Leading the Way to Your New SUV With Our 2026 Chevy Trailblazer Buyer’s Guide

First introduced as a premium trim for Chevy’s midsize S-10 Blazer SUV in 1999, the Chevy Trailblazer has undergone an interesting evolution that reflects changing trends in the automotive industry. The Trailblazer came into its own from 2002 to 2009 as a midsize SUV that employed body-on-frame construction, and it would later be revived in 2021 as a subcompact crossover SUV. The Trailblazer’s evolution speaks to Chevy’s ability to accurately forecast the market’s changing tastes, and the 2026 model is no different.

From its range of efficient engines and impressive safety resume to its tech-forward interior and aggressive styling, this crossover encompasses everything there is to love about today’s subcompact segment. With so many different trims, equipment packages, and optional add-ons to choose from, there’s a lot to consider when you set out to find a Chevy Trailblazer for sale. Luckily, the team here at Patriot Chevrolet GMC is here to help. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a vehicle, which is why we’ve compiled a handy buyer’s guide designed to help our customers find the perfect Trailblazer for their unique driving needs. 

Two Turbocharged Engines 

The 2026 Trailblazer provides a choice between two ultra-efficient engines that allow the SUV to outshine much of the subcompact crossover segment.

It all starts with a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder engine that provides 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers might not turn the Trailblazer into a true speed demon, but the 1.2L mill is surprisingly effective at motivating the crossover SUV when you’re running errands around town or hitting the highway for an extended trip. The engine’s turbocharged design and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) also make the Trailblazer a standout in terms of fuel economy, with an estimated 30 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway to its name.

If you’re in the market for a more dynamic driving experience, the turbocharged 1.3L engine is just the ticket. The optional upgrade is a must-have for any drivers looking to up the fun factor, lending the Trailblazer 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.3L engine can also be paired with an AWD powertrain that improves the SUV’s performance when facing slick streets and off-road terrain, but it’s the enhanced gearbox that really has people talking.

Chevy swaps out the CVT for a nine-speed automatic transmission that offers a more traditional driving experience while also increasing the Trailblazer’s efficiency at higher speeds. When opting for the 1.3L engine and FWD, buyers can enjoy an estimated 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Choosing the AWD setup sees those numbers reduced to 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, but it’s a small price to pay for the sort of confidence the system can supply.

Four Diverse Trims

LS

Chevy kicks off the 2026 Trailblazer’s trim ladder with the LS. Carrying a low starting price and a comprehensive suite of comfort, convenience, and safety technology, the LS represents one of the best values in the subcompact segment. Automatic LED headlights and push-button start make for a seamless ride that’s free from distractions, while a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split folding rear seat give drivers the opportunity to make the most of the Trailblazer’s 54.4 cu.ft. of cargo room.

The LS also provides a striking array of tech features for a base trim, including an 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system that’ll help you to enjoy all of your favorite playlists and podcasts.       

LT

The Trailblazer LT ups the bar without significantly upping the price, and is certainly worth a closer look if you’re the type of driver who values style and practicality. The trim’s exterior is treated to a few important upgrades, including 17-inch black machined-finish wheels that replace the silver-painted aluminum wheels found on the LS, tinted rear windows for increased privacy, and a set of signature LED daytime running lights for improved visibility and style.

Heated side mirrors increase both visibility and safety by preventing ice and snow from obscuring your view, while available heated front seats ensure a warm, cozy ride even when the temperature starts to drop. The LT also comes standard with a set of roof rails that reinforce the Trailblazer’s utility and make space for one of the best aftermarket add-ons a driver can buy. Those who appreciate the great outdoors can use the roof rails to accommodate a rooftop tent that turns the Trailblazer into a readymade camping rig, providing a comfortable, rock-free alternative to a night spent roughing it on the ground.  

