Have you noticed that new SUVs have the trend of producing at least one off-roading-oriented trim level? Rugged compact SUVs are all over the place. The Chevrolet Trailblazer recently got on board. However, the 2025 Chevy Trailblazer Activ comes a bit short. 

What comes with the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Activ? 

The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Activ sports a rugged appearance with a few capability enhancements. For example, it rides on 17-inch black wheels wrapped in sport terrain tires, roof side rails, AWD, and an Activ skidplate. 

But I was upset to discover that it didn’t come with a full-size spare tire. If you go off-roading or take dirt trails to your campsite, then a donut tire might not cut it. Also, all-terrain tires would provide more traction. 

While having AWD is nice, the Trailblazer doesn’t have any different types of modes for various conditions. There’s no setting for mud, gravel, or snow. 

The one skid plate is helpful, but it could use a bit more protection due to its low ground clearance. The Activ model raises the ground clearance from 7.0-inches to 8.0-inches, which is a good start for rugged SUVs. 

The Thule cargo basket on the roof blocked the pretty view of the sky from the massive sunroof. Also, I’m 5’1”, so I could barely reach the bottom of the basket. It’s helpful for carrying extra cargo as space in the rear hatch is limited. 

I liked the all-weather mats because my dog and I are often tracking mud around. A 360-degree camera would be nice, but the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer is so agile, you don’t need it.  

My model has an MSRP of $34,670, and the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is better equipped for off-roading at about $33,000. 

But just because I don’t think the Activ trim is rugged enough doesn’t mean that the Trailblazer is a bad SUV. It has redeeming qualities. 

For example, the first and second rows have well-padded, comfortable seats that are spacious enough for four adults to enjoy. 

The tech such as the 11.0-inch touchscreen is refreshingly simple and easy to use. There aren’t too many confusing menus to adjust your settings. The wireless phone charging pad is in a secure and convenient spot, and Teenmode helps you keep an eye on your kid’s driving habits. 

While the interior is a bit loud at highway speeds, that’s normal for the class. It has a pretty smooth ride over the pavement and dirt roads too for comfortable trips. 

The black interior has a well-planned design with an intuitive layout and high-quality materials like Evotex upholstery. The bright yellow accent stitching is striking and unique. Most other cars use blue, white, or red accent stitching. 

It has a smooth power delivery but don’t expect to win any races. The turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine delivers 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.4 seconds. 

That’s a little slow for the class, but fine for merging into traffic and passing others. Plus, once you hit a button with a race flag on it, you get slightly faster response times to spice things up. 

The 19.15’ turning radius is convenient for tight areas. The large windows provide excellent visibility as well. 

Overall, the Trailblazer is a low-effort, convenient, and comfortable compact SUV to enjoy. It allows you to relax and focus on the road. However, the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Activ model could be a little better for off-roading to really compete.