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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 1.2l FWD | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 65.7 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,014 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr SUV 1.3l FWD | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 65.7 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,067 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr SUV AWD | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 65.7 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,225 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailblazer FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 33 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 288 |
| Trailblazer FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 31 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 302 |
| Trailblazer AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 30 / 28 | +17% | $2,400 | 314 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover 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% |


Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 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.
Not every 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 40 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 38 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 TrailBlazer | 31 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2025 TrailBlazer | 31 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 26 |
| 2024 TrailBlazer | 31 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 36 |
| 2023 TrailBlazer | 31 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 75 |
| 2022 TrailBlazer | 31 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 112 |
| 2009 TrailBlazer | 17 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 18 |
| 2008 TrailBlazer | 17 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 81 |
| 2007 TrailBlazer | 17 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 255 |
| 2006 TrailBlazer | 16 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 270 |
| 2005 TrailBlazer | 16 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 207 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →