Chevrolet is testing a new mystery vehicle that shares design cues from its entire crossover lineup. Is this a new TrailBlazer, Equinox, or Blazer? Or is it an entirely new model that slots in between? To be perfectly honest, we’re not sure.
Our spy photographer reports:
It appears that Chevrolet is testing a new crossover to bridge the gap between the compact Trailblazer and the larger Equinox and Blazer, as evidenced by this new, lightly-disguised prototype caught outside the GM Proving Grounds in Michigan.
Related To, But Different From, Anything In Chevy’s Lineup
The new prototype doesn’t line up with any existing models within any of GM’s global lineups, suggesting this is an all-new model to flesh out the lower-end of Chevy’s crossover model range. The styling uses elements from the Trailblazer and Blazer models, but with a unique size and silhouette. A more steeply raked windshield and sleeker profile separate it from the Trailblazer, as does its apparent longer wheelbase and greater overall length. The side-window-profile is very similar to the Blazer, but the reduced size requires unique internal window framing on the rear-side glass. Blazer and Trailblazer overtones dominate the prototype’s front- and rear fascia designs. The prototype also looks lower and shorter than the midsize Equinox.
A Common Three-Crossover Strategy
Chevrolet’s apparent new entry is surprising but makes sense when comparing Chevrolet’s lineup with others in the industry. In spanning from the compact to midsize crossovers, a three-model strategy is not uncommon. Consider the Jeep Renegade/Compass/Cherokee trio, or Ford’s EcoSport, Bronco Sport, and Escape triumvirate. Looking to a Japanese automaker, Nissan offers the Kicks, Rogue Sport, and Rogue in ascending order. In this company, this new Chevy CUV prototype seems to make more sense—bridging the gap between the Trailblazer and Equinox, while building on the spirit and design of the Blazer in a smaller package.
Trailblazer Crossover Coupe?
It has been reported that a Chevy Trailblazer crossover coupe is apparently in GM’s future product pipeline. This model could conceivably represent that model, but it must be said that this prototype doesn’t match up with verbal descriptions of the “coupe’s” design. It’s been reported that the crossover coupe would be a Trailblazer until the B-pillar, where the entire roofline would slope for a sleeker shape. This new prototype showcases a more steeply raked windshield and an entirely new silhouette from nose to tail. Either those early descriptions were wrong, or this is an entirely different model from the reported Trailblazer crossover coupe. Time will tell.
The prototype’s ample front-fascia grille-work and the evidence of the exhaust tip tucked under the rear bumper ensures that this is an ICE model and not one of GM’s coming EV models.
The wheel design is interesting, as it is stylistically very similar to the 18-inch machined aluminum wheels that are standard on the Trailblazer RS. At first glance, we thought it was using Trailblazer wheels, but a closer look noted some subtle design differences in the wheel spokes.
We’ll be on the lookout for more details on these prototypes, to better assess their place in GM’s global model range.
