[Chevy Trailblazer News]

Complete 2021 Trailblazer specifications are still not available. Some have been confirmed and are outlined here, along with other details to expect when the full list gets released from Chevrolet.

Set to be "positioned between the Trax and Equinox," will mean dimensions that fit between the two. What that mean's in terms of overall passenger and cargo volume over the Trax are measurements that range around rivals like the Jeep Renegade.

In the Jeep that is 1-1.8 inches of more front/rear headroom, shoulder room and hip room. Also 4-inches of more legroom like the Trailblazer. Cargo capacity grows slightly.

Knowing the Trailblazer will sit on GM's VSS-F platform will mean we get engine/transmission configurations from vehicles sold on it. Closer to its early 2020 launch, that's expected to be confirmed as two engine options; a turbocharged 1.4-liter currently producing 150-hp and a turbocharged 2.0 producing 230-hp (Trailblazer RS?). Both mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Aside from the usual LS, LT and Premier trims offered, availability of Redline and RS trims have been confirmed in statements from Chevrolet USA. Details are on them are limited. You can expect a similar level of upgrades as found in Redline and RS trims currently offered in other models. In the Redline it will be 17-inch black wheels, upgraded sporty aesthetics and red accents found throughout.

 

[blazin]

230-hp in a vehicle like this, sized like the Renegade, would be great but what about torque?

 

[blazin]

230-hp in a vehicle like this, sized like the Renegade, would be great but what about torque?

Found the answer to my own question. On the 1.4 its 148 lb-ft of torque in the Buick Encore.

In finding that out, it seems a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine making even more power could find its way into the Trailblazer. Initially we could see it in the Encore. Only downside is it comes with a CVT transmission.

More:

Three-cylinder engines are pretty rare in the United States, but it appears two will be offered under the hood of the 2020 Buick Encore GX.
While the company has been tight-lipped about performance specifications, GM Authority says the upcoming crossover will come standard with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp (102 kW / 139 PS) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque. The entry-level engine will reportedly be paired to a continuously variable transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.
Buyers looking for something with a little more oomph will reportedly be able to order a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder which develops 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS) and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque. Besides being more powerful, models equipped with the 1.3-liter engine will be offered with all-wheel drive. When the latter option is selected, the engine will be paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive variants will reportedly stick with the CVT.
Interestingly, the numbers are nearly identical to those offered on the standard Encore. It’s turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine has outputs of 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS) and 148 lb-ft (201 Nm) of torque as well as 153 hp (114 kW / 155 PS) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm).
Considering the Encore GX is larger than the standard Encore, this could mean the new crossover will be even slower than its smaller counterpart. That’s not good as the ‘performance’ Encore takes a little under eight seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h).
The Encore GX will arrive in the United States early next year and it will be positioned between the Encore and Envision. Specifications will be announced closer to launch, but the company has previous said the model will come equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert and a lane keep assist system with lane departure warning.

 

[WillyZ]

That is really weird that the turbo three-cylinder engine would deliver more power than the turbo four-cylinder.

 

[blazin]

That is really weird that the turbo three-cylinder engine would deliver more power than the turbo four-cylinder.

Typically it comes down to tolerances of the engine, don't know the details but I just care its reliable.

 

[blazin]

Learning that the Encore will ONLY come with the three-cylinder engine, the lack of options might create Trailblazer owners. That is, if we get bigger displacement options (i'm sure we will)

2020 Buick Encore GX Is the Brand's Newest Small SUV

In this preview of the 2020 Buick Encore GX subcompact SUV, Consumer Reports says the car will fit between the existing Encore and the Envision when it goes on sale later this year.

www.consumerreports.org

Encore GX buyers get a choice of two all-new three-cylinder engines: one that creates 137 hp, or a 155-hp turbocharged version of the same engine.
Three-cylinder engines are still a niche offering compared with more-common four-cylinder offerings, but they are available as the entry-level choice on the Ford EcoSport and the base Mini Countryman. The Encore GX doesn’t offer any upgraded engine choice. We’re interested in testing it to see whether it has enough oomph to deliver on Buick’s promise of “spirited and efficient performance.”
Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) come standard. Optional all-wheel drive comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

 

[Hoover878]

If anyone is skeptical about the new 3-cylinder engine, this video provides perspective.

 

[WillyZ]

If anyone is skeptical about the new 3-cylinder engine, this video provides perspective.

I have a feeling it's going to be easy to get people to embrace 3-cylinder engines once they see videos like this along with performance and fuel economy numbers.

 

[blazin]

While that might be part of it.

To the majority of serious enthusiasts it will come down to testing it for themselves and experiencing it as an owner.

 

[WillyZ]

While that might be part of it.

To the majority of serious enthusiasts it will come down to testing it for themselves and experiencing it as an owner.

There's definitely no replacement for testing a vehicle first hand. Do you think enthusiasts are going to get on board with the three-cylinder engine?