Built for the Avalon Peninsula: Why the Trailblazer ACTIV is More Than a Trim Level

The gravel roads leading to Conception Bay, the winding coastal routes around Trinity Bay, and the rugged paths to your favourite fishing spot all share one thing in common: they demand a vehicle that goes beyond ordinary capability. The Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV rises to meet these challenges with purpose-built features that make it the smart choice for drivers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

While other compact SUVs focus primarily on pavement performance, the ACTIV trim takes a different approach. This isn't simply about adding cosmetic touches or marketing appeal—it's about engineering specific solutions for real-world terrain that drivers in this region encounter daily.

At a Glance: Trailblazer ACTIV Key Specifications

Suspension That Handles More Than Smooth Pavement

The most significant difference you'll experience in the ACTIV lies beneath the surface. The off-road tuned suspension system adjusts how the vehicle responds to uneven terrain, providing better control when navigating loose gravel, ruts, or sudden elevation changes. This tuning affects the damping characteristics and spring rates, helping maintain wheel contact with the ground when standard suspension might struggle.

For drivers who regularly travel Highway 70 to Heart's Content or take the back roads to Holyrood, this suspension tuning translates to more confident handling when pavement gives way to gravel or when spring frost heaves create unexpected bumps.

Ground Protection Where It Matters

The functional skid plate positioned under the ACTIV provides an extra layer of protection for vital components. Unlike decorative trim pieces, this skid plate serves a practical purpose when you encounter rocks, deep ruts, or debris on unpaved surfaces.

This protection becomes particularly relevant during spring when road maintenance crews are still clearing winter damage, or when accessing remote areas where sharp rocks or fallen branches pose a threat to the undercarriage.

Tires Built for Variable Conditions

The 17-inch high-gloss Black machined-aluminum wheels paired with sport terrain tires represent another purposeful choice for the ACTIV trim. These tires feature tread patterns designed to provide better traction on loose surfaces while maintaining road comfort for daily driving.

The sport terrain designation indicates a tire that bridges the gap between all-season road tires and aggressive off-road treads, offering improved bite on gravel while remaining quiet and efficient on paved roads.

Drive Modes for Newfoundland Conditions

Three selectable drive modes—Normal, Sport, and AWD—allow drivers to match the vehicle's behaviour to current conditions. The AWD mode optimizes power distribution between front and rear wheels, particularly useful when dealing with loose gravel, wet conditions, or when extra traction helps maintain momentum on challenging surfaces.

• Normal Mode: Prioritizes fuel efficiency for highway and city driving
• Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle response and steering feel for more engaging driving
• AWD Mode: Optimizes traction distribution for challenging surface conditions
• Standard AWD System: Automatically transfers power where needed most

Practical Power for Real-World Use

The ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine delivers 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for both daily commuting and weekend adventures. The turbo design helps maintain performance at various elevations and load conditions, while the 9-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine operating in its optimal power band.

This powertrain combination supports the ACTIV's capability focus while delivering fuel economy ratings of 7.8L/100km city and 7.7L/100km highway—important considerations for drivers covering long distances across the province.

Which ACTIV Features Matter Most?

When evaluating the ACTIV trim against other Trailblazer options, consider your typical driving patterns:

Choose ACTIV if you regularly:

• Travel on unpaved or partially paved roads
• Need extra ground clearance and undercarriage protection
• Want improved traction capability beyond standard AWD
• Prefer tires that handle both pavement and loose surfaces effectively

Standard trims work well if you primarily:

• Drive on maintained highways and city streets
• Rarely encounter challenging surface conditions
• Prioritize maximum fuel economy over off-road capability

Experience the ACTIV at Woodward Motors Bay Roberts

The Trailblazer ACTIV characterizes thoughtful engineering for drivers who need more than basic transportation. Each feature serves a specific purpose, from the suspension tuning to the skid plate protection, creating a vehicle that handles Newfoundland and Labrador's diverse road conditions with confidence. Visit our team at Woodward Motors Bay Roberts to experience how the ACTIV's capabilities translate to real-world performance on the roads you travel most.