Do Chevy Trailblazers have 3rd row seating?
The Trailblazer is not equipped with a third row. It’s designed as a two-row, five-passenger SUV with ample cargo space for its size.
In this article, we examine the seating layout of the current Trailblazer, explain how space is allocated, and compare it to rivals that do offer three rows to help buyers decide if this model fits their needs.
Two rows, five seats: the Trailblazer interior
Across the current generation, the Trailblazer seats up to five people and does not offer a third row. The second row uses a split-folding design to balance passenger room with cargo space. Here’s what this means in everyday use.
Note that interior configurations can vary by trim and market, but the two-row, five-seat setup is standard in the U.S. market as of 2024-2025.
- Seating capacity: up to five passengers (2 in the front, 3 in the second row).
- Second-row configuration: typically a 60/40-split folding bench to expand cargo space when needed.
- Third-row option: not available on any Trailblazer trim.
- Cargo flexibility: rear seats fold to create more cargo room, making the small SUV versatile for groceries, sports gear, and luggage.
In practice, that means you get a compact SUV with two rows of seating and a reasonable cargo area, without the extra seat for a larger group.
Why Chevrolet sticks with two rows
Chevrolet has positioned the Trailblazer as a city-friendly crossover that emphasizes maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and a flexible cargo space profile. The two-row layout keeps the interior compact and comfortable for adults in the rear seat while still offering meaningful cargo space when the seats are folded. For buyers who regularly need seven or eight seats, Chevrolet offers larger two- or three-row models such as the Traverse in its lineup.
How the Trailblazer compares to three-row options
For families or groups that routinely require more than five seats, three-row SUVs are a natural fit. Models such as the Chevrolet Traverse or competing three-row crossovers from other brands provide additional passenger capacity but often trade some maneuverability and lower cargo length for that extra row.
- Chevrolet Traverse: offers three-row seating (up to seven/eight seats depending on configuration).
- Other three-row rivals: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, etc., all provide a third row in at least some configurations.
Buyers should compare seating layouts, space, and cargo when evaluating whether a three-row SUV is necessary for their needs.
Summary
The Chevy Trailblazer does not include a third row. It remains a two-row, five-passenger SUV with versatile cargo space, ideal for small families, urban driving, and those who prioritize efficiency over an extra seating row. If you require a third row, consider the Traverse or other brands’ three-row SUVs to find a model that matches your space and budget.
Which is bigger, Traverse or TrailBlazer?
The Traverse is bigger than the Trailblazer, with a larger, midsize body that can seat up to eight passengers compared to the Trailblazer's smaller, compact body that seats five. The Traverse also has significantly more cargo space and a higher towing capacity, while the smaller Trailblazer is more maneuverable and fuel-efficient.
| Feature | Traverse | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Midsize SUV | Compact SUV |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Max Cargo Space | Up to 98.2 cubic feet | Up to 54.4 cubic feet |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs | Up to 1,000 lbs |
| Key Advantage | More passenger and cargo room, and greater towing capability | More maneuverable and better fuel economy |
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Does a Chevy TrailBlazer have a 3rd row?
No, current models of the Chevy Trailblazer do not have a third-row seat; they are two-row, five-passenger SUVs. However, some older, extended versions called the Trailblazer EXT, such as those from 2003-2005, were available with a third row. For a Chevy SUV with three rows of seats, you should consider the Traverse, Tahoe, or Suburban.
You can watch this video to see a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer with a third row: 54sRide Auto Sales FinanceYouTube · Aug 12, 2011
Current Trailblazer
- Seating: Seats up to five passengers in a two-row configuration.
- Size: It is a subcompact SUV, so it does not have the space for a third row.
Older Trailblazer models
- Extended versions: Some older models, specifically the Trailblazer EXT, were available with an optional third-row seat.
- Availability: These models are only available on the used car market.
Chevy alternatives
- Chevy Traverse: A three-row mid-size SUV that can seat up to eight passengers.
- Chevy Tahoe: A large SUV with a third row of seating, also available in a three-row configuration.
- Chevy Suburban: A large three-row SUV, offering even more passenger and cargo space than the Tahoe.
Why was the TrailBlazer discontinued?
The original Trailblazer was discontinued in 2009 due to rising gas prices, poor fuel economy, and a shift in consumer demand toward more car-like crossovers. It was replaced by the larger Traverse, and its discontinuation marked a strategic move by Chevrolet to focus on trucks and crossovers with a more car-like unibody design.
- Market and consumer shifts: The demand for traditional, body-on-frame SUVs declined as consumers began to prefer car-based crossovers with better fuel economy and more car-like handling.
- Fuel economy and gas prices: The Trailblazer's poor fuel economy was a major factor, especially during a period of rising gasoline prices.
- Replacement by the Traverse: The larger, more car-like Traverse was introduced to fill the gap left by the Trailblazer, becoming the new midsize SUV for the brand.
- Shift in strategy: Chevrolet decided to focus on the growing crossover segment, which aligns with the company's broader strategy to transition away from traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
It is important to note that the Trailblazer name was later revived for a new subcompact SUV that debuted in 2021, which is a crossover and has no connection to the original SUV.
Which Chevy has 3rd row seating?
If you're looking for a Chevrolet with 3rd-row seating, there are three to choose from for 2025: the Chevy Traverse, the Chevy Tahoe, and the Chevy Suburban.
