This Funky-Looking Off-Roader Is the Chevy Trailblazer America Should’ve Gotten

If you felt underwhelmed when Chevrolet reintroduced the TrailBlazer here in America, then you’re about to feel it much worse. The Golden Bowtie’s South American division just introduced a new variant of its rugged Latin market SUV donning the same name.

It’s called the TrailBlazer High Country Midnight and, as you’ve probably guessed already, it’s not for our shores. Rather, it’s a new, fancy version of the company’s Brazilian-market rugged midsize SUV.

And despite its questionable appearances and dated platform, it makes us wish we got that instead of the cute-ute found in local dealers.

The TrailBlazer that America deserves

Chevrolet Brazil

While America’s TrailBlazer is a subcompact unibody econobox designed and engineered by GM Korea (formerly Daewoo), Brazil’s Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a completely different animal. Underneath is essentially a rugged ladder frame midsize SUV based on an old Holden platform.

It’s based off the Holden Colorado pickup truck from GM’s Australia division (RIP Holden). Introduced in 2011, it’s been GM’s direct rival against the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Ford Everest, Izuzu MU-X and others.

Chevrolet Brazil

GM mainly sold it in Australian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Russian and South American markets. Or essentially, underdeveloped regions where people need rugged four-by-fours to traverse the area’s rural terrains and roads (or lack thereof).

Because of their low cost and tried, tested and true capabilities, GM kept it in production, updating it along the way to keep it somewhat fresh.

2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer High Country Midnight – Brazilian Market

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Now, this new High Country Midnight edition simply cranks up everything a few notches.

A true dedicated off-roader for the regions less traveled

Chevrolet Brazil

Many already know of the TrailBlazer’s capability and dependability in its respective markets. The new High Country Midnight now adds a plethora of heavier-duty off-roading upgrades.

It starts with an off-road-tuned suspension with beefier shocks and coils, compliments of GM’s own performance division. The result is a ride height increase by over an inch, translating to more ground clearance; better departure, approach, and breakover angles; and deeper water fording capabilities.

Chevrolet Brazil

The package also adds hefty Michelin LTX Force all-terrain tires, better calibrations for the power- and drivetrain, and redesigned front and rear bumpers to match.

Speaking of which, propulsion comes exclusively from GM’s 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six. Or the same turbodiesel you used to be able to get in the second-generation North American Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Chevrolet Brazil

Said turbodiesel is good for around 204 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of twist.

Altogether, it makes our market Trailblazer look puny and unworthy of the badge. But hopefully, with GM rumored to be building its own dedicated off-roader that potentially may revive the GMC Jimmy name, four-wheeling fans may finally get a new option from Detroit to choose from.

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