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The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the best new compact SUV models of the year. The Trailblazer combines affordability with style and plenty of standard safety features. While the Trailblazer is impressive, not all consumers are pleased with the compact SUV. Is the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer a disappointment?

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer by the specs

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine to make 137 horsepower. It gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Trailblazer comes with a 3.5-inch driver information center. It features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The compact SUV includes a tire pressure monitoring system as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It features standard heated driver and front passenger seats.

The compact SUV comes with several standard safety features, including front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning.

According to Car and Driver, the Trailblazer starts at $22,795. It comes in several different trims that offer more power and even off-road capability.

Is the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer worth the money or a huge disappointment?

An olive Chevy Trailblazer is driving off-road.
An olive Chevy Trailblazer is driving off-road | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer provides plenty of value for its low price. It is one of the most affordable SUV models on the market. That being said, the Trailblazer does have its pitfalls.

The Trailblazer is underpowered. Its 137 horses won’t satisfy every compact SUV buyer, especially when rivals like the Toyota RAV4 make 203 horsepower and above. The Trailblazer’s max power output is only 155 horses. This is still much weaker than rival base models.

Aside from being underpowered, the Trailblazer can also seem cramped compared to some of its main competitors. The compact SUV only has 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row of seats. The Toyota RAV4 has a whopping 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats.

Should you buy a new Chevy Trailblazer?

A red Chevy Trailblazer is parked on the street.
The Chevy Trailblazer | Chevy

The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer may be affordable, but that affordability forces consumers to sacrifice space and power. The Trailblazer produces more power than some other compact SUVs like the Hyundai venue, but for just a few extra thousand dollars, consumers can secure a more comfortable compact SUV that’s more enjoyable to drive.

If you don’t regularly plan on packing your compact SUV with friends or family members, the Trailblazer is a decent new SUV. It lacks the standard tech and safety of compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3, but it’s tough to expect much from a new SUV that’s so affordable.

The Trailblazer is a great first new vehicle for new drivers, but there are plenty of alternatives that provide either more power, tech, or safety around the same price range. Ultimately, the Trailblazer delivers exactly what it should for its price, but that doesn’t mean you should choose it over its rivals.

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