PRICE RANGE: $26,355 to $36,095

CONFIGURATION: Engine, 4.2 liter, Inline 6 with 270 hp; Front Engine/Rear or 4-Wheel Drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 16 mpg city/ 21 mpg highway

SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags, side bags, standard; ">ABS, standard

IMPRESSION: Larger, stronger and with one of the best new engines a truck could ask for. Definitely not the old Blazer, thus the name change.

There's nothing like a romp through the highways and byways of the Ozark Mountains to get a driver's blood up. These are sports car roads after all. Imagine the surprise (and to some the shock) of being invited to the heart of the Ozarks to drive an SUV.

Chevy was intent on proving to us that its new Trailblazer had broken out of the pack of 'also ran' mid-sized SUVs. Rather than take the safe (read straight and smooth) route, they showed considerable chutzpah and let us loose in the hills and hollows around Branson, MO.

The Trailblazer is the next stage up from the S10 Blazer that has soldiered on for a decade in Chevy's lineup. Chevy needed a dramatic ground up recreation of the Blazer to spark interest in its mid-sized SUV offering and though the original model will remain as the entry model, the Trailblazer will have lots of versions to bridge the gap to Tahoe.

This vehicle is new in every respect, and borrows a trick from Chrysler by making it half a size larger than the predecessor, for more interior room and load capability. The heart and soul of the new Trailblazer is one of the most exciting engines to come out of GM in years. This new 4.2L Inline 6 cylinder engine is a leader in power and refinement in this class.

Ron Kociba, Chief Engineer of the I6 project, told us why the inline configuration was picked over a more conventional V6. "First the inline configuration in a 6 cylinder is naturally balanced. The fact that there is a 'hot' side and a 'cold' side of the engine allowed us to optimize combustion and eliminate the need for Exhaust Gas Re-circulation and multiple catalytic converters. This provides excellent fuel economy as well as V8 class horsepower numbers!"

This engine is incredibly smooth and quiet at idle. You have to look at the tachometer to see if it's running at all. Ron said, "Engineers would try to start the already running vehicle. So we programmed the Powertrain Control Module to prevent the starter from being engaged when the engine is running." Coupled with an excellent GM four speed automatic transmission, this power train sets a standard for the mid-sized SUV class.

The two-wheel drive system has standard traction control to help in slippery conditions. The Autotrac four wheel drive can be set to "Auto 4WD" and the system will automatically direct power to the appropriate corner. For serious off-roading 4HI and 4LO settings are included.

The Trailblazer comes equipped with 12.1" vented disc brakes all around to provide better and more fade resistant stops. The standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) proportions braking under different load and/or towing conditions.

This eight ladder hydro formed frame is incredibly stout and is high resistance to twisting, which helps improve ride and handling as well as improving road feel. The front suspension incorporates coil-over shocks, to provide steering smoothness and precision. The solid rear axle is attached via a five link rear suspension system with coil springs and monotube gas shocks mounted outside of the frame rails to improve wheel control. An ">independent rear suspension, available on the Trailblazer's major competitor, was considered and could provide better handling characteristics but Chevy opted to stick with the proven solid rear axle. Trailblazer has a very tight turning circle of just 36.4 feet for extra maneuverability in tight parking situations, something most SUVs do poorly.

The Trailblazer 16" wheels receive all season tires while the 17" wheels get on/off road tires. When tested on the twisty mountain roads the LTZ trimmed Trailblazer proved to be a delight. The suspension tuning of the LTZ seemed to be a bit more 'sporty' than we expected.

It's apparent that Chevy wanted to impart a sense of motion to the Trailblazer. The beltline rises from front to rear giving the Trailblazer a nice 'rake'. The sides are accented by smooth transitions from body panel to body panel. The beltline is fairly low which leads to ample window sizes, imparting a feeling of openness when inside and also increases outward visibility. The door panels curve gently inward as they approach the rocker panels and the wheel openings are flat along the tops. There is not a hard edge to be found on the exterior of the Trailblazer and that lends an inviting feel to the vehicle.

The Trailblazer seats five comfortably and, while no third row seat is currently available, plans exist to produce a longer wheelbase version of the Trailblazer that includes a third row seat. For those who intend to tow with the vehicle, the Trailblazer comes equipped with a hitch receiver and electrical connections pre-wired in an external connector.

The dash has an organic flow and feel to it. All controls are easily accessible and have a decent feel. Fortunately, the switchgear is of a dark charcoal color rather than the light gray that has been used by GM in the past. Dual zone climate controls exist for the front passengers with a 25 degree temperature differential possible. Rear seat temperature controls are available in the upscale trim levels. The standard radio is a RDS am/fm unit and there are a number of audio options available including a very good Bose system. Rear seat audio controls are available and separate audio controls, available on LT and standard on LTZ models, are included in the steering wheel, a great safety feature.

Trailblazer is equipped with standard ABS, dual stage front air bags for driver and passenger as well as side air bags for the front seats, and three point seatbelts at all locations, with the shoulder belts mounted to the seats. Combine those safety items with the excellent steering and braking as well as a responsive drive train, you have the makings of a very safe vehicle.

The Trailblazer comes in three trims level. The LS includes standard dual zone climate control, side impact bags and aluminum wheels. The LT steps up from the LS with a power driver's seat, 16" sport wheels and OnStar communication package as well as optionally available leather interior and driver convenience packages. OnStar can be operated as a hands free cell phone. The LTZ sports standard 17" wheels and two-tone leather trim and an upgraded stereo in addition to the standard LT features.

There are a couple of stand-alone options worth noting. Running boards can be added as well as a power sunroof. The former is essential for smaller people and can be quite helpful in loading a roof rack and both are helpful to active life styles.

There were 8 million mid-size SUVs sold in the last five years, and Chevy has the most extensive lineup in the industry.