Generation history
Chevrolet Trailblazer generations and next redesign.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has been through 2 generations, starting in 2001 and 2011. The gaps were 10 years, an average of 10.0. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2011. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2020 through 2022, centered on 2021. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The second generation (stylized as Trailblazer instead of TrailBlazer) was unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Chevrolet Trailblazer model page.
Every generation
The Chevrolet Trailblazer, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|
| First generation | KC | 2001–2011 | The first-generation TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform officially known as GMT360, with all models having four-wheel-drive layout as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "Auto," "2-High," "4-High," and "4-Low" gearings, except the SS model which features an all-wheel-drive system. |
|---|
| Second generation | RG | 2011–present | The second generation (stylized as Trailblazer instead of TrailBlazer) was unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012. |
|---|
The Chevrolet Trailblazer spent 10.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 15 years old. Treat 2020 to 2022 as a range, not a date.
Source: Chevrolet TrailBlazer (SUV) (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Chevrolet Trailblazer model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Chevrolet Trailblazer generation changed.
First generation, 2001 to 2011
The first-generation TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform officially known as GMT360, with all models having four-wheel-drive layout as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "Auto," "2-High," "4-High," and "4-Low" gearings, except the SS model which features an all-wheel-drive system. The TrailBlazer features an independent front suspension, and a five-link rear suspension. A G80 locking rear differential is available as an option on all models except for the SS, which has a G86 LSD as standard.
Second generation, 2011 to today
The second generation (stylized as Trailblazer instead of TrailBlazer) was unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012. As is the case with the original K5 Blazer, Tahoe (since 1995), Suburban (since 1935), and S-10 Blazer, the second-generation Trailblazer is based on a truck frame, namely the second-generation Colorado. The bodywork from the A-pillar back is entirely different as it takes the form of an SUV with an enclosed roof, tailgate and three rows of seats.
Generation notes adapted from Chevrolet TrailBlazer (SUV) (Wikipedia).
Today's Chevrolet Trailblazer
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Chevrolet Trailblazer at a glance
- Production
- 1998–2001 (as Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Blazer trim line), 2001–2008 (separate model, North America), 2011–2020 (Asia), 2011–present (South America)
- Class
- Mid-size SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame
- Predecessor
- Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image. Consequence: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, most often about electrical system (13), unknown or other (7), power train (6).