The Chevy Trailblazer has returned.
But it’s still not here.
The production version of the reborn baby Blazer made its debut in Thailand this week, where it goes on sale in June, followed by markets around the world. The body-on-frame SUV is based on the all-new Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck, which is set to go on sale in the United States next year.
The Trailblazer is not.
Although the rugged “body in-wheels out” design of the Trailblazer looks tailor-made for U.S. customers, there are currently no plans to bring it here. The global version of the truck is powered by a choice of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines, and is available in rear or all-wheel-drive. It has three rows of seats for seven passengers.
Read: GM plots revenge of the midsize truck
The old Trailblazer was replaced in the U.S. by the Traverse crossover, which has been a sales success for Chevy as buyers flock to its combination passenger car comfort, fuel economy and truck-like looks, even if it doesn’t have the off-road or heavy duty towing capabilities to fully back them up.
Still, with few truck-based SUVs currently available in the U.S., it remains possible that there is room for a return of the Trailblazer if Chevy determines that the demand is there, especially with the Colorado on the way. The fact that GM has prominently promoted the new Trailblazer on its U.S. media website could be the marketing department’s version of the kind of fishing trips trucks like these are made for.