Drive Notes: 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS

Today we have another bit of basic transport from Chevy, though this one is a step up in terms of price and size from the Trax I recently reviewed.

I dug the Trax's combination of utility, sport, and affordable price. Would I feel the same about the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS?

Not quite.

That's not to say the Trailblazer is bad. I wouldn't kick it out of the garage. But it never charmed me the way the Trax did.

Pros

• The handling is sporty-ish. Engaging relative to vehicle type, though not really all that fun. You can generate a few grins on an on-ramp, but not much beyond that.
• Low-end grunt is fine.
• The infotainment system is easy to learn.
• The gauges are simple and easy to use, as are the HVAC controls.
• I like the customization ability for the gauges, and except for one thing (see below), it's easy to do.
• I like how Chevy sweeps the center screen into the dash.

Cons

• The ride is a tad too stiff.
• The 1.3-liter turbo engine is quiet at low RPMs but loud and thrashy when you summon the beans.
• Low-end grunt may be fine, but there's not much verve beyond that.
• While some interior materials are nice, there's too much hard plastic.
• Rear headroom is a bit chopped for those over six-foot-one, though legroom is fine.
• I somehow changed the main gauge graphic and couldn't change it back. That sort of thing shouldn't be puzzling.
• The price is...well I don't think it's too expensive, given where the market is. But the as-tested price of $34K (or less) can get you a better vehicle -- including Chevy's own Trax, if you can live with something smaller. To be fair, this one was option laden, and the base price was a more reasonable $28,700.

That's it for this edition.

[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC.com]

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