 2019 Blazer and later made its way to the 2020 Traverse and Equinox, before being introduced into the 2021 Trailblazer, giving Chevy ample time to refine the system based on user feedback.

Accessed through either a standard seven-inch display or an available eight-inch upgrade, Chevy Infotainment 3 Plus serves as a one-stop command center for all your information, connectivity, and convenience needs, earning its place on Ward Automotive’s “10 Best UX” list. The system allows drivers to simultaneously connect two Bluetooth devices, access SiriusXM and HD Radio, and even includes an available seven-speaker Bose sound system.

Seamless Connectivity

While the wireless charging pad is another obvious highlight, it’s the Chevy’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity that really mark the most enticing upgrade. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give you the ability to tap into the full power of your smartphone every time you slide into the driver’s seat, from accessing GPS navigation and streaming services to making and receiving calls, sending and receiving texts, and accessing popular apps.

Blaze a Trail to Savings at DePaula Chevrolet

If you’re a budget-conscious driver that prioritizes safety, performance, and convenience, the Chevy Trailblazer provides the sort of value that few subcompact crossovers can match. The critically acclaimed crossover has been wowing the likes of Wards, MotorTrend, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety since 2021, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.

The SUV’s safety record speaks for itself, with the Trailblazer earning multiple five-star ratings, and Chevy’s innovative Teen Driver technology only broadens its appeal amongst anxious parents. The Trailblazer’s potent powertrain delivers an unbeatable mix of performance and efficiency, and the sophisticated Chevy Infotainment 3 Plus software allows everyone to enjoy the latest in automotive tech without inflating the price tag.

When you buy a used Trailblazer at DePaula Chevrolet, you’ll also be able to avoid much of the costly depreciation that’s inherent to late-model vehicles while still enjoying plenty of modern features and contemporary styling. Want to learn more? Stop by DePaula Chevrolet today and experience the award-winning Chevy Trailblazer for yourself.