2019 Chevy Trailblazer Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey everyone, let's dive into the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer review, shall we? The Trailblazer has always been a solid contender in the SUV game, but the 2019 model year has a few unique quirks we need to talk about. We'll be looking at everything from performance and interior to how it stacks up against the competition and if it's really worth your hard-earned cash. So, buckle up, and let's get into it!

Overview of the 2019 Trailblazer

First off, the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer isn’t the same as the current, smaller Trailblazer. This older model is a mid-size SUV that offers a more rugged, truck-based experience. Think of it as a sibling to the Chevy Colorado pickup truck. The 2019 Trailblazer was available in a few different trims: base, LT, and Premier. Each trim offered different levels of features and luxury. Premier being the top-of-the-line with all the bells and whistles. The 2019 Trailblazer's design is more traditional, with a boxy silhouette and a focus on practicality. This isn't your sleek, modern crossover; it's a workhorse designed to handle tough conditions. Under the hood, you'll find a choice of engines. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, offering decent power for daily driving. If you're looking for more oomph, there's also an available 3.6-liter V6, which provides significantly more horsepower and towing capacity. This is a key consideration depending on what you plan to do with your SUV. For those who need to haul cargo or hit the trails, the V6 is the way to go. The Trailblazer also offered both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The four-wheel drive system is particularly useful in snowy or off-road conditions, giving you extra grip and control. The interior of the 2019 Trailblazer is functional, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. While the materials might not be the most luxurious, they are durable and designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use. You'll find a user-friendly infotainment system, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it easy to stay connected on the road. Safety features were also a priority, with options like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera available to provide peace of mind. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer is a capable mid-size SUV that offers a good blend of practicality, performance, and features.

Performance and Driving Experience of the 2019 Trailblazer

When we talk about the performance of the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer, the driving experience really depends on the engine you pick. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is perfectly fine for city driving and everyday commutes. But if you’re planning on frequent highway trips or need to tow anything, you'll probably want to opt for the 3.6-liter V6. The V6 gives you a significant boost in power and acceleration, making merging onto the highway much easier. Now, let’s get into the specifics of how the Trailblazer handles. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than sporty handling. This means it soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road pretty well, but it might not be the best choice if you're looking for a sharp, responsive driving experience. The steering is relatively light, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, but it can feel a little disconnected at higher speeds. The Trailblazer's truck-based platform gives it a sturdy feel on the road. You'll notice less body roll compared to some of the crossover SUVs out there. This contributes to a more confident driving experience, especially when towing or carrying heavier loads. Speaking of towing, the 3.6-liter V6 Trailblazer can tow a decent amount, making it a practical choice for those who need to haul trailers or boats. The four-wheel-drive system is a definite plus if you live in an area with harsh winters or if you enjoy off-roading. It provides extra traction and control in slippery conditions, giving you the confidence to tackle various terrains. The transmission is a smooth-shifting automatic, making the driving experience generally pleasant. It's not the sportiest transmission out there, but it gets the job done without any fuss. Overall, the 2019 Trailblazer provides a comfortable and capable driving experience. It’s not the most exciting SUV on the road, but it excels in practicality and offers a solid performance for everyday use and light off-road adventures. So, if you're looking for something that can handle a variety of tasks, the Trailblazer is definitely worth considering.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology of the 2019 Trailblazer

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the interior, comfort, and technology of the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer. Inside, you'll find a functional, if not overly luxurious, cabin. The materials are durable and designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. You won’t find a lot of soft-touch surfaces here, but the focus is on practicality and ease of use. The seats are generally comfortable, offering decent support for both short commutes and longer trips. The available leather upholstery in the Premier trim adds a touch of sophistication. Space is a major advantage of the Trailblazer. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers in both the front and rear seats, making it a good choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers. The cargo area is spacious, with ample room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space, providing versatility for various needs. Now, let's talk technology. The 2019 Trailblazer comes with a user-friendly infotainment system. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to easily integrate your smartphone. This means you can access your favorite apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's touchscreen display. The system is generally responsive, making it easy to navigate menus and use various features. You'll also find a decent array of USB ports and power outlets, ensuring that everyone's devices stay charged on the go. The Premier trim includes additional features such as a premium sound system, adding to the overall in-cabin experience. Safety technology is also a key consideration. The 2019 Trailblazer offers a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to enhance driver awareness and provide an extra layer of protection on the road. The user interface is relatively straightforward, so you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out the controls.

Trim Levels and Features of the 2019 Trailblazer

Let's break down the trim levels and features of the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer to help you figure out which one is the best fit for you. As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Trailblazer came in three main trims: the base model, the LT, and the Premier. Each trim offers a different set of features and caters to different needs and budgets. The base Trailblazer is the entry-level option, offering a no-frills experience. It comes equipped with the essentials, including the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a basic infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. This trim is a good choice if you're looking for an affordable and functional SUV without all the extra bells and whistles. Moving up to the LT trim, you'll get some added features and upgrades. This trim usually includes things like alloy wheels, fog lights, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Inside, you might find upgrades to the interior trim and some additional convenience features. The LT trim is a great balance of features and value, making it a popular choice for many buyers. Finally, there's the Premier trim, which is the top-of-the-line option. This trim offers the most luxurious experience, with premium features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and additional safety technology. You might also find features like a power liftgate, heated front seats, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Premier trim is designed for those who want the best of everything, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and technology. Aside from these standard features, you could also customize your Trailblazer with a variety of packages and options. These could include things like a sunroof, upgraded wheels, and various appearance packages to make your Trailblazer look unique. If you plan to do any serious towing, make sure to consider the Trailblazer with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, as it has a higher towing capacity than the four-cylinder models.

Comparing the 2019 Trailblazer to the Competition

Let’s see how the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer stacks up against its rivals. The mid-size SUV market is pretty competitive, with a lot of great options to choose from. Let’s look at some of its main competitors and see how they compare.

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a classic in the mid-size SUV class. It's known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and long-term reliability. Compared to the Trailblazer, the 4Runner has a stronger reputation for off-road performance, making it a great choice for adventurous drivers. The 4Runner often has a higher resale value than the Trailblazer. However, it typically has a more dated interior and a less fuel-efficient engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another strong competitor. It offers a blend of luxury, off-road capability, and a wide range of engine options, including a powerful V8. The Grand Cherokee generally has a more upscale interior than the Trailblazer. It may also offer more advanced technology features. However, the Grand Cherokee can be pricier than the Trailblazer, especially when equipped with premium options.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has undergone some significant changes. It typically offers a more modern design, better fuel economy, and a wider range of technology features than the Trailblazer. The Explorer also often has a more comfortable ride, making it a good choice for families who prioritize on-road comfort. However, the Explorer’s focus on on-road comfort might mean it's not as capable off-road as the Trailblazer.

In comparing these competitors, the 2019 Trailblazer often stands out as a more budget-friendly option, especially when it comes to the base trims. It offers a good balance of practicality, performance, and features, making it a solid choice for those who want a reliable SUV without breaking the bank. The Trailblazer's truck-based platform gives it a rugged feel, and it has decent towing capacity with the V6 engine. However, if you prioritize off-road capability, a more upscale interior, or advanced technology, you might want to consider the 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, or Explorer.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Trailblazer

Before we wrap things up, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer, so you can get a clear picture of what it offers.

Pros

• Practicality and space: The Trailblazer offers a good amount of space for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families. Its boxy design maximizes interior space.
• Available V6 engine: The 3.6-liter V6 engine provides a significant boost in power, making highway driving and towing much easier.
• Available four-wheel drive: The 4WD system enhances traction and control, especially in challenging weather conditions or on unpaved roads.
• User-friendly infotainment system: The infotainment system is easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it easy to stay connected.
• Value for money: The Trailblazer can be more affordable than some of its competitors, especially in the base trims, offering a good balance of features and price.

Cons

• Interior materials: The interior materials are functional but might not feel as luxurious as those found in some competitors.
• Ride quality: The suspension is tuned for comfort, which means the ride can feel a bit floaty. The ride can be less responsive compared to other SUVs.
• Fuel economy: The fuel economy isn't the best in its class, especially with the V6 engine. This can increase running costs.
• Outdated design: The design of the Trailblazer is more traditional. The styling might not be as modern as some of its rivals.
• Not the best off-road: While the Trailblazer has some off-road capabilities, it's not as capable as some other SUVs. If serious off-roading is your main priority, consider other options.

Final Verdict: Is the 2019 Trailblazer Worth It?

So, is the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer worth buying? That depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a mid-size SUV that offers a good blend of practicality, performance, and value, then the Trailblazer is definitely worth considering. It provides a spacious interior, a reliable engine (especially the V6), and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, if you prioritize a more luxurious interior, better fuel economy, or superior off-road capabilities, then you might want to look at other options. The Trailblazer is a great choice for families, commuters, and anyone who needs a capable SUV for everyday tasks. Make sure to consider your own personal needs and preferences, and perhaps take a test drive to see how the Trailblazer feels to you. Ultimately, the 2019 Chevy Trailblazer is a solid choice in the mid-size SUV market, offering a good balance of features and value. Hope this helps you guys make a decision, happy driving!