The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer enters its second model year.  Because the nameplate was just reintroduced.  Having been absent from the carmaker's line-up for a bit more than a decade.

✅  Southern California’s Chevy HQ –> Martin Chevrolet

And to be clear Trailblazer is now a subcompact crossover SUV.  Previously it was midsize.  But again that goes way back to 2009.

So it's now much smaller.  But also much sportier.  In fact, its styling cues are easily connected to Camaro.

2022 Chevy Trailblazer Top-3:

Styling

Interior

Fuel-economy

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Sportiest subcompact?

New For 2022 Chevy Trailblazer

Even though Trailblazer is in only its second model year there are some new aspects for 2022.

And those include; available roof rack cross rails and a trailering package.  Plus a heated steering wheel on upper trims.

Additionally some cool new exterior color options.  Including crimson metallic, the color of the vehicle I drove pictured throughout this review.

Other new colors include blue glow metallic, vivid orange, and mahogany red metallic.

Trims And MSRPs

So you have four trim options to go with for 2022.  And thanks to the design and shape of the vehicle all the trim configurations are handsome.

But of course, the higher trims include quite a bit more features and creature comforts.

Trims & Starting Prices:

LS $21,600

LT $23,800

ACTIV $25,700

RS $25,700

Also, my test driver pictured throughout this post was the top-of-the-line RS trim.

And thanks to my friends at Martin Chevrolet for hooking that up.

Engine, Transmission, And MPG

Now the engine is where Trailblazer raises some eyebrows.  And that's because it features two different 3-cylinder engines.

You read that correctly 1-2-3 cylinders.  Both of them are turbocharged.  And both are spirited, if not quick while delivering great fuel economy.

1.2L Turbo I-3

The smaller of the two powerplants is the 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder.  It puts out 137 horsepower with 162 pound-feet of torque.

1.3L Turbo I-3

Then there's the 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder.  And it delivers 155 horsepower with 174 pound-feet of torque.

Transmission

So, there's a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can be paired with either motor.

And while some CVTs are criticized I have to admit that my test driver had one.  To be clear it was matched with the bigger engine.  But it left me with two takeaways.

First, I wouldn't have guessed it was a CVT while I was driving it. And second, it was truly fun to drive.

Additionally, there's a 9-speed automatic transmission.  And it comes only with the bigger engine and when opting for the available all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy

No matter what engine and transmission you go with.  The Trailblazer has you in great shape with MPG.

2022 Chevy Trailblazer MPG:

1.2L FWD 29/31

1.3L

FWD 29/33

AWD 26/30

*City/highway

Also, with the newly available trailering package, Trailblazer can tow up to 1,000-pounds.

What Does The '22 Chevrolet Trailblazer Look Like?

When it comes to looks, Chevy did Trailblazer right.  And regardless of the trim configuration, you're getting a sleek, sophisticated and, sporty vehicle.

155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque

With its athletic lines and good looks, Trailblazer can easily pass for a vehicle in a larger class.