Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport. This spunky little SUV made waves when it hit the scene, and for good reason. It’s stylish, practical, and offers a surprising amount of features for its price point. So, buckle up as we explore everything you need to know about the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport, from its performance and interior to its tech and overall value. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport marked a significant return for the Trailblazer nameplate, but this time as a subcompact SUV. Slotting in between the Trax and the Equinox, the Trailblazer was designed to appeal to younger buyers looking for a blend of style, efficiency, and technology. The Sport trim, in particular, aimed to inject a bit more personality and visual flair into the lineup. With its unique styling cues and available features, the Trailblazer Sport stood out as a compelling option in a crowded segment.

Exterior Design: The Sport trim differentiated itself with a distinctive mesh grille, black badging, and unique wheel designs. These elements gave it a more aggressive and athletic appearance compared to other Trailblazer trims. The overall design was modern and eye-catching, with sharp lines and a bold stance that made it stand out on the road. The available two-tone paint options further enhanced its visual appeal, allowing buyers to customize their Trailblazer to their liking.

Interior Features: Inside, the Trailblazer Sport offered a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. While the materials were mostly hard plastics, Chevy did a good job of integrating soft-touch surfaces in key areas to enhance the overall feel. The seats were supportive and comfortable, even on longer drives, and the rear seat offered ample legroom for passengers. The Sport trim also included features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury to the interior.

Technology and Safety: The 2021 Trailblazer Sport came standard with a user-friendly infotainment system that included a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. This allowed drivers to easily connect their smartphones and access their favorite apps on the go. In terms of safety, the Trailblazer Sport offered a comprehensive suite of features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. These technologies helped to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents.

Performance and Engine Options

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport offered two engine options, each designed to provide a balance of efficiency and power. Understanding these options is crucial for choosing the right Trailblazer to fit your driving needs. The Trailblazer isn't trying to win any races, but it does offer adequate performance for daily driving and the occasional road trip.

1.2-Liter Turbocharged Inline-3: The base engine was a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-3, producing around 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While it might sound small, the turbocharger helped to deliver decent low-end torque, making it feel surprisingly peppy around town. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over sporty driving dynamics. However, it provided smooth and seamless acceleration in most situations.

1.3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-3: For those seeking a bit more oomph, the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-3 was the way to go. This engine bumped the power up to 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The extra power was noticeable, especially when accelerating onto the highway or passing other vehicles. With the 1.3-liter engine, you also had the option of choosing all-wheel drive, which came with a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided better traction in inclement weather and a more engaging driving experience overall.

Driving Dynamics: Regardless of the engine you chose, the Trailblazer Sport offered a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension was tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and pleasant driving experience. The steering was light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While it wasn't a sports car by any means, the Trailblazer Sport handled well for a subcompact SUV.

Interior and Technology Features

Let's step inside the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport and check out its interior and tech. For a subcompact SUV, the Trailblazer Sport boasts a surprisingly spacious and well-equipped cabin. Chevy focused on creating a comfortable and user-friendly environment, with plenty of features to keep you connected and entertained on the road.

Seating and Space: The Trailblazer Sport offered seating for up to five passengers. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample headroom and legroom for taller drivers and passengers. The rear seat was also surprisingly spacious, with enough room for adults to sit comfortably on longer journeys. The rear seats could also be folded down to create a larger cargo area, making it easy to haul bulky items.

Infotainment System: The centerpiece of the Trailblazer Sport's interior was its infotainment system. It featured a user-friendly touchscreen display that was easy to navigate. The system came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. You could also access a variety of other features, such as navigation, music streaming, and voice control.

Other Tech Features: In addition to the infotainment system, the Trailblazer Sport offered a range of other tech features. These included a rearview camera, which made it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. It also had available features such as a wireless charging pad, which allowed you to charge your smartphone without having to plug it in. Other available features included a premium sound system, a sunroof, and a head-up display.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount, and the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport doesn't skimp in this department. Chevy equipped the Trailblazer Sport with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. These technologies are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Let's take a closer look at some of the key safety features offered on the Trailblazer Sport.

