Trail Mix: The Four Diverse Trims of the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer
Chevy has leveraged its considerable experience in the SUV segment to design one of the market’s most enticing crossover models with the 2026 Trailblazer. The SUV encompasses everything there is to love about the subcompact class, offering plenty of passenger and cargo room along with the sort of efficiency that would put most vehicles on notice. Throw in a head-turning exterior and a well-appointed cabin filled with a long list of contemporary comfort, tech, and safety features, and you’ve got a versatile SUV that can go head-to-head with any other model in the segment.
The Trailblazer made its debut in 2020 and was fully refreshed as recently as 2024, so the SUV remains largely unchanged as Chevy moves into the 2026 model year. That doesn’t mean drivers won’t have a few decisions to make when it comes to picking out the perfect Trailblazer. The SUV is offered in four diverse trims, from the affordable LS and comfort-focused LT to the sporty ACTIV trim and an RS model that traces its roots back to the original Camaro. To simplify the buying process, we’ve compiled a quick guide outlining some of the key differences between each trim. Join us as we explore the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer and learn how the subcompact crossover lives up to its pioneering name.
The 2026 Chevy Trailblazer Trim Lineup
LS
Boasting a starting MSRP that’s below $25,000 the LS is the go-to choice if you’re seeking a value-packed SUV that punches well above its modest price.[a] The LS trim gets the Trailblazer off to a strong start with a host of impressive tech and convenience features that make the crossover a standout in the subcompact segment.
Automatic headlights and a push-button start are just a few of the modern amenities you’ll find on the LS, but it’s the Trailblazer’s surprisingly roomy interior that really has people talking. Drivers can make the most of the SUV’s 54 cu.ft. of cargo space thanks to a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a flat-folding front passenger seat is ideal for accommodating longer items.
The base trim is anything but basic from a tech perspective, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. Never one to treat safety as an afterthought, Chevy has also packed the Trailblazer LS with a few key advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), like Forward Collision Alert and a Lane Keep Assist feature that’ll keep you firmly planted between the lines wherever the road might take you.
LT
The Trailblazer’s LT trim prioritizes comfort to create a warm, inviting ride that’ll have you looking forward to every journey. Available heated front seats will take the chill off of those cold winter mornings or provide a little relief when your back starts to tense up on a longer road trip, while heated side mirrors keep ice and snow from obscuring your view and impacting safety.
A set of tinted rear windows gives backseat riders a little privacy and helps cut down on UV exposure, though the LT’s standard roof rails have the biggest effect on utility. These roof rails allow drivers to bring along whatever gear they might need for their next adventure, from kayaks and bikes to the rooftop tents that have become such a popular aftermarket add-on for those who like to recharge in nature. The LT also comes standard with an alluring set of 17-inch wheels with a black machine finish that further separates the trim from the entry-level LS.
ACTIV
The ACTIV trim certainly lives up to its name, infusing the Trailblazer with a host of important enhancements that turn the subcompact into a readymade adventure rig. The obvious highlight would have to be the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine that replaces the standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder design found on the LS and LT trims. That small amount of extra displacement might not seem like it would make much of a difference, but some clever engineering sees the 1.3-liter engine provide nearly 20 extra hp that’ll elevate your daily driving experience.
The engine is also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of the 1.3-liter’s continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which will be welcomed news for any drivers who prefer a more traditional experience that provides the sort of real-time feedback of a traditional automatic. The biggest selling point of the upsized engine would have to be that it gives the Trailblazer an AWD powertrain. The subcompact might not be able to hang with some of Chevy’s larger SUVs like the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado Trail Boss when it comes to heavy-duty off-road use, but AWD is sure to earn its keep when ice, snow, and other challenging road conditions threaten the Trailblazer’s traction.
If you decide to leave the pavement behind, you’ll get the chance to test out the ACTIV’s sport terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and tuned off-road suspension. The ACTIV also edges into luxury territory with a few enticing features that all drivers will appreciate. Evotex upholstery and a wrapped steering wheel and shift knob create a classy cabin, and a heated steering wheel and rear-seat center armrest ensure maximum comfort for those riding in both the front and back.
RS
Chevy’s RS (Rally Sport) trims carry a long legacy of sporty, performance-inspired design that dates back to the original Camaro muscle car of the late 1960s. The Trailblazer RS might not have the Camaro’s hidden headlights, flashy taillights, and shiny chrome detailing, but it’s easily the most stylish trim on offer with the addition of dual exhaust pipes, 19-inch wheels, and an arresting two-tone roof that immediately differentiates the trim from the LS and LT models. These upgrades would make the RS worthy of a closer look on its own, but Chevy is just getting started.
The RS is emblazoned with a black bowtie emblem that represents a new take on the classic Chevy logo, and red RS badging adds a fun splash of color to the mix. This same red color is carried over to the interior, where it serves to accent the doors, dashboard, and seats, and there’s no missing the flat-bottom steering wheel that lends the RS a race-ready look. Like the ACTIV, the RS comes standard with the 1.3-liter engine and AWD, as well as an integrated tow hitch receiver that’ll allow drivers to take full advantage of the crossover’s 1,000-lb towing capacity.
Find Your 2026 Trailblazer at DePaula Chevrolet
Choosing the right trim is just one part of the process when you set out to find your 2026 Trailblazer. In an effort to enhance the SUV’s customization potential, Chevy allows drivers to choose between five different equipment packages and more than two dozen optional add-ons that make it easier than ever to create the subcompact SUV of your dreams.
The Driver Confidence Package contributes a host of handy safety tech, from Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to Rear Park Assist, that’ll allow you to conquer even the narrowest parking spaces. Available on the LT trims and above, the Convenience Package includes some must-have modern touches like USB charging ports and a wireless charging pad, a 120-volt outlet, Automatic Climate Control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror designed to prevent any temporary blindness when you’re being tailgated by a less-than-considerate driver at night.
Standalone options include a hands-free liftgate, panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio system, and an adaptive cruise control feature that enhances the SUV’s convenience while reducing dangerous distractions. Between all these options and the four distinct trim options, the Trailblazer can be easily personalized to meet your unique driving needs. If you want to learn more about the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer or explore any of the brand’s other beloved cars, trucks, and SUVs, DePaula Chevrolet is here to help.
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