2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Model Update

Drag-Race Your SUV

Chevy applies the muscle-car treatment to its new TrailBlazer SS, an SUV that can run with some of the quickest models out there for a lot less money.

Chevrolet pumps up its midsize TrailBlazer SUV for 2006 by following the time-honored Detroit muscle-car formula of wedging the largest engine available under the hood of what is otherwise a mundane family vehicle. The result is a zippy new TrailBlazer SS.

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The SS is powered by the Corvette-derived, 395-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine it shares with the sporty SSR pickup. Chevy says this engine — which is mated to a new, heavy-duty, four-speed, automatic transmission that debuts in the SS — will take the vehicle to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. While this is nearly a second slower than the zero-to-60 time claimed for the also-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, it still places the TrailBlazer SS in the heady company of much costlier performance-minded SUVs, including the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne.

To put this power boost in perspective, the standard TrailBlazer’s 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine is rated at 291 hp, which is already more powerful than some competitors’ V8s. The 5.3-liter V8 engine that is now available on the standard TrailBlazer produces 300 hp.

The SS features a performance-oriented suspension with rear air shocks and a lowered ride height. Its 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels and tires provide improved handling along with the stiffer suspension. The tradeoff is a harsher ride than in other TrailBlazer models. The new electronically controlled transmission on the SS, called a Hydra-Matic 4L70-E, is specially designed to handle high horsepower and torque loads and to deliver smoother shifting.

Buyers can choose an SS model based on either the LT or the LS version of the TrailBlazer. The SS goes for a sleek look that features a monochromatic color scheme, with mirrors and door handles all painted the body color. It is stripped of exterior accoutrements like body side moldings and a roof rack — which Chevy says would add to the visual weight of the vehicle.

For 2006, the StabiliTrak stability control system is newly standard across the TrailBlazer line. Other updates include an enhanced Quiet Package that features an acoustic-laminated windshield and additional sound insulation, and a single antenna for the now-standard OnStar communications/safety system and available XM satellite radio.

The SS, which comes with rear-wheel drive or a sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive system, delivers good all-around performance, as do all the TrailBlazer models. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard.

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The interior affords adequate comfort and comes moderately equipped. Among the signature features on the SS are a prominent silver-face tachometer, embroidered seat backs and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Head-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are optional.

While some of the latest high-tech gear, like a rearview camera and laser-guided cruise control, are still not offered, optional items like a DVD player, satellite navigation system and leather seats can help turn the TrailBlazer into a premium SUV.