2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT 5.3L V8 4AT RWD (305 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Two years after the introduction of the TrailBlazer, Chevrolet considered adding a few extra inches to the SUV’s wheelbase and thus created the EXT version.

While other brands already had seven-seat SUVs, Chevrolet tried to find a more affordable solution. Since the TrailBlazer was a body-on-frame vehicle, the only thing the carmaker had to do was to create a more extended chassis and stick a modified bodywork on it. Moreover, to cut production costs, it shared most components with the GMC Envoy XL and XUV. Unfortunately, both vehicles were axed from production in 2006 when GM closed the Oklahoma City plant from Oklahoma, where they were built.

Up to the B-pillar, the TrailBlazer EXT sported the same body panels as the regular-size one. The back doors, on the other hand, didn’t feature the cut for the wheel arches since the rear axle was far behind them. In addition, the third row of windows was wider. At the back, there were no changes for the tailgate. But it was easy to see that the SUV was not designed from the start to sport such a length, and it looked kind of disproportionate.

Inside, the most significant change was the addition of the third row of seats. These were ok even for adult occupants since the 16″ (40 cm) additional length between the axles was used only for them. The first row of seats was similar to the ones fitted in the regular-sized TrailBlazer, with the only significant change for the middle seats, which could’ve been tilted.

Under the hood, the TrailBlazer EXT began its career with an inline-six, and later it received a better V8. Yet, the added weight made the car sluggish compared to the regular TrailBlazer and much thirstier.