Acceleration

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
6	8	5.2

Six-cyl TrailBlazers have good power for most situations. V8's cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation. SS muscular from any speed, lends credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.

Fuel Economy

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
4	2	4

Test 4WD 6-cyl versions averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. Test SS averaged 13.6 mpg. No opportunity to measure with 5.3-liter V8.

Ride Quality

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
5	4	5.5

Absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. Buick, GMC, and Saab offer load-leveling suspension that makes rough-road ride more composed. SS's sport suspension, 20-inch tires give stiffer, but not uncomfortable, ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
3	4	4.5

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 control 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	2WD SS	Class Average
4	4	5.6

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	2WD SS	Class Average
6	6	6.6

Clear and 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, and doesn't complicate stereo adjustments. Ascender, Envoy, Rainier, and 9-7X have more-upscale interiors than TrailBlazer, but all suffer 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	2WD SS	Class Average
7	7	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.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Six-footers have ample 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.

Cargo Room

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
8	8	8

Generous. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. 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	2WD SS	Class Average
6	5	5.9

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 the best blend of performance, interior design, and dollar value.

Total Score

4WD LT	2WD SS	Class Average
55	54	58.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		69