ACTIV

The ACTIV trim sees the Trailblazer receive a trail-ready renovation thanks to a generous arsenal of off-road equipment. A set of sport-terrain tires boosts traction, and the suspension has been tuned to improve performance in off-road scenarios. When the going gets rough, you’ll be well protected by an underbody skid plate that shields the SUV from rocks, logs, and other obstacles that threaten to damage crucial underbody components.

These rugged features aside, the ACTIV’s most notable advancement can be found under the hood. Chevy’s larger 1.3L turbocharged engine comes standard on the trim, and its 174 lb-ft of torque will be put to good use as you tackle dirt roads, snow, or mud. Dual exhaust pipes allow the engine to produce a satisfying growl while enhancing the crossover’s sporty appeal, and a two-tone white roof immediately distinguishes the ACTIV from the other trims.

The trim also ups the Trailblazer’s luxury factor with Evotex synthetic leather upholstery and a wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but it’s the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and rear-seat center armrest that’ll have the biggest impact on comfort as you go about your daily drive. 

RS

The Chevy RS badge traces its lineage all the way back to one of the industry’s most innovative, performance-minded models—the original 1960s Camaro. Today, the RS (“Rally Sport”) badge is used to give existing Chevy models a street-style makeover that often includes everything from modified bodywork to fresh lights, suspensions, and exhaust systems.

The RS trim came to the Trailblazer with the debut of the third-generation model in 2021 and has been providing plenty of thrills in the years since. The 19-inch High Gloss Black aluminum wheels with a machined face give the RS a distinctive look, as do black front and rear Chevy bowtie emblems. The blacked out exterior provides a mature alternative to the typical color palette, but the interior features a satisfying pop of color with red accents throughout the cabin.

The interior also gains Chevy’s Evotex upholstery, heated driver and front passenger seats, and a heated steering wheel, not to mention an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that’s sure to prove its worth on longer rides. The Trailblazer RS might lack the Camaro’s high-performance powertrain, but it does introduce some race-worthy features into the mix, such as a flat-bottom steering wheel.    

Plenty of Options and Packages 

If the Trailblazer’s four diverse trims don’t provide enough customization, Chevy has you covered with a long list of equipment packages and optional add-ons.

Available on the LT trim and above, the Convenience Package adds a number of comfort and convenience features that really broaden the crossover’s appeal as a family vehicle. An automatic climate control system will keep everyone at the perfect temperature, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror prevents you from being temporarily blinded when a tailgating driver hits you with the high beams. The package also keeps everyone powered up and ready for whatever the day might have in store with extra USB ports and a 120-volt power outlet designed to handle larger electronics.   

The 2026 Trailblazer already represents one of the safest subcompacts on the market, thanks to all of Chevy’s advanced driver-assistance systems like Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. However, the Driver Confidence Package throws Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert into the mix for good measure. This extensive ADAS package should provide plenty of assurance when you’re toting your most precious cargo.

The Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package does just what it says on the label, gifting the SUV with a sophisticated adaptive cruise control system and a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system that replaces the base six-speaker setup. Optional add-ons for the 2026 Trailblazer range from practical features like a wireless smartphone charging pad and a hands-free power liftgate to premium features like a panoramic sunroof.  

Efficient, Reliable, and Versatile

If you’re hunting for an efficient, reliable crossover that can serve as anything from a daily driver or family SUV to a ride that’s ready to get you to the mountains and back for a weekend of off-the-grid fun, the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer can’t be ignored. The subcompact’s fuel economy is an obvious highlight, but it’s not the only feature that makes the Trailblazer such an enticing buy.

The LS and LT trims prioritize value while including more than a few high-end features, while the ACTIV offers drivers the perfect excuse to explore. The RS is ideal for any driver looking to turn some heads, upping the Trailblazer’s already slick styling with some sporty enhancements that are hard to ignore. Adding optional equipment packages and features gives drivers the opportunity to create a bespoke ride, and do so at a very reasonable price. If you’re looking to blaze a new trail for yourself, it’s time to stop by Patriot Chevrolet GMC.

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