If you’re hunting for a small SUV that won’t wreck your bank account, the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer is a solid place to start. We’re putting the entry-level LS up against the flashier RS to see where your money is best spent. Here’s the breakdown of how these models measure up.
Key Takeaways:
- As of March 3, 2026, you can get Trailblazer trims for $25,095 and $29,695. (All trims are still under the $30K mark!)
- Chevy stuck mostly to small refinements for this model year.
- One big change to keep in mind is that a spare tire is no longer standard.
What Updates Have been Made to the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer?
Don’t look for a massive overhaul to the Trailblazer this year. Chevy mostly played around with the color options—it retired Crimson Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic to make room for Apex Red and White Sands.
But the biggest change for 2026 is that Chevy swapped the spare tire for an inflation kit across the lineup. You can still pay extra to have a spare tucked in the back, but it doesn’t come at the base price anymore.
While MSRPs ticked up slightly, the fact that even the top trims stay under $30,000 is a huge win for shoppers. Here is the current pricing by trim:
- LS: $25,095
- LT: $26,295
- RS: $29,695
- ACTIV: $29,695
What’s Under the Trailblazer’s Hood?
The Trailblazer’s starter engine is a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder that delivers 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s strictly front-wheel drive and mates with a CVT. There’s also an optional 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder that bumps output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. This larger engine swaps the CVT for a 9-speed automatic and gives you the choice to add all-wheel drive.
What Is the Difference Between the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer LS and RS Trims?
The LS is your “just the basics” pick. Here, you get an 11-inch infotainment screen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Despite its no-frills vibe, it’s surprisingly practical. The front passenger seat folds flat so you can slide in long items like kayaks or 2x4s. Chevy also includes standard safety tech like collision alerts and lane-keeping assistance, even on this base model. Chevy tucked most of the good stuff for the LS into packages—for example, the Convenience Package adds remote start and tinted rear glass.
The RS is for those who want a bit more attitude. It comes standard with that 1.3-liter engine and looks the part with 19-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, and dual exhaust tips. Inside, it’s much plusher: you get heated synthetic leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, and a rear-seat armrest. It even gets fancy LED taillights to finish the look.
On the RS, the Convenience Package gets you wireless phone charging, a power liftgate you can trigger with your foot, auto-climate control, and even a standard household-style power outlet. You can also add the Adaptive Cruise and Sound bundle. This gives you a smart cruise control system that manages your speed in traffic and a premium seven-speaker Bose audio system.
| 2026 Trailblazer LS | 2026 Trailblazer RS |