2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: Road Test
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2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer ▼
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- MSRP: $24,430 -$30,230
- Invoice: $22,842 -$28,265
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Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
Six-cyl regular-length models have good power for most situations. Seven-passenger models weigh about 350 lb more, and are OK with the 6-cyl. With the V8, they feel little stronger in everyday use, though should have it for towing, heavy hauling. The 5.3-liter V8's Active Fuel Management feature is seamless in operation. TrailBlazer SS muscular from any speed, lends credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.8 |
Test 4WD 6-cyl regular-length TrailBlazers averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A 6-cyl 4WD 2003 Envoy XL averaged 15.8 mpg over a 21,677-mi. extended-use test. Test TrailBlazer SS averaged 13.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure with Active Fuel Management. GM claims Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by up to eight percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.4 |
Base suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. Buick, Saab, and GMC offer load-leveling suspension that makes rough-road ride more composed. Longer wheelbase helps EXTs smooth out bumps, but they, too, porpoise over dips and swells. SS's sport suspension, 20-inch tires give stiffer but not-uncomfortable ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4.1 |
Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. Relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes have adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. SS has sharper moves all-around, but is still plagued by body lean in turns.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds, audible even from around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. V8 is quieter overall. SS V8 rumbles loudly during acceleration, is relatively subdued at cruise.
CONTROLS
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Clear, handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting low-mounted climate controls forces 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 GM's 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, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 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 to front and sides, but headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines, especially on seven-seaters.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate underseat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. On seven-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, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.3 |
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 the cargo deck, so no flat-floor convenience. 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, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.7 |
TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize truck-type SUVs and match most rivals for pace and space. Overall, however, we prefer the GMC Envoy among this GM family as providing the best blend of performance, quality, and dollar value.
Total Score
| 4WD LT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, 6-cyl | 4WD LT EXT, V8 | 2WD LS w/SS Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 56 | 57 | 54 | 56.7 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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