The TrailBlazer seats five, the TrailBlazer EXT seats seven.
Second-row space is nearly identical between TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT. First and second row hip and leg room is comparable to the Ford Explorer, though the TrailBlazer does offer an inch more headroom throughout the cabin.
Cargo space in the EXT is generous. Fold the second- and third-row seats and TrailBlazer EXT offers 107 cubic feet of packing room, more than the TrailBlazer (80), Ford Explorer (86), and comparable to the full-size Chevy Tahoe (105). The cargo floor isn't as flat as we'd like, though, and a gap between the two third-row seats makes it less dog-friendly.
Space in the EXT third-row seats, is a bit cramped, as it is with most third rows. The Explorer has more third-row legroom. Also, we put some an adult and a teenager back there and they complained about tunnel vision.
Up front, the driver gets complete and clean instrumentation. Heating and air conditioning can be controlled separately by the driver and front-seat passenger. EXT models add separate climate controls for rear-seat passengers as well. Interior lights abound, including reading lights. Optional on the four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel are handy buttons for climate, audio, cruise control, and the driver information center.
The center console includes an open storage bin, an enclosed compartment and two cup holders forward of the gear lever plus two cup holders for the rear passengers. There are pockets in the front doors and behind the front seats, though none in the rear doors. Behind the rear seat is a small hidden compartment under the floor. A cargo net, a scrolling tonneau cover, and power outlets are available. An overhead console on the LT includes a sunglasses holder plus Travelnote digital recorder.
For 2006, Chevy TrailBlazers get an enhanced sound-mitigation system, including an acoustic windshield to minimize wind noise, and additional sound insulation within areas of the body that can transmit engine and road noise.
Safety is improved from the available head-curtain side-impact airbags, which unfold from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. When the bag deploys in a moderate-to-severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front and rear outboard passengers. The 2006 system replaces the previous seat-mounted system, which protected the driver and front-seat passenger only. TrailBlazers equipped with head-curtain airbags also feature a new rollover sensing system that triggers both the side-curtain airbags and safety belt pretensioners. The rollover-sensing module uses a complex algorithm based on lateral and vertical accelerations, roll rate and vehicle speed to determine whether to deploy the safety systems. GM's Passenger Sensing System (PSS) is standard on the TrailBlazer, which deactivates the front-passenger airbag if it senses an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger airbag is on or off. Even with this system, however, we strongly recommend carrying under-age passengers in an appropriate child seat placed in the second or third row of the vehicle.
We found the premium 275-watt Bose system offered outstanding sound quality and adjustment versatility. Most of the available audio systems include RDS (Radio Data Systems) technology, allowing the listener to search for stations by type, display information including song and artist identification, and provide traffic and weather updates. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system features a seven-inch flip-down screen and wireless headphones. XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. The navigation system uses a touch screen and its display is integrated with that of the sound system.
OnStar includes GPS navigation, hands-free cell phone communication and a free first year of safety and security service (including remote unlocking if you lock yourself out). Available features include everything from having your e-mail read to you by a computerized voice (Virtual Advisor) to getting directions to the nearest ATM. Gen6 technology provides easier hands-free operation, while expanded services include the new General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to 911 centers to facilitate the dispatch of appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes.
