Rising gas prices and a turn away from truck-based SUVs may spell the imminent end of the Trailblazer, which rumors say Chevrolet will discontinue after the 2010 model year. As such, it receives few changes for 2009, one of which is the deletion of its 5.3-liter V8 engine. The roomy and powerful five-passenger SUV does add standard OnStar with optional Bluetooth connectivity for all trims.

The midsize 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer appeals to those wanting family-size SUV practicality with more functional truck-like capabilities, such as 6,800 pounds of towing capacity. The rear-wheel-drive SUV comes in LT (1, 2, and 3) and sporty SS3 trims, each available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Only the LT AWD trims offer low-range gearing for off-road performance. The lower ground clearance of the SS3 takes off-roading off the table. LT trims come equipped with a 285-hp, 4.2-liter DOHC inline-six engine and 4-speed HydraMatic, achieving a low but respectable 15/21 mpg. The SS3 offers a lot more power, throaty muscle-car noise, and fun behind the wheel with its 390-hp, 6.0-liter V8 engine, with 0-60 times under 6 seconds, but fuel economy wallows around 12/16 mpg. It comes paired with a heavy-duty version of the HydraMatic.

The base LT1 starts out with full power features, an 8-way driver's seat, cruise control, and a CD player with satellite radio, and moving up the LT line adds leather upholstery, wheel-mounted and second-row audio controls, power-adjustable pedals, memory settings, and optional chrome exterior trim. The SS3 features all of that minus the standard roof rack (to reduce weight), and rides on a sport-tuned suspension with larger brakes, stabilizer bars, 20-inch alloy wheels, and stiffer springs. All trims feature 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction and stability control, rollover sensors, a tire monitor, and dual front airbags with side curtain airbags only for the front seat. So equipped, the 2009 Trailblazer earns average crash test scores, with five stars going to side impact, but only three and four stars for frontal impact and rollover categories.

The 2009 Trailblazer seats five comfortably in two rows. Taller than most of its competitors, its interior headroom is ample for six-footers and the rear seat actually accommodates three passengers. Rear seats split-fold 60/40, expanding the 41-cubic-foot cargo bay to 80 cubic feet. Power-folding rear headrests make this job much easier, but can cause rear visibility issues. A trailer hitch and towing wiring come standard, while the interior space gets tiedowns. Moving up through the trims adds a cargo cover and net.