PowerAh, the 3-pot. GM's subcompact SUV quatuor is split into two pairs: Trax/Envista, Trailblazer/Encore GX. The former are fwd-only and are powered by a 1.2 litre turbo 3 attached to a 9-speed automatic. For reasons known only to GM, the latter, when fwd, must do with a CVT. If you must avoid awd, please get a Trax/Envista - for less money, you'll get a roomier interior and a better transmission. Checking the awd box on the Trailblazer/Encore GX nets the 9-speeder and upgrades the engine to a mighty 1.3 litres of displacement. On tap are 155 horses, and of note the max torque (174 lb/ft) is available as soon as 1,600 rpm, so one may very well chirp a tire. The odd cylinder count allows for a personality that's generally lacking in this category. While no fury, the engine at least
sounds interesting. While peppy enough around town, on the highway the lack of oomph is noticeable and passing requires planning. There is a Sport button, and as far as I can tell, it calls a light to come on - I have not noticed anything else.