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Matt Brogan9 Sept 2016
REVIEW

Holden Trailblazer 2016 Review

What’s in a name? Holden launches its ‘new’ Trailblazer seven-seat off-road SUV

Holden Trailblazer LT and LTZ
Australian Launch
Trentham, Victoria

The SUV formerly known as the Colorado 7 has received a meaningful midlife makeover, and a new name. Identifying itself from its utility derivative, the ‘Trailblazer’ seven-seat off-road SUV adopts a new look, revised mechanicals and an updated chassis, as well as additional infotainment and safety equipment aimed at keeping the model competitive in the face of stiff opposition from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X. To that end, the Trailblazer maintains keen pricing, the two-grade range arriving with an unchanged $47,990 starting price for the entry-level LT, although the top-spec LTZ costs $1000 more than before at $52,490 plus on-road costs.

Holden has updated its Colorado 7 SUV with a new look and a new name. Taking its American ‘Trailblazer’ moniker, the revised model features a suite of mechanical and technological upgrades aimed at keeping it in step with an ever-growing list of off-road focused competitors.

As revealed during our drive of pre-production Colorado and Trailblazer variants earlier this year, Holden’s local engineering team invested heavily in reducing noise, vibration and harshness of its full-size off-roader.

The seven-seat Trailblazer adopts improved door and window seals, new body mounts, new sheer-type engine mounts, repositioned balance shafts, new injector and oil pan isolators, a metal front timing cover (replacing the previous plastic assembly) and a CPA (centrifugal pendulum absorber) torque converter that not only reduces vibration but also shift flare.

The dual-range six-speed automatic transmission is recalibrated to allow the torque converter to lock up more often, reducing fuel consumption by as much as 0.6L/100km (previous Colorado 7 variants consumed 9.2L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle).

Meantime, electrically-assisted steering is introduced, further benefiting fuel economy and reducing the number of turns lock-to-lock from 3.40 to 3.29.

In conjunction with newly developed, model-specific Bridgestone Dueler H/T tyres and revised front and rear suspension, the Trailblazer now offers better stability at highway speeds.

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Holden says the addition of digressive dampers has helped improve road-holding while at the same time maintaining the model’s 3000kg braked towing capacity and off-road capabilities.

Retaining the former model’s double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) arrangement, the Trailblazer offers a decent 219mm of ground clearance and respectable 600mm wading depth, with approach, break-over and departure angles of 30.1, 22.6 and 25.1 degrees respectively. The Trailblazer’s turning circle measures 11.6m.

The Trailblazer also picks up the larger brake booster and master-cylinder of the upgraded Colorado, improving braking performance and pedal feel.

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Holden has further equipped the Trailblazer with auto hill-start assist, hill-descent control and trailer-sway assistance, while a helical limited-slip differential is said to help better distribute torque to the rear wheels.

Unfortunately, without the aid of a locking rear diff, we found the Trailblazer struggled in situations at least one of its competitors tackled with relative ease – check out our upcoming comparison with the Toyota Fortuner for more details.

The Thai-built Trailblazer carries over the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine of the outgoing model, its output figures unchanged at 147kW/500Nm. Throttle calibration improves response and acceleration times slightly.

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As well as new sheetmetal from the A-pillar forward, the two-variant Trailblazer range adds an all-new dashboard and instrument panel inside the cab. An 8.0-inch Holden MyLink infotainment system sits front and centre on the high-grade LTZ, the array now including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

All model grades also receive a reversing camera, sat-nav, dusk-sensing headlights and LED daytime running lights. Remote start is available, and the windows can be open and shut from the key fob. More detailed spec and pricing information of the Holden Trailblazer is available here.

On the safety front there’s now seven airbags (up from six with the inclusion of a driver’s knee airbag), blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert for a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Pricing and Features
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Unlike some of its competitors, the Trailblazer offers third-row seating capable of comfortably hosting adult passengers. Cabin accommodation is spacious and well ventilated with overhead HVAC outlets in the second and third row. There’s also generous cargo capacity, the Trailblazer providing 235-1830 litres depending on seating configuration.

The Trailblazer LT variant rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with the higher-spec LTZ grade jumping to 18-inch alloys. Both grades include a full-size matching alloy wheel stowed beneath the cargo floor.

On the road, the upgrades to Holden’s full-size seven-seater are measurable. It’s a more refined vehicle than before, with the steering and NVH improvements being stand-out improvements when sampled back-to-back with the previous model.

We found transmission performance better too, the Trailblazer happier to hold top gear at 100km/h than the Colorado 7, which preferred to hunt between fifth and sixth.

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Road-holding is also appreciably improved. The Trailblazer now handles like a much smaller SUV, losing the top-heavy feel of its forebear.

The sharpened ride can, however, feel a little firm on unsealed and corrugated roads, causing the vehicle to ‘skate’ a little over loose gravel surfaces. Here, we found the stability control system a little slow to intervene, making the best course of action to preselect high-range four-wheel drive.

Holden continues to offer a three-year/100,000km warranty across its passenger vehicle range. The deal includes 12 months’ roadside assistance and lifetime capped-price servicing with service intervals set at nine months/15,000km (whichever comes first). The first service will cost $349.00 with the subsequent three services each fixed at $409.00

The new Holden Trailblazer goes on sale from October 2016.

2016 Holden Trailblazer pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,990 (LT), $52,490 (LTZ), plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 147kW/500Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.6L/100km (ADR Combined), 10.3L/100km as tested
CO2: 228g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ford Everest (from $54,990 plus ORCs)
>> Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (from $45,000 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Fortuner (from $47,990 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Holden Colorado and Trailblazer Pre-Production Drive
>> Holden Colorado Australian Launch Review
>> Offroad SUV Comparison

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Written byMatt Brogan
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
73/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
14/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
16/20
Safety & Technology
16/20
Behind The Wheel
14/20
X-Factor
13/20
Pros
  • More refinement for similar price
  • Third-row seats accommodate adults
  • Much improved on-road character
Cons
  • Some cabin materials lack quality
  • Off-road ride a little firm and skatey
  • Needs proper rear diff lock off-road
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