Chevrolet Trailblazer 2017 facelifted with new engine, launched in UAE & GCC

The 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer has been facelifted, but the big news is the more-powerful engine that comes as standard.

External changes include the front grille, bumper and headlights that come with daytime running lights. There is also a new Z71 trim level, but it seems to be just a trim package with black-painted wheels and exterior trim, door protection strips, black bonnet decal and tailgate badging.

Inside, the Trailblazer has a newly-designed dashboard and front console with more soft-touch materials and contrast stitching. The 7-seater’s “theatre-style seating” that allows second and third-row occupants a better all-around view as well as front and rear-controlled a/c are carried over.

The new Trailblazer comes with a 3.6-litre engine tuned for better performance and improved fuel economy, now producing 275 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It comes in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive forms, the latter also getting low-range gearing like its direct rivals, the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Montero, and indirectly the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

Further features include electric power steering that adapts to speed, and newly-redesigned door, window and windshield seals as well as front door glass that is 10% thicker to make the Trailblazer 8% quieter on the road than its predecessor.

The new Trailblazer comes with a host of active and passive safety features that include the Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Anti-Rolling Protection and Trailer Sway Control. This is in addition to front airbags for the driver and passenger.

Other available features include Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Parking Assist, remote start and tyre pressure monitor. Multimedia features include Apple CarPlay for the colour touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free and voice recognition.

Improvements were also made to GM’s manufacturing plant in Thailand, where the Trailblazer is built, with additional automation, tighter process controls, improved design robustness and increased quality control.

For UAE prices and GCC specs, visit the Chevrolet buyer guide.