2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A revised V8 and available head-protecting curtain side airbags mark 2005 changes for Chevrolet's midsize SUVs. TrailBlazer is the top-selling version of a basic GM design shared with Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X. TrailBlazer, Envoy, and Ascender offer 5-passenger and extended-length 7-seat models; Rainier and 9-7X are 5-seaters only.

TrailBlazers come in LS and uplevel LT trim with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-speed automatic transmission, and inline 6-cyl engine. A V8 is optional for the extended EXTs and now has GM's Displacement on Demand feature, which automatically shuts down four cylinders under cruise conditions to save fuel and reactivates them for acceleration. All models offer rear-wheel drive with available traction control or GM's all-surface Autotrac 4WD with low-range gearing. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on all but the regular-length LS, which has 16s.

The newly optional curtain side airbags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows--and replace last year's available seat-mounted front side airbags. Also optional are rear DVD entertainment and a radio/navigation system with control touch screen in the audio faceplate.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.