 |
| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
You’re probably thinking: how can a gearbox change do wonders for the Trailblazer? Well, the simple answer is: the changes aren’t just limited to slapping on a new transmission and calling it a day. No sir. Chevrolet has worked and worked hard to re-engineer the Trailblazer’s entire drivetrain transforming it from the clattery and noisy thing that it was, into the best there is. The Trailblazer sports the 2.8-liter version of the Duramax motor, but for 2014, both power and torque have been bumped to an even 200 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. This easily makes it the most powerful in its class. But more than just raw power, the Trailblazer has much improved NVH isolation. It’s now comfortably quiet at idle and is refined at higher revs. In fact, the sound from the blow-off valve is much more noticeable than the diesel sound track.
Mated to this much improved motor is a carryover of the 6-speed automatic with a sequential shift override. It’s a very smooth gearbox and helps keep the engine revs down to maximize fuel economy (though sixth gear is rarely used; engaging only at speeds approaching 100 km/h). An even more surprisingly characteristic though is how the transmission maintains the engine revs at exactly 3,800 rpm, ensuring that the Trailblazer uses maximum power when the accelerator’s pressed to the floor. The sudden surge in power is enough to dig you into the driver’s seat, so it’s best to let passengers know in advance when you plan to engage attack mode. During a week’s worth of driving, the Trailblazer 4x2 A/T returns 9.80 km/L in the city and 18.18 km/L on the highway. Cruise control isn’t available on this model.
In the city, the Trailblazer is great with its excellent visibility thanks to its commanding driving position and large mirrors. It’s easy to maneuver around and even park, despite the absence of any back-up sensors. The Double Wishbone front and Five-Link coil spring rear suspension ensures stability and returns a very comfortable ride, even for those seating at the back. As speeds build up though, the Trailblazer does have a slight tendency to hop over smaller bumps and ruts, causing some minor discomfort to only those in the third row. Despite being fitted with narrower 245/70R16 tires (the Trailblazer 4x4 uses 265/60R18), the Trailblazer 4x2 handles tidily and feels stable with controlled body roll. The steering is on the slow side, but that is a given because this is a mid-sized SUV after all. The four-wheel disc brakes also equate to a surefooted feel, especially at panic stops, though the pedal does have an initially mushy feel.
The not-so-subtle Sizzled Red may not be the choice of color for wallflowers, but it actually works in favor of the Trailblazer’s bold and modern design. Unlike other 7-seater SUVs that rely on tacked on plastic panels, the Trailblazer features a sleek and clean look thanks to stamped-in wheel arches. The rest of the body has a dominating presence with the large dual-port grille, sculpted bumpers, clamshell hood, flowing side crease, and the square-cut headlamps. Inside, it echoes the same story of modernity with nice, textured plastics and good, consistent fit and finish. All controls, from the power windows to the wiper stalks operate with a nice, solid action while the seats are supportive and offer ample adjustment. The second row is as comfortable as the first, thanks to adjustable headrests in all positions and good hip and back support. The third row isn’t as generous as the first two, but at least the two additional seats come in handy when the need arises.
For 2014, Chevrolet has speced up the Trailblazer. As a mid-grade variant, the 2.8 4x2 A/T doesn’t get things like leather seats or the fancy MyLink multimedia system, but it does come with the more important prerequisites like quality fabrics and a full-featured integrated audio system with USB input and Bluetooth hands-free. The multi-information display nestled in-between the Camaro-inspired gauges has also been upgraded and now includes new functions such as an Eco meter and a more advanced trip computer. Front and rear fog lights are standard equipment and so are dual SRS airbags and anti-lock brakes with EBD and brake assist.
Priced at P 1,488,888, the Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 4x2 A/T sits between the entry-level 2.5 4x2 M/T at P 1,378,888 and the range-topping 2.8 4x4 A/T at P 1,733,888. Though it gives up some luxury trimmings from the 4x4 to bring the costs down, it offers all the essentials to make this a great 7-seater SUV including that potent (and now refined) power plant. In short, this particular Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in as a great value-for-money proposition, especially for the 99 percent of us who don’t exactly plan to go off-road.
