2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Road Test
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2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer ▼
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- MSRP: $26,465 -$32,515
- Invoice: $23,951 -$29,426
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Our road test for the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer help you decide if a 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
Regular-length 6-cyl models have good power for most situations. Heavier EXTs do OK with the six but should have the optional V8 for routine towing or heavy hauling, though it feels little stronger in everyday use. V8's cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Test 4WD 6-cyl regulars averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A 2003 6-cyl 4WD Envoy XL did 15.8 mpg in a 21,677-mi. extended-use test. Test V8 TrailBlazer EXTs logged 15.2-15.7 mpg. GM claims DoD improves mpg by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Base suspension absorbs bumps well enough for an SUV, but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. Buick and GMC offer rear load-leveling air springs that make rough-road ride more composed than TrailBlazer's mandatory coil springs. Longer wheelbase helps EXTs (and Envoy XLs) smooth out bumps, but they, too, porpoise over dips and swells without air suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Disappoints with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. Relatively tight turning radius eases parking, though. Brakes have adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. Traction control, optional on 2WDs, helps in snow.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply with speed. The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is quieter overall.
CONTROLS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Clear and handy, but adjusting low-mounted climate controls requires a long look from road. Touch screen navigation/audio system fairly easy to use, but complicates some stereo adjustments. Envoy, Rainier, and Ascender have more-upscale interiors than TrailBlazer, but all suffer from GM-generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for best support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good except astern and to right-rear, impeded by headrests and thick rear-roof pillars, especially on 7-seaters.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On 7-place models, the 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry/exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
Generous in regulars, even better in extendeds. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, folded 3rd-row seatbacks rest several inches above cargo deck, so no flat-floor utility. Liftgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize SUVs and match most rivals for pace and space. The new curtain side airbags correct a competitive deficit, but the Displacement on Demand V8, though a nice idea, doesn't work economy wonders. We favor Envoy as offering the best blend of performance, quality, and dollar value in this GM clan.
Total Score
| 4WD LT | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 56 | 57 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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