The Chevy Trailblazer has carved out a specific position in the crowded small-SUV market: it’s the Chevrolet that prioritizes style and city-friendly size without sacrificing genuine AWD capability when you need it. Starting under $24,000 and available in four distinct trims, it covers a range from daily-driver value to sport-tuned RS for buyers who want a crossover with a point of view. For Bergen County buyers looking for a practical, affordable SUV that handles Route 17 commutes and Hackensack parking lots with equal ease, the Trailblazer is worth a close look.
Bottom Line: The Trailblazer LS is the entry-level value choice, but the LT with AWD is where most Bergen County buyers land. The ACTIV adds genuine all-season confidence; the RS adds sport styling at the same mechanical specification.
- Starting MSRP: $23,300 (LS FWD) - among the lowest in the compact SUV segment
- AWD available on LT, standard on ACTIV and RS
- Up to 29 MPG city / 33 MPG highway on FWD models
Trailblazer Trim Levels: LS Through RS
The Trailblazer lineup is tighter than most SUV ranges, which makes the decision cleaner. Each trim adds something specific, and there’s little overlap or redundancy between them.
LS ($23,300) - The entry trim with FWD only, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard Chevrolet Safety Assist covering automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. For Bergen County buyers who primarily drive local routes in Paramus and Hackensack and want the lowest possible entry price, the LS is the honest starting point.
LT ($26,200) - Adds an 8-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, heated front seats, and available AWD. The LT is the Trailblazer that most Bergen County buyers choose because it bundles the everyday comfort features most people actually use without pushing into ACTIV or RS territory.
ACTIV ($29,100) - AWD standard, roof rack rails, all-terrain tires, two-tone exterior paint, and an off-road-tuned appearance package. The ACTIV uses the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and is aimed at buyers who prioritize practicality and all-weather confidence over sport styling. For buyers who want genuine all-season capability at a clear value, the ACTIV makes a strong case.
RS ($29,800) - AWD standard, sport exterior styling with black accents, RS-specific interior with sport seats, and a distinct visual identity. The RS uses the same 1.3-liter turbocharged engine as the ACTIV but presents it with more aggressive styling. For Bergen County buyers who want their daily commuter to look the part, the RS delivers it at a modest price premium over the ACTIV.
The AWD Question for Bergen County
AWD availability is the decision that most influences which Trailblazer trim you buy. The LS is FWD only with no AWD option. The LT can be ordered with AWD for approximately $1,800 more. The ACTIV and RS both include AWD as standard.
Bergen County winters on Route 4, the Garden State Parkway approaches, and local roads in Fair Lawn and Ridgewood are manageable on good all-season tires in most years. The case for AWD is not just snow - it’s the confidence margin on wet roads and the occasional need to navigate unplowed side streets in February without second-guessing yourself.
For buyers who commute on major highways and rarely venture onto unpaved surfaces, the LT FWD is a reasonable choice that saves money. For buyers who want the assurance and drive in conditions that vary, the LT AWD or either of the standard-AWD upper trims is the safer selection.
| Trim | MSRP | AWD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS | ✓ $23,300 | FWD only | ✓ Lowest price |
| LT | $26,200 | Optional | Best overall value |
| ACTIV | $29,100 | Standard | All-season confidence |
| RS | $29,800 | Standard | Sport styling |
Fuel Economy and Daily Driving Costs
The Trailblazer’s turbocharged engines are small-displacement motors designed for efficiency first. FWD models with the 1.2-liter three-cylinder return up to 29 city and 33 highway MPG. AWD models with the 1.3-liter four-cylinder drop slightly to 26 city and 30 highway.
For a Bergen County commuter driving 15,000 miles annually on a mix of Route 17, the Garden State Parkway, and local streets, the Trailblazer’s fuel costs land meaningfully lower than larger crossovers. At current fuel prices, a Trailblazer FWD buyer can expect to spend roughly $1,400-$1,600 per year on fuel.
The trade-off is cargo volume. The Trailblazer’s 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded is adequate for most everyday needs but smaller than the Equinox or Traverse above it in Chevy’s lineup. For buyers whose cargo needs run to groceries, gym bags, and occasional larger hauls rather than full sheets of plywood, the Trailblazer’s cargo space handles daily Bergen County life well.
Safety Technology Standard on All Trims
Chevy Safety Assist is standard on every Trailblazer - automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, following distance indicator, and rear cross-traffic alert all come at no additional cost. This is included on the LS, not an option package exclusive to upper trims.
At the LT and above, additional technology becomes available including a surround-view camera system. For buyers navigating tight parking structures in downtown Hackensack or parallel parking on Paramus Road, the camera system earns its value on a daily basis.
Check the current NHTSA crash test scores for the Trailblazer before purchasing.
"The Trailblazer buyer usually has done the math. They want AWD, good fuel economy, and a clean interior under $30,000 - and the Trailblazer delivers all three without asking them to give one up."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
The Trailblazer is available at Paramus Chevrolet in Paramus, serving Bergen County buyers from Hackensack, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and throughout northern New Jersey.
FAQ: Chevy Trailblazer for Bergen County Buyers
Is the Trailblazer a good first car or young driver vehicle? Yes - the combination of reasonable size, standard safety technology, and a starting price under $24,000 makes the Trailblazer a practical choice. The smaller footprint is easier to manage than a full-size crossover for newer drivers navigating Bergen County traffic and parking.
Does the Trailblazer have a sunroof? A power sunroof is available on LT and above as an option. It is not included standard on any trim, so confirm that the specific inventory unit has it equipped if that is a priority for you.
How does the Trailblazer compare to the Chevy Trax? Both are small Chevy crossovers. The Trax is slightly smaller and less expensive at the base, while the Trailblazer is wider, offers more cargo room, and has more distinct styling options with the ACTIV and RS trims. The Trailblazer is the step-up choice within Chevy’s small crossover lineup.
Is the Trailblazer available with both a sunroof and AWD? Yes - the LT trim can be configured with both a sunroof and AWD. The ACTIV and RS trims include standard AWD and offer sunroof availability as well.
Does Paramus Chevrolet stock multiple Trailblazer colors? Paramus Chevrolet maintains inventory across multiple colors and trim configurations. Contact the dealership directly for current availability on specific color and option combinations.
The Chevy Trailblazer is one of the more complete answers to the question Bergen County buyers ask most often: what is the best small SUV under $30,000? Standard safety technology, available AWD, genuine style differentiation across four trims, and fuel economy that keeps ownership costs low make it a compelling option in a crowded class. Paramus Chevrolet in Paramus serves buyers from Hackensack, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and across Bergen County.
Schedule your Trailblazer test drive at Paramus Chevrolet and see the full lineup in person.