2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 4x2 A/T
|
|
| Ownership | 2.8 4x2 A/T |
| Year Introduced | 2012 |
| Vehicle Classification | Mid-Sized SUV |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | 5-door Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Seating | 7 |
| Engine / Drive | F/R |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 2.8 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 200 @ 3,800 |
| Nm @ rpm | 500 @ 2,000 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Diesel |
| Transmission | 6 AT |
| Cruise Control | No |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,878 |
| Width (mm) | 1,902 |
| Height (mm) | 1,848 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,096 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | N/A |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | 5-Link with Coil Spring |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Tires | 245/70R16 |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 2 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes |
| Traction / Stability Control | No |
| Parking Sensors | No |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | Halogen |
| Fog Lamps | Front |
| Auto Lights | No |
| Auto Wipers | No |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt |
| Steering Wheel Material | Urethane |
| Seating Adjustment | Manual |
| Seating Surface | Fabric |
| Folding Rear Seat | Yes, 60/40 (2nd), Yes, 50/50 (3rd) |
| On-Board Computer | Yes |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes |
| Climate Control | No |
| Audio System | Stereo CD MP3 Aux USB |
| No. of Speakers | 6 |
| Steering Wheel Controls | No |
Good value but I'm unsure about Chevrolet's reliability...
ReplyDeleteI'd get the touran over this Rebadged daewoo
ReplyDeleteIt's not rebadgged Daewoo. You can say that to many cars like Abeo, Captiva, Cruze, Malibu, Orlando, and Spark. However, Trailblazer is not. Actually Korean car makers don't make truck based SUV. They like to make car based SUV like Santafe and Tucson.
Deletechevrolet is number in the US with no one can beat the car quality they made.
DeleteAlmost 10km/l on the city, so this is better than the Fortuner and Montero Sport in terms of fuel efficiency?
ReplyDeleteOn the Maintenance Side, would you know how much it cost to maintain one? a 2.8LTR engine means a lot more oil.If my memory serves me right CHEVY has a 5T km or 3 months maintenance cycle?
ReplyDeleteTrailblazer 2.8 LTZ owner here! The 2.8L Duramax Diesel engine consumes 5.7L of engine oil. The PMS schedule of the Trailblazer is every 5,000 kms or 4 months whichever comes first. But if you are using fully synthetic oil with GM's dexos2 specification, the oil change interval is 10,000 kms or 6 months whichever comes first. But you still need to go back to the dealer for the 5000 km or 4 months whichever comes first PMS for underchassis and engine inspection, and oil filter change
DeleteThat's too expensive for maintenance. Is that normal in the Philippines? In Europe, PMS is at least every 1 year including the Chevrolet make. Some german cars have PMS of every 2 years.
DeleteDear Buyer/s;
ReplyDeleteI'm RODEL P. GARCIA - Sales Consultant of CHEVROLET GREENHILLS EDSA Branch. This latest post from CarGuide will really help buyer/s to choose and decided what car he/she's going to get. just read also the previous post FORTUNER VS. TRAILBLAZER.
,,l,,
DeleteTo those who wanted to own 2014 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 4X2 A/T, Trailblazer 4x4 A/T, Please visit our Dealership at;
ReplyDeleteCHEVROLET GREENHILLS -EDSA located at 500 EDSA GREENHILLS SAN JUAN CITY. (near SANTOLAN-ANAPOLIS MRT STATION AND CAMP CRAME).
For Inquiries of need further assistance, you may reach me at the below mentioned numbers and emails.
RODEL P. GARCIA
SALES CONSULTANT
Direct Line : +632 975-3839
Globe: 09178078131
Smart: 09088112468
office email : rodel.garcia@chevrolet-greenhills.com.ph
yahoo mail : rodelpgarcia@yahoo.com
Buy at Chevrolet Shaw Boulevard! Less 100k!!!
DeleteBetter to scout first and find a better deal. So far the best deal we have is at Chevy Balintawak.
Deletewe have on going promo on selected model like... 2014 CHEVROLET ORLANDO and CAPTIVA 4x2 A/T GAS & CAPTIVA 4X2 turbo Diesel A/T
ReplyDeletealso available the 2014 COLORADO PICK-UP (all-variant), 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC NB LT A/T, 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK, THE ENHANCE CHEVY CRUZE, OUR ALL NEW 2014 CHEVROLET SPIN 1.3L Turbo Diesel Manual Transmission & SPIN 1.5L DOHC 16V GAS 6-Speed Automatic Transmission.
For further assistance or inquiries, please feel free to call or email me at the below mentioned numbers and email.
thank you
RODEL P. GARCIA
SALES CONSULTANT
Direct Line : +632 975-3839
Globe: 09178078131
Smart: 09088112468
office email : rodel.garcia@chevrolet-greenhills.com.ph
yahoo mail : rodelpgarcia@yahoo.com
9.80 km/L on what driving conditions? My Ranger which has a much smaller displacement (2.2L) only averages 10 km/L in city driving when it's mostly light traffic (average speed of about 22-25 kph as per trip computer.
