31 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards, but the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer FWD with its 1.3L 3-cylinder engine is a respectable choice for a subcompact SUV that blends style, practicality, and affordability. It’s not trying to be a Prius competitor. It’s a vehicle designed for young professionals, urban dwellers, and small families who want a versatile crossover that looks good without excessive fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The city figure is perhaps the more important of the two. Trailblazer drivers often find themselves navigating congested streets, stop-and-go traffic, and the challenges of urban parking. The 29 MPG rating reflects this reality. On longer highway trips, the 33 MPG becomes valuable and, while not class-leading, it’s sufficient to ensure comfortable road trips without too many fuel stops. This engine is paired with an automatic transmission offering variable gear ratios that optimize efficiency across a range of speeds, which is key to maximizing economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer FWD 1.3L at $1,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. While individual experiences will vary based on driving habits and local fuel costs, this $1,400 provides a benchmark to compare against other vehicles in its class. Drivers should remember that fluctuating gas prices can significantly alter this annual expenditure.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and carrying heavy loads will impact efficiency. Smooth driving, anticipating traffic flow, and maintaining consistent speeds can help achieve or even surpass the EPA estimates. The smaller 1.3L engine needs to work harder under load, which can decrease fuel economy faster than with a larger engine. Pay attention to the instantaneous fuel economy display (if equipped) to train yourself to drive more efficiently.

How it compares

Several competitors are also available for the subcompact SUV buyer. The Kia Seltos, for example, achieves a combined 30 MPG with its FWD 2.0L engine, very close to the Trailblazer’s figure. The Nissan Kicks focuses more on efficiency, posting a combined 33 MPG, but the Kicks sacrifices some power and available features to achieve those higher numbers. The Hyundai Kona comes close with 30 MPG combined in its base trim but offers more potent, less economy-focused trims also. For the Trailblazer buyer, the slight difference in MPG often comes down to styling, features, and brand preference. You can also check out all all Chevrolet fuel economy data to get a sense of where this model falls in the company lineup. Before making a purchase, it is also helpful to research TRAILBLAZER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is important. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and check it regularly.

Avoid excessive idling. Modern engines are designed to operate efficiently even when starting and stopping frequently. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. Restarting consumes less fuel than prolonged idling.

Gentle acceleration and braking are crucial to efficient driving. The Trailblazer’s small engine responds best to smooth inputs. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal and anticipate stops well in advance to minimize hard braking.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove unnecessary items from the roof rack or cargo carrier, as these additions significantly increase drag and negatively impact fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. Carrying less weight also helps.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. Be mindful of using it in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits.