The Chevy Trailblazer SS is the next best thing to the Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

And at almost 7 large LESS than the Jeep, it’s hard to argue that, even for brand-loyalists like us.

PLUS, it’ll tow more…

Well, be all that as it may, it’s still not a Jeep, now, is it?

Nope. It’s really just a very well put together collection of parts-bin items. It’s one of the few things the General seems to do right these days, too.

Stuff in the V8 from the Corvette, back it with a bulletproof 4 speed auto, lower it, strap on 20’s and enjoy! …and you know they make a TON of money on these “specials”.

James Healey at USA Today had this to say in a recent review: “To be clear: SS is not just a big-engine TrailBlazer or a mild makeover. SS is the standard-wheelbase TrailBlazer fitted with a Corvette-derived V-8 engine, 20-inch-diameter wheels, stiffened and lowered suspension, big brakes, different interior and exterior trim. If you’re looking for a conventional SUV that happens to be quick, SS is more than you want. It’s more appropriate if you want a full-bore sporting machine that happens to be an SUV.”

While it sounds like a great rig, it’ll never have the cache of the Jeep brand name…but, then again, no SRT-8 will ever go offroad (someone please prove me wrong… ) and live up to that name, either…

Neither truck is what you’d call efficient - the Trailblazer SS only managed around 11 mpg during the test drive.

To be truthful, though, economy is NOT why you buy one of these - you buy one because it’ll do it all: tow the boat, haul the family AND haul ass.

Read the full article after the jump.
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