ReplyDeleteAlso, 18.18 km/L was achieved on what conditions? Was this done via full tank method or was it simply a conversion of an instantaneous reading of the trip computer over a small stretch of highway?
Again, I ask because the only time I was able to achieve over 18 km/L on my truck was when I was cruising on 6th gear at about 70-80 kph. And this was a short reading over a course of about 15 km. The highest I've done on a real trip (approx 400 km covered) is 13.69 km/L.
Not trying to discredit you Uly, but I'm just genuinely curious as to how you arrived at those numbers.
Hi.
DeleteI get this question all the time, so no worries.
For city fuel mileage this is what I do:
For cars not equipped with a trip computer, I simply tank up to a single click at the same gasoline station and drive off. Normally, this is over a course of 4-5 days in both light and heavy traffic. The day or afternoon before I have to return the test drive unit, I tank up and get the number of liters loaded.
For cars equipped with a trip computer, I do the same but average that with the number read by the trip computer.
For highway figures:
So far, I've only done this for cars equipped with trip computers: I reset the trip computer and do a 200 kilometer course through SLEX, STAR Tollway and back again. I get the reading at the end of the highway run. This is cruising at 80-100 km/h. No other tricks.
Now, as for the Trailblazer's readings, yes they were pretty astounding. I myself was surprised. For comparison:
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 4x4 A/T: 8.06 km/L (city)
Ford Everest 2.5 TDCi 4x2 A/T: 8.20 km/L (city)
Isuzu Alterra 2WD M/T: 10.83 km/L (city)
Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4x4 GLS (non-VGT) A/T: 9.66 km/L (city)
Toyota Fortuner 2.5 G (non-VNT) M/T: 9.46 km/L (city)
Toyota Fortuner 3.0 V A/T: 8.8 km/L (combined)
Even if I included the Ford Ranger into the mix, the figures would be:
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT A/T: 8.19 km/L (city)
Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 A/T: 7.57 km/L (city)
Of course, I had the Trailblazer over a longer period of time compared to any of the Ford vehicles I just listed. I had the Trailblazer over a 1 week period (over the extended Chinese New Year Holidays) while I would normally get a Ford for just 3-4 days. That probably worked in favor of the Trailblazer.
Hope this helps.
Sir Ulysses...Thinking of buying an SUV pick up based suv like Fortuner, Montero or this trailblazer above...Among the 3 i've mentioned which do you prefer to? And is this chevy reliable? Will this trailblazer will have a good resale value? Is it hard to maintain than the fortuner and montero?
DeleteI had a bad experience on chevy because of the optra is my previous car :( I would go for fortuner i were you.
DeleteFortuner is a pagong runner with high fuel consumption, much more on montero, in the US they do buy these cars that's the reason why GM is the number 1 car manufacturer in that region even european cann't match.
DeleteI own for the 1st time this 2014 Chev Trail 4x2 A/T. I am also interested on the response re resale value and maintenance concerns of the vehicle. Thanks for any enlightenment on this regard.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteWhat is the best fuel for the Trail? What is the preferred gas station? They mentioned about Euro4 standard diesel. Any advice? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJust use normal diesel from a respected gasoline station/brand.
DeleteThanks much Ulysses.
DeleteHi anonymous you mentioned you have 2004 trailblazer, i just want to ask in general, are they good compare to montero and fortuner? thanks,
DeleteTo those who wanted to own 2014 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 4X2 A/T, Trailblazer 4x4 A/T, Please visit our Dealership at;
ReplyDeleteCHEVROLET GREENHILLS -EDSA located at 500 EDSA GREENHILLS SAN JUAN CITY. (near SANTOLAN-ANAPOLIS MRT STATION AND CAMP CRAME).
For Inquiries of need further assistance, you may reach me at the below mentioned numbers and emails.
RODEL P. GARCIA
SALES CONSULTANT
Direct Line : +632 975-3839
Globe: 09178078131
Smart: 09088112468
office email : rodel.garcia@chevrolet-greenhills.com.ph
yahoo mail : rodelpgarcia@yahoo.com
To those who wanted to own 2014 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 4X2 A/T, Trailblazer 4x4 A/T, Please visit our Dealership at;
ReplyDeleteCHEVROLET GREENHILLS -EDSA located at 500 EDSA GREENHILLS SAN JUAN CITY. (near SANTOLAN-ANAPOLIS MRT STATION AND CAMP CRAME).
