The Chevrolet TrailBlazer started life in 1999 as a high-end variant of the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and stayed that way until 2002, when it became a standalone vehicle. It was discontinued in North America in 2006, replaced by the Chevy Traverse, but saw a relaunch in 2021, with the less stylized "Trailblazer" nameplate, as a subcompact crossover SUV.

Chevrolet had announced for 2024, that the Trailblazer would receive a mid-cycle refresh and now the details are out. It has a new look, plenty of room, a price that can't be beaten, and it will be available in the fall of 2023. It is still, however, underpowered and completely unfit for anything but city driving, so it remains to be seen if the refresh will move more vehicles.

What's New For the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Front view of 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevrolet
The 2024 Trailblazer front looks like the Blazer

The first thing that sticks out on the 2024 Trailblazer refresh is the all-new front fascia and slimmer daytime-running headlights. Actually, it's only new for the Trailblazer because it looks suspiciously like the front of the much larger Blazer SUV. There are a couple of new wheel designs, and Chevy has added Cacti Green and Copper Harbor color options.

Interior of the 24 Trailblazer
Chevrolet
Upgraded interior of the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

On the inside of the new Blazer, the previously small 7-inch infotainment system has been replaced by an 11-inch touch screen and a high-tech 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster, which comes standard. Most of the interior is done in black plastic, but it has been given an attractive texture to make it seem less cheap. Higher-level models come with colored accents and chrome inserts to give it a slightly more luxurious feel. Though it is a subcompact, there's more than enough room for 4 adults to sit comfortably. There's a generous cargo area in the back, and the rear seats fold flat for extra storage space. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for transporting extra-long items. The driver's seat rides high like a full-size SUV to avoid feeling smothered on a street crowded by mechanical monsters.

RELATED: 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV AWD Review: A Compact SUV With Big Capability

The Trail Blazing Limitations Of The 2024 Trailblazer

2024 Trailblazer on rocky terrain
Chevrolet
2024 Trailblazer on rocky terrain

Despite carrying the name Trailblazer, this crossover doesn't seem particularly fit for off-roading. According to Car & Driver it's a bit underpowered and is set up more for street service than the rugged outdoors. While it's not designed for rock climbing, it'll have no problem traversing the speed bumps at the mall and powering through potholes. Just don't expect G-force pulling acceleration.

The Trailblazer comes with 2 engine options, neither of which are going to blow drivers away. The first is a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The upgrade is a 155-horsepower turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine. The 1.2-liter only offers front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional with the 1.3-liter, which also comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel 1.3-liter Trailblazer does a lackadaisical 9.5 second 0-60 speed.

Sacrificing power does come with the advantage of improved fuel economy. The front-wheel drive Trailblazer with the 1.2-liter engine makes 29 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Inexplicably, the front-wheel drive with the slightly larger 1.3-liter engine does a little better with 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet doesn't even give specs on the Trailblazer's ground clearance, but with a wheel base of 103.9 inches and 17-inch standard wheels, this is not something that should be driven off-road. There is also the complete lack of off-road suspension, beefy chassis, and skid plates that indicate this is a city driver, not a rival to the Jeep Wrangler.

RELATED: Chevy Just Ruined the Trailblazer Name Too

The 2024 Trailblazer Is Priced Right

2024 Trailblazer tree-quart front
Chevrolet
Three-quarter front view of the 2024 Chevrolet Trailbalzer

The 2024 Trailblazer isn't a vehicle for off-road enthusiasts, it's for getting to work, picking up groceries, and dropping the kids off at soccer practice. As such, it shouldn't carry a hefty price tag, and it doesn't. Starting at just $23,395 for the base model LS, this is an affordable, reliable ride.

The next level up is the LT, which goes for $25,595, and the ACTIV trim, as well as the RS, are only $28,395. Chevrolet hasn't specified what comes with the various trims, but presumably, the LS and LT are front-wheel drives with the 1.2-liter engine, while the upper trims are probably all-wheel drive with the 1.3-liter engine. No matter what, even the most decked-out 2024 Trailblazer is under $30,000. Of course, none of these trims are to be confused with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is a completely different model.

RELATED: Compact American SUV Battle: Ford Edge ST Vs Chevrolet Equinox Premier

Is The Trailblazer Mid-Cycle Refresh Worth It?

rear view of the 2024 Trailblazer
Chevrolet
Rear view of the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

While the mid-cycle refresh of the Trailblazer has given it a snappier look and upgraded electronics, it's still basically the same vehicle that has underwhelmed critics since 2021. Chevrolet didn't put any more power into it, nor did they address the #1 complaint that it doesn't offer a very smooth ride. A bigger engine, stouter chassis, and suspension upgrade would have been surely welcomed.

It does come with an attractive price, but consumers can get more vehicle in the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, or the Kia Soul for about the same money. Since its reboot, the Trailblazer hasn't exactly set sales records of fire, with only 60,888 vehicles sold last year. Putting a new face on the subcompact crossover SUV, without addressing the real issues with the vehicle is unlikely to turn things around.