Standard Safety Features: The Trailblazer Sport came standard with a range of active safety features. These included automatic emergency braking, which could automatically apply the brakes if it detected an imminent collision. It also had lane departure warning, which alerted you if you started to drift out of your lane. Lane keep assist could gently steer the car back into its lane if you didn't respond to the warning. Other standard safety features included a rearview camera, forward collision alert, and pedestrian detection.

Available Safety Features: In addition to the standard safety features, the Trailblazer Sport offered a number of optional safety technologies. These included adaptive cruise control, which could automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. It also had blind-spot monitoring, which alerted you if there was a vehicle in your blind spot. Rear cross-traffic alert warned you of approaching vehicles when you were backing out of a parking space. Other available safety features included parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

Safety Ratings: The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer earned good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflected the Trailblazer's ability to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and strong safety ratings, the Trailblazer Sport provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World MPG

Fuel efficiency is a major consideration for many buyers, especially in the subcompact SUV segment. The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport aims to deliver decent fuel economy, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money at the pump. Let's take a closer look at the Trailblazer Sport's fuel economy ratings and real-world MPG performance.

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings: The EPA estimated that the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport with the 1.2-liter engine would get around 28 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 1.3-liter engine with front-wheel drive was rated at 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, the 1.3-liter engine was rated at 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions.

Real-World MPG: In real-world testing, the Trailblazer Sport generally lived up to its EPA fuel economy ratings. Many drivers reported averaging around 30 mpg in mixed driving conditions. However, some drivers experienced lower fuel economy in the city, especially during heavy traffic. On the highway, it was possible to achieve even better fuel economy than the EPA estimates, particularly when driving at a consistent speed.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy: Several factors could affect the Trailblazer Sport's fuel economy. These included your driving style, the weather conditions, and the type of terrain you were driving on. Aggressive driving, such as hard acceleration and braking, could significantly reduce fuel economy. Cold weather could also decrease fuel economy, as the engine needed to work harder to stay warm. Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain could also reduce fuel economy, as the engine had to work harder to climb the hills.

Pricing and Value

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport aimed to offer a compelling value proposition in the subcompact SUV segment. With its combination of style, features, and fuel efficiency, the Trailblazer Sport was positioned as an affordable and practical option for budget-conscious buyers. Understanding the pricing and value of the Trailblazer Sport is essential for making an informed purchase decision. The Trailblazer Sport offers good bang for your buck.

Starting Price: The starting price for the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport was around $23,000. However, the actual price could vary depending on the options and packages you chose. Adding features such as all-wheel drive, a sunroof, or a premium sound system could significantly increase the price. It's important to research the available options and packages to determine which ones best fit your needs and budget.

Value for Money: The Trailblazer Sport offered good value for money, especially when compared to other subcompact SUVs on the market. It came standard with a range of features that were often optional on competing models. These included a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of active safety features. The Trailblazer Sport also offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, making it a practical choice for families or those who needed to haul cargo.

Resale Value: The resale value of the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport was generally average for the subcompact SUV segment. However, the resale value could vary depending on the condition of the vehicle, its mileage, and its trim level. Keeping your Trailblazer Sport in good condition and maintaining it properly could help to preserve its resale value. Choosing popular options and colors could also make it easier to sell your Trailblazer Sport down the road.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer Sport? Overall, it's a solid choice in the subcompact SUV segment. It offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a decent array of features for its price point. The two engine options provide adequate performance and reasonable fuel economy. While it might not be the most exciting vehicle to drive, it's a practical and reliable option for daily commuting and weekend adventures. If you're in the market for a small SUV that won't break the bank, the Trailblazer Sport is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to check out the competition and see what else is out there before making your final decision.