For Inquiries of need further assistance, you may reach me at the below mentioned numbers and emails.
RODEL P. GARCIA
SALES CONSULTANT
Direct Line : +632 975-3839
Globe: 09178078131
Smart: 09088112468
office email : rodel.garcia@chevrolet-greenhills.com.ph
yahoo mail : rodelpgarcia@yahoo.com
i am planning to have this SUV's for test drive and to choose which one i'll have but i'm curious to this trailblazer's specs...i'm wondering about the maintenance costs and does this spare parts are can be ordered and easily available anytime??? Need your reply for this...thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Sir Im Kevin Daryll Pattugalan from CHEVROLET SHAW. you can visit our showroom to know more about Trailblazer and test drive it for free.. all the spare parts are available and its not too high in maintenance.. It is assembled already in thailand. heres my number 09267473603 and look for Kevin Daryll Pattugalan..
DeleteRodel Garcia, you are too annoying! Once is enough already!
ReplyDeleteWanna know why Rodel Garcia of Chevy GH is persistently annoying? Bought the Trailblazer 2.8 4x4 at GH branch. Car is great to drive no doubt but Chevy GH sucks big time. I had a few issues with replacement parts and it has been 6 months & still no response from them. (even have the Job order with me) I am also a member of the Trailblazer club of the Phils (on FB) was told that one of the better branches are Commonwealth & Pasig. - talk about hard selling! - Any Trailblazer owners or interested ones who are curious how the Trailblazer handle floods? check out one of our members on the club who posted their experience with the 2013 TB on youtube. its jaw dropping. i think the title is 2013 chevrolet trailblazer water fording ...or something.
ReplyDeleteMontero, Trailblazer or Fortuner?
ReplyDeleteSo cheve is not a good type of vehicle in need, i better select another brand.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Service sucks
DeleteI've been driving my 6-day-old TB-LT every day and it already ran 680kms. Average fuel consumption was 10.5-11 km/L on combined city and highway drive. Superb acceleration during overtakes especially when I shifted from A/T to 6-speed Manual mode. Wider and longer than the Fort_ner, so you can expect more space inside and loading convenience.
ReplyDeleteGuys, when we buy a new vehicle, whether it’s an American, Japanese or Korean models, most if not all, will run smoothly for 3-5 years, so don’t worry so much on the replacement parts if you anticipate breakdowns. Chevy showrooms and dealerships are continuously expanding, so by the time Chevy TB owners would encounter SUV failures after such years, service and parts availabilities are conveniently obtainable and well-established.
Now, if you need bigger confidence on after-sales-service of your newly-bought SUV, then go for some Japs variants, but you might end up saying to yourselves “I am driving a newly-purchased but street-common SUV….not eye-catchy anymore”.
VERY TRUE, i have 2 chevys already
DeleteI buy Chev Trailblazer 4x2 last May and for me this car is wonderful, very comfortable. I love this car.
Delete“I am driving a newly-purchased but street-common SUV….not eye-catchy anymore”.... damn true, i am just having a 10 min drive and i almost saw 5 to 7 mont and fort :)
DeleteThis is Carlo Galang of Chevrolet Pasig..
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in availing the 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Pls contact me at 09153888208 or email me @ chevroletcarlo@yahoo.com
We have Free Test Drive...
Thanks!
BTW : i don't have bad feedbacks yet on my Clients regarding Chevrolet Trailblazer... They only Ask for Re-tightening on some squeaking sound...
but they always say the engine is superb and the suspension is very good especially in long road trips..
Hope to hear from you soon Chevrolet Trailblazer Buyers =)
Hi Carlo
ReplyDeletecan you post the PM cost of a 2.8L A/T variant>? how many Kms, and how much is the estimated cost per PM..
8000 per PM sir.
Deletehope the headlight of 4x2 a/t trailblazer would be halogen too...
ReplyDeleteIt is halogen.
Deletesorry, i mean projector...
DeleteWhat is the recommended schedule for PMS when using fully synthetic oil and how much does it cost.
ReplyDeletewill TRAILBLAZER SS reach PHILIPPINES
ReplyDeleteIMHO, safety is lacking because of just 2 airbags
ReplyDeleteAgree. The most common cause of death in a vehicular accident is head trauma so side curtain airbags are invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI just have to respond about reliability. Read Consumer Report sa US. While Chevy is more reliable than Ford, Japanese cars pa din ang pinakareliable sa lahat ng manufacturers.
