Review: Holden Trailblazer (2016-20)

Overview

Released in October 2016, the Holden RG Trailblazer was a seven-seat SUV. Manufactured in Rayong, Thailand, the Holden Trailblazer was powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Effectively a facelift of the Holden Colorado 7 , the Holden Trailblazer could be identified by its new grille, headlights with daytime running lights, bonnet and alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Holden Trailblazer featured a re-designed dashboard and front console, while soft-touch materials were used to improve tactility and reduce interior noise. Furthermore, the re-designed centre console featured an eight-inch colour touchscreen and ‘MyLink’ connectivity system.

According to Chevrolet, the manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand, underwent significant improvements for production of the Trailblazer, including process improvements, additional automation, tighter process controls, improved design robustness and increased error proofing.

‘Duramax 2’ diesel engine

The 2776 cc ‘Duramax 2’ diesel engine had a cast iron block, a die-cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, a variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler, belt-driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, variable exhaust valve timing, common-rail direct injection, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 16.0:1. Compared to the Holden Colorado’s Duramax engine, the Duramax 2 engine for the Holden Trailblazer benefited from a new acoustic pack – which consisted of a new metallic timing chain cover, injector insulator and oil pan insulator – and relocated balance shafts. With its diesel particulate filter, the Holden Trailblazer complied with Euro 5 emissions standards.

Over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle, fuel consumption for the Holden Trailblazer was 8.6 litres per 100 km. Furthermore, the Holden Trailblazer had a maximum braked towing capacity of 3000 kg.

Part-time four wheel drive

The part-time four-wheel drive system for the Holden Trailblazer was controlled via a rotary switch positioned in the centre console. As such, the driver could shift ‘on the fly’ between the following modes:

• Two-wheel high: rear-wheel drive with high range gearing;
• Four-wheel high: four-wheel drive with high gearing;
• Four-wheel low: four-wheel drive with low range gearing (a 2.62:1 reduction ratio); and,
• Neutral: no drive to the wheels so that the vehicle can be towed.

Dimensions and body

With its ladder-frame chassis, Holden Trailblazer was 4887 mm long, 1902 mm wide, 1840 mm tall (1846 mm with 18-inch alloy wheels) and had a 2845 mm long wheelbase. The Trailblazer had a rear cargo area of 235 litres, though this increased to 878 litres when the third row of seats was folded into the floor.

To reduce interior noise compared to the Holden Colorado 7 , the Holden Trailblazer had a thicker front side glass (4.0 mm, previously 3.5 mm) and ‘additional or enhanced’ exterior seals, mouldings and foams.

Suspension and steering

The Holden Trailblazer had double wishbone front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension with coil springs. Whereas the Holden Colorado 7 had linear-rate dampers, the Trailblazer was fitted with digressive dampers for improved ride quality.

The Holden Trailblazer had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance; its turning circle was 12 metres (kerb to kerb). Compared to the Holden Colorado 7 , changes included a faster steering ratio.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden Trailblazer included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows of seats), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

As standard, the Holden Trailblazer was also fitted with:

• Trailer Sway Control which would apply the brakes and reduce engine torque in the event of towing instability); and,
• Hill Start Assist which automatically engaged when a gradient was detected to keep the vehicle stationary during the period from brake release to throttle application.

Relative to the Trailblazer LT, the Holden Trailblazer LTZ was further equipped with the following active safety technologies:

• Forward Collision Alert with Head-Up Warning;
• Lane Departure Warning:
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: and,
• Blind Spot Alert.

Brakes

The Holden Trailblazer had 300 mm by 27 mm ventilated front brake discs and 318 mm by 18 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

Based on ANCAP crash testing of the Holden RG Colorado utility , the related Holden Colorado 7 and Trailblazer received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.09 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of serious leg injury for both front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Holden Trailblazer LT

Standard features for the Holden Trailblazer LT included 7.0J x 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 R17 110S tyres, MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, a six speaker sound system with auxiliary (3.5 mm) and USB inputs, cloth seat trim, six-way manually adjustable front seats, air conditioning, cruise control, halogen reflector headlights, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, leather-wrap steering wheel, 60/40 split fold second row seats, 50/50 split fold third row seats, remote central locking, power adjustable mirrors, power windows, height adjustable steering wheel, four 12 volt power outlets, side steps, roof rails, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Features: Holden Trailblazer LTZ

Relative to the Trailblazer LT, the Holden LTZ was further equipped with 7.5J x 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 110T tyres, a seven speaker sound system, an eight-inch touch screen with integrated satellite navigation system and voice recognition, leather seat trim, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, electronic climate control air conditioning, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, power folding and heated door mirrors, electrochromatic rear view mirror, remote start and tyre pressure monitoring.

Visually, the Trailblazer LTZ could be identified by its chrome front grille fins, chrome door handle strips, chrome door mirrors and LED tail lamps.

2017 Holden Trailblazer Z71

The Holden Trailblazer Z71 was released in Australia in June 2017. Based on the Trailblazer LTZ, the Trailblazer Z71 could be identified by its 18-inch black painted alloy wheels, black body side mouldings, black belt line mouldings, black door mirror caps, black door handles, gloss black b-pillar appliques and Z71 bonnet decals. Inside, the Trailblazer Z71 features ‘Z71’ embroidered headrests and Z71 floor mats.

Production of the Holden Trailblazer Z71 was limited to 400 vehicles.

Brochure and specifications

• Brochure: Holden RG Trailblazer (September 2016)
• Product Information: Holden RG Trailblazer (September 2016)

Related links

• Behind the Wheel: 2017 Holden Trailblazer LTZ Review