Teresa’s View: Midsize TrailBlazer comes in two trims, LS and LT

Sat., April 9, 2005

Teresa Herriman Marketing Department Correspondent

When it comes to American sport-utes, it’s all about the power. We’ve got haulin’ and towin’ and hitchin’ and spittin’ to do. So who sells the most powerful SUV in the midsize category? Chevy, that’s who. Their midsize SUV, the TrailBlazer, is definitely labor-ready.

It boasts a 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with plenty of torque for real-world towing.

Need more power? Last year, Chevy added to its lineup a longer wheelbase version called the TrailBlazer EXT. To lug the bigger truck, Chevy gave it an optional 300 horsepower, all-aluminum 5.3-liter V-8 engine. High-tech advancements, like Displacement on Demand, help keep fuel consumption reasonable. When the full eight cylinders aren’t needed, this engine only uses four.

With the proper equipment, the V-8-powered EXTs can tow up to 7,100 pounds. (The six-cylinder versions can handle 6,000 pounds.) The EXT is a full 16 inches longer than the standard model — allowing for a third row of seating and boosting passenger capacity from five to seven.

For the most part, the interior is clean and practical. Upgraded seating designs and several new exterior colors and interior combos are new this year. However, bland styling and the occasional use of poor-quality plastics keep it from being a first-class cabin.

For those who like their sport-utes sportier, Chevrolet just introduced the TrailBlazer SS at the 2005 New York Auto Show. The oh-my-goodness-hottie is the first truck developed by GM’s Performance Division. The SS is promised for this fall.

What Is It?: The midsize TrailBlazer comes in two trims, LS and LT. Both offer available two- or four-wheel drive in your choice of regular or super size. Prices start at $28K.

Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. The TrailBlazer offers a slew of gadgets including dual-zone manual air conditioning, a CD player and power windows and door locks. Options include the requisite rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Side curtain airbags with rollover sensors are offered for the first time.

The Cheat Sheet: Chevy is a division of General Motors Corp.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Trailblazer is assembled in Oklahoma City, Okla.