ReplyDeleteBTW, wala pong montero (mitsubishi is almost dead sa US) at fortuner sa US. Pag bibili po ng sasakyan mag research at mag test drive po tayo. Napakaimportante po na 6 ang airbags.
ReplyDeleteKahit po ang Trailblazer na ito wala sa US din. May Trailblazer sa US pero hindi ito yung Trailblazer na nandito sa Pilipinas.
ReplyDeleteI am a Trailblazer owner and I wonder why Chevrolet Philippines really push to customer of 5T or 4 mos. change oil maintenance despite using synthetic oil. You are obliged to follow or else your warranty will be void.What kind of new engineering technology is this? Money making by dealers?
ReplyDeleteWhere? you need to do PM after the first 5T or 4 months of use, they will remove the stock oil and put fully synthetic instead, from there you comeback after 6 months or 10T whichever come first like any other car. happy owner of Trailblazer here my first american car, no regret. 7k the PM in Chevy Pasig, Im used to pay 15k for my Honda city by the way.
DeleteMy Trailblazer will be one year this Feb. I only have 2 change oils. Yes I am using fully synthetic oil so it should last longer.Am not worried about this warranty. All local dealers are the same, it's a scam! The SUV is fun to Drive and though I am not computing the fuel economy, I mostly fill up on small players its cheaper. They are all the same. I've tested them n my other cars and still runs good. Also if you want something a little bit diff. Go for other SUV's except for F,M,E very common in my neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteFor Best Chevy Deals and Promos call/text me at 09983698884 or like us on fb Chevrolet Sta.Rosa City Laguna or JroChevy Clients, Thankyou!
ReplyDeleteRodel Garcia
ReplyDeleteCHEVROLET GREENHILLS EDSA
DL. : 632 9753839
GLOBE : +639178078131
SMART/VIBER : +639088112468
2015 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4x2 AT now Php 1,398,888.00 and Traiblazer 4x2 AT UPGRADED for only Php 1,498,888.00 . For inquiry or need further assistance you may reach me at the following numbers.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Rodel Garcia
Chevrolet Greenhills EDSA
Direct Line : +639753839
Globe : 09178078131
Smart / Viber : +639088112468
I took the Chevrolet 2.8 Trailblazer for a test drive, and the bonnet had quiet a lot of vibration - is this correct.
ReplyDelete》TRAILBLAZER LTZ special edition《
ReplyDeleteSrp - 1,788,888
Low dp - 280k
Discount on dp - 129,778
Monthly - 35,921
Free:
3 years LTO
CTPL
1 year Comprehensive insurance with AOG (free by bpi)
CMF
Freebies:
3M
Matting
Seat cover
Ewd
5000 gift check
10L fuel
1st month amortization free
FAST AND EASY APPROVAL…
LOW DOWN PAYMENT…
LOW INTEREST RATE….
AND 5 YEARS WARRANTY…
JUBIE-LAU SUDARIO
09277864579/09106075334
》TRAILBLAZER LTZ special edition《
ReplyDeleteSrp - 1,788,888
Low dp - 280k
Discount on dp - 129,778
Monthly - 35,921
Free:
3 years LTO
CTPL
1 year Comprehensive insurance with AOG (free by bpi)
CMF
Freebies:
3M
Matting
Seat cover
Ewd
5000 gift check
10L fuel
1st month amortization free
FAST AND EASY APPROVAL…
LOW DOWN PAYMENT…
LOW INTEREST RATE….
AND 5 YEARS WARRANTY…
Unless you want to get RIPPED-OFF avoid doing business with CHEVROLET TACLOBAN.I made a 10K deposit fora new Trailblazer but when I cancelled the order because they trying give me the display model which was more than a year old,management refused to return my money.This case should be brought Chevrolet Hq.as it destroys their integrity & honesty.So for now BEWARE !!!!!! Take your business elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Chevrolet Tacloban is a SCAM.Never trust your money with this dealership.I also got ripped-off with my deposit when I tried to buy a Chevy Spin .ChevroletPhilippines should take action against this dealer.
ReplyDeleteHi, any Chevrolet trailblazer sales here? I'm thinking of buying 1 of this in few months. but I want to test drive first to make sure how good this is. thanks
ReplyDeleteMy nephew is selling his 2014 TB to me, it has 22km on the dial the top dashboard tray will not open anymore and there was a hit on the rear driver side bumper that broke one of the light. What is the good price for this one?
ReplyDelete