Chevrolet has a few small SUVs seeing big changes in its lineup soon. For example, the Trax is turning into an electric model, while the Blazer will become an EV too. However, those changes haven’t happened yet, but the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer already underwent some minor alterations. Are the changes worth paying for? Is the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer small SUV better than the 2022 model?

What’s new with the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Only a few things changed with the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer for the new model year. According to Cars.com, the latest version will offer brand-new color options and have a higher price. The Trailblazer base model will cost $23,395 with a destination charge. Although the exterior style and design aren’t any different, buyers can enhance their Trailblazer with new colors.

For example, the three new colors are Sterling Gray Metallic, Nitro Yellow Metallic, and Fountain Blue. The yellow and blue color options cost extra, while the new shade of gray does not. Additionally, the two-tone roof can be colored differently, with a new Iridescent Pearl Tricoat joining the lineup this model year. Besides these changes, everything about the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is the same.

Nothing else has changed

Comparing the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer to the 2022 model is easy because the two are nearly identical. Unless you buy one of the new color options, you won’t be able to tell the difference. Cars.com says the powertrain lineup remains the same. Every base model Trailblazer uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the Activ and RS trims and available for the LT model is a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder, which ups its numbers to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft.

Front-wheel drive remains standard for all trims, and all-wheel drive is only optional for the upgraded engine. The smaller engine with FWD averages 29 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, while the optional engine gets 29/33. As one might expect, adding AWD lowers the numbers a bit, averaging 26 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.

According to Edmunds, standard features also remain the same, and there aren’t many with the cheapest version. Every LS trim comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Other highlights are weaker, like a seven-inch touchscreen, a foldable key, and 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer better?

If we had a choice between the 2022 and 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, we would buy the 2022 variant first. Not only are the two vehicles identical, but the previous model year is cheaper. If dealers near you still have any 2022 model year Trailblazers left and you’re interested in the affordable small SUV, buy it. Color options aren’t enough to make us want to spend more on the Trailblazer. You’ll save around $1,000 without adding options, even for the most expensive trim. You’ll want to save money, especially if you’re adding AWD and extras like the Technology or Convenience packages.