The Chevrolet Trailblazer III 435T, produced from July 2019 to September 2022, represents a significant entry in the compact SUV segment, primarily targeted towards the Chinese market. This variant, equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 165 horsepower and paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), served as a key offering within the broader Trailblazer III lineup. Positioned as a mainstream trim, it aimed to balance affordability with modern features and acceptable performance. The Trailblazer III itself is built upon General Motors’ VSS-F platform, shared with other compact GM vehicles sold globally.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Trailblazer |
| Generation | Trailblazer III |
| Type (Engine) | 435T (165 Hp) CVT |
| Start of production | July, 2019 |
| End of production | September, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9-6 l/100 km (39.9 – 39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp, 120.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 123 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Ecotec |
| Engine displacement | 1341 cm3 (81.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 1365-1385 kg (3009.31 – 3053.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 375 l (13.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4411 mm (173.66 in.) |
| Width | 1808 mm (71.18 in.) |
| Height | 1633-1655 mm (64.29 – 65.16 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R17; 225/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Trailblazer III 435T is the GM-developed 1.3-liter Ecotec three-cylinder engine. This engine, designated as LUH, utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The engine’s architecture features a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, contributing to a relatively lightweight design. The engine’s output of 165 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque between 1500-4000 rpm is achieved through careful tuning of the turbocharger and fuel injection system. The engine also incorporates GM’s Active Thermal Management system, which helps regulate engine temperature for optimal performance and fuel economy. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration over outright performance. The CVT lacks fixed gear ratios, instead utilizing a belt and pulley system to provide a seamless range of ratios.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8L/CVT combination in the Trailblazer III delivers a driving experience geared towards comfort and fuel economy rather than sporty performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.6 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving but noticeably slower than versions equipped with more powerful engines. The CVT contributes to smooth, linear acceleration, but can sometimes feel less responsive than a traditional automatic transmission, particularly during quick overtaking maneuvers. The CVT’s programming is tuned to keep the engine within its optimal torque band, resulting in decent mid-range power. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but lacks the all-weather capability of all-wheel-drive variants. Overall, the driving experience is best described as refined and comfortable, making it well-suited for urban commuting and highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 435T trim of the Trailblazer III typically included a standard suite of features designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as leather seats, a larger touchscreen with navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Optional extras often included a premium sound system, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The interior design was generally functional and modern, with a focus on practicality and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Trailblazer III 435T utilizes a front-wheel-drive chassis with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The steering system is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion system, offering light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chevrolet Trailblazer III 435T was generally well-received in the Chinese market, where it competed against a crowded field of compact SUVs. Critics praised its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and modern features. However, some reviewers noted that the 1.3-liter engine could feel underpowered, particularly when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to higher-trim Trailblazer variants with larger engines, the 435T offered a more affordable entry point into the model range, but at the expense of performance. Its fuel economy of 5.9-6 l/100 km was competitive with other compact SUVs in its class. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with few major issues reported with the 1.3-liter engine or CVT transmission.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Trailblazer III 435T represents a significant step in GM’s efforts to cater to the growing demand for compact SUVs in the Chinese market. While not a performance standout, its combination of fuel efficiency, comfort, and affordability made it a popular choice among buyers. The 1.3-liter Ecotec engine and CVT transmission have proven to be relatively reliable, and the Trailblazer III continues to be a common sight on Chinese roads. In the used car market, the 435T trim offers a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and economical compact SUV.
