November 13, 2001

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Preview:
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
by Greg Wilson

When it arrives in the Spring of 2002, the 7-passenger Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, and its GMC twin, the Envoy XL, will offer the passenger capacity of a minivan and the off-road ability of a 4X4 truck. But they won't be the first mid-sized SUV's to do it: both the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are offered with an (optional) third row seat, as are some of the luxury SUV's like the Acura MDX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Land Rover Discovery. However, GM will be the only manufacturer to offer a choice between a regular-wheelbase 5-passenger model, and a long-wheelbase 7-passenger model.

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The Trailblazer EXT is about three inches longer than a Ford Explorer and fourteen inches longer than a Dodge Durango. That provides the Trailblazer EXT with an advantage in rear seat legroom and cargo room. According to Russ Clark, Trailblazer Brand Manager, the third-row seat in the Trailblazer is not just for kids.

"Chevrolet's all-new TrailBlazer EXT demonstrates our commitment to families that need more room. Extra space means extra friends, and they can be larger than kid-size friends."

Clark says the third seat can easily accommodate two 6'2" passengers, and has a full foot well. For easier access to the third row seat, both sides of the second seat fold and flip forwards. Clark says the third seat back is comfortable, and all seven seats have lap-shoulder seat belts.

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Even with the third row seat in the 'up' position, Clark says the TrailBlazer EXT has more than 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat.

The standard, 65/35, split second-row seats flip and fold to allow various combinations of people/cargo-carrying flexibility. With both second and third row seats folded flat, there is over 100 cubic feet of total storage space - more than TrailBlazer's major competitors, says Clark.

The TrailBlazer EXT features a moveable cargo shelf with three positions behind the third seat, accessible when the rear hatch is opened. Grocery bags can be hung from the shelf's hooks when the shelf is set at its vertical position. The first position is for a flat load floor, and the third position can be used to conceal items beneath the shelf.

The TrailBlazer EXT will be available in LT trim, whereas the standard TrailBlazer is available in a choice of three trim levels: LS, LT or LTZ. Both models will be available in two or four-wheel drive.

All TrailBlazers are powered by a standard Vortec 4.2 litre inline-six cylinder engine that delivers the most standard horsepower in its segment: 270 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. With the 4.2 litre engine, the TrailBlazer EXT 2WD can tow up to 6,000 pounds, about 400 lb less than a standard Trailblazer. The Trailblazer EXT will also be offered with an optional 5.3 litre Vortec V8 that will boost its maximum towing capacity to 7,200 lb (3265 kg).

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TrailBlazers feature particularly rigid hydroformed steel frame side rails - a first in the midsize SUV segment. Nine cross members further reinforce the EXT's frame. Trailblazers have a five-link, solid axle rear suspension and double-A arm front suspension.

Standard safety features include dual-stage air bags and side impact air bags for front seating positions, and standard four-wheel vented disc anti-lock brakes.

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT will be produced at General Motors' assembly facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma starting this winter, and at GM's Moraine, Ohio facility next summer. Prices have not yet been announced.

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Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver