The base engine for all TrailBlazers is the 291-horsepower Vortec 4200, a 4.2-liter inline-6. The Vortec 5300 5.3-liter overhead-valve V8, rated 300 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, is now available as an option ($1500) on both the standard and EXT models. All come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The TrailBlazer SS ($32,890) comes with GM's LS2 6.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Chevy claims the SS can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The SS is equipped with a heavy-duty version of GM's four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, the 4L70E, and is available with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

For added safety, GM's StabiliTrack electronic stability control system is now standard on all TrailBlazer models. This system uses a full range of motion and control sensors, coupled to actuators on the throttle and individual wheel brakes to sense and mitigate any unintended changes in vehicle direction. Other safety features include dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, which inflate with less intensity in slower crashes. An enhanced passenger safety belt reminder is standard as are pretensioners on the outboard front-seat belts, that tighten to take up slack when the air bags deploy. Side-impact head-curtain airbags are optional ($495). The optional OnStar system includes GM's Automatic Crash Notification System to transmit crash scene data automatically to participating 911 emergency systems.

LS models are nicely equipped with dual-zone air conditioning, CD player, reclining bucket seats and floor console, power windows and programmable door locks, tilt steering, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch aluminum wheels, luggage rack roof rails, and three power outlets. An optional package ($1,185) adds remote keyless entry, content-theft alarm, heated foldaway mirrors, a rear window defogger, color-keyed carpeted floor mats, crossbars for the luggage rack, and Charcoal-colored body-side moldings.

LT adds fog lamps, an overhead console with HomeLink transmitter and Travelnote digital recorder, body-color grille and door handles, eight-way power for the driver's seat, a trailer wiring harness and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Two-tone leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual front eight-way power reclining bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support are available as a package ($1,180). The front and rear fascias, grille, headlamps, rocker panels and body side moldings on the LT have been revised for 2006 to give the upscale model a more distinctive appearance.

TrailBlazer EXT LS and TrailBlazer EXT LT are equipped similarly to their standard-wheelbase counterparts, but add third-row seating plus separate rear-seat heating and air conditioning controls. EXT LS models come standard with a HomeLink transmitter, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels, and other upgrades.

Options include a new Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Package ($1,165), which includes the sunroof, ETR audio system with six Bose speakers, 6CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, and DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Cruise control ($275), a tilt-and-slide sunroof ($950), and OnStar ($695), are available separately, but OnStar and cruise control can be ordered as a package ($700). Adjustable pedals ($150) and navigation ($1,995) are offered on the LT only. XM Satellite Radio ($325) is optional on all models, and an MP3 player is offered on LS ($135). DVD entertainment ($1,295) is available on all models. Various axle ratios (3.42, 3.73, and 4.10:1) and a locking differential are also available.