Acceleration

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
6	8	5.5

Six-cylinder TrailBlazers have good power for most situations. The 5.3-liter V8 is stronger still, and its cylinder-deactivation feature is seamless in operation. SS models are muscular from any speed, lending credence to Chevy's 5.7-sec 0-60-mph claim.

Fuel Economy

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
3	2	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD 6-cylinder versions averaged 12.9-17.9 mpg, depending on conditions. A test 2WD SS averaged 13.6 mpg. We've not had an opportunity to measure with the 5.3-liter V8. Six-cylinder and 5.3 V8 TrailBlazers use regular-grade gas. Chevrolet recommends premium for the SS.

Ride Quality

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
5	4	5.5

For a traditional, truck-type SUV, TrailBlazer absorbs most bumps well but is prone to float and wander at highway speeds. GMC and Saab offer load-leveling suspensions that make the ride over rough roads more composed. SS's sport suspension and 20-inch tires give a stiffer, but not uncomfortable, ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
3	4	4.4

Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and lifeless steering that demands attention on the highway. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. The brakes have adequate stopping control but spongy pedal action, and quick stops induce marked nosedive and some wander. SS models have sharper moves all-around but are still plagued by body lean in turns.

Quietness

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
4	4	5.4

Tire noise is pleasingly low, but wind rush rises sharply at highway speeds. The 4.2-liter engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The 5.3 V8 is quieter overall. The SS's V8 rumbles loudly during acceleration but is relatively subdued at cruise.

Controls

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
5	5	6.3

Clear and handy. Most switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look from road. The available touch screen navigation/audio system is fairly easy to use and doesn't complicate stereo adjustments.

Details

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
3	3	5.4

The similar Envoy and 9-7X have more-upscale interiors than TrailBlazer, but all suffer generic fabrics and unappealing hard, molded plastics that don't match the look or feel of most competitors' decor.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
7	7	7.1

Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are too soft for best support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but the headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Six-footers have ample head and knee space, plus adequate underseat foot clearance despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing.

Cargo Room

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
9	9	8.6

Generous. The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat converts easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. The tailgate's opening glass sits too high up for easy routine loading/unloading. The cabin has a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.

Value within Class

4WD LT, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
6	5	5.8

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, 6-cylinder	2WD SS	Class Average
57	57	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76