2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS

Residing there is Chevy's LS2, 6.0-liter small block V-8. Rated here at 395 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, the LS2-powered Trailblazer is seriously fast and fun. The Trailblazer is no lightweight, tipping the scales at 4,552 lbs. Still, the small block launches the sport-ute smartly, to the tune of 5.7 seconds from 0-60, with a governed top end of 130 mph. As always, the Chevy small block has a beautifully even power flow, though the four speed automatic transmission is slightly less than silky getting from gear to gear.

SS Power

Another three words not normally associated with SUVs are "Good on Gas." With an EPA estimated 15 mpg city and 19 highway, TrailBlazer SS doesn't break with tradition. But, the numbers are easier to take in a specialty vehicle of this nature. To use a football analogy, if you want the power and speed of a linebacker, you can't expect to feed him like a punter.


Though not the stiffest of base platforms, Chevy has managed a surprising level of handling capability with their suspension tuning. TrailBlazer SS sits an inch lower than other Blazers, with a spring set 25 percent stiffer than the typical layout and a larger front stabilizer bar. The 20-inch, 6-spoke aluminum rims are shod with meaty, V-rated 255/50 series Goodyear Eagle RS As. The result is a truck with a sticky, hunkered down feel for an SUV. The SS corners with assurance and, while ride quality definitely qualifies as firm, it stops well short of punishing.


So, sport we have in this SUV. What makes TrailBlazer SS even more interesting is the degree to which you also get utility. Maximum towing capacity on 4x2 models is 6,700 lbs.; 6,500 with available all-wheel drive. The SS is not envisioned as an off-road SUV, so the optional AWD system is geared more toward enhancing your grip on pavement, and adding an extra measure of traction in foul weather conditions. The system is transparent to the driver, using a Torsen center differential to split torque between front and rear wheels. Under normal conditions, power is apportioned 67 percent to the rear axle, but switches automatically to as much as 45/55 front/rear or 25/75 front/rear, depending on driving conditions. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard issue, as are four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available optionally is a front-brake cooling package, "for optimized track performance."

SS Comfort

Inside, the SS specific details include a full instrument cluster (with, oddly, a different color tach face than the balance of the gauges), embroidered seat backs, chrome accents, SS logos and a leather-wrapped wheel. The bucket seats are suitably bolstered for spirited driving, and long trip rated. TrailBlazer seats four adults comfortably, five in a pinch. Cargo volume measures a generous 41 cubic feet in back, with a low lift-over height, and it maxes out at 80.1 cubic feet, with the split, rear seat folded forward.