Overview

What Changed for 2009:

• New Bluetooth phone connectivity for hands-free calling
• OnStar 8.0
• Chrome package on 2LT models
• Three new exterior colors

Overview
Chevrolet's 2009 TrailBlazer continues the same body style as 2008 (itself a carryover from 2007), but does add Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and three new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Silver Moss Metallic and Sand Beige Metallic. The midsize SUV, originally introduced in 2002, shares a frame-built architecture with the GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X. With rear seat folded, the TrailBlazer provides 80 cubic feet of cargo room. TrailBlazers equipped with V-6 engines can tow up to 5900 pounds, while the V-8 engine in the TrailBlazer SS can handle a maximum 6800 pounds, according to Chevy.

Model Lineup
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer for 2009 is again offered in two models: LT and performance SS. The base 1LT model is available in 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD), and includes 17-inch sport aluminum wheels; dual-zone climate control; air conditioning; cruise control; power locks and windows; remote keyless entry; XM satellite radio; and OnStar. The chrome package for the 2LT model returns in 2009 and features a chrome luggage rack, chrome door handles and 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels; perforated leather seating; and heated, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with memory. The TrailBlazer SS, available in 2WD and all-wheel drive (AWD), has unique exterior styling and interior appointments. These include 20-inch flangeless wheels; driver-oriented cockpit with SS-signature instrument cluster and tachometer; SS-specific embroidered seatbacks; leather-wrapped steering wheel; performance-style leather bucket seats; French seam stitching on console armrests; aluminum sill plates; T-shape shifter with satin nickel accent; and lots of chrome accents.

Options on the 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer include adjustable brake and accelerator pedals; power sunroof; premium audio systems; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; Bose premium speaker system; navigation radio with dash-mounted GPS system; rearview mirror with temperature gauge and compass; leather seats with 8-way power for driver and front passenger; and factory and dealer-installed running boards.

Powertrain
Two engines power the 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The base 4.2-liter Vortec I-6 engine found on all TrailBlazer LT models produces 285 hp at 6000 rpm and 276 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine is paired with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. A 6.0-liter Vortec V-8 engine powers the TrailBlazer SS, and is rated at 390 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine is mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway for the 4.2-liter V-6 engine in either 2WD or 4WD. The 6.0-liter V-8 engine is estimated at 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway in 2WD and 4WD. Electronic stability control, a tire-pressure monitor and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on all 2009 TrailBlazer models.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer include dual-stage frontal air bags with GM's passenger-sensing system; head curtain side air bags for front- and second-row outboard passengers with integral rollover protection sensing system; OnStar 8.0 (with one-year Safe & Sound service); 4-wheel ABS; tire-pressure monitor; electronic stability control system; and optional adjustable brake and accelerator pedals.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer receives a 3-star rating for the driver's side and 4-star rating for the front passenger's side in frontal crash tests, and a 5-star rating for front and rear side-impact crash tests. In NHTSA rollover testing, the 2WD TrailBlazer receives a 3-star rating, while the 4WD model receives a 4-star rating. These are the same ratings as the 2008 models.

Technology
The 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer features a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and Bose premium speaker system; XM satellite radio; and a navigation radio that incorporates a dash-mounted GPS system/display with the vehicle's sound system. New for 2009 is OnStar 8.0 with available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, as well as a suite of vehicle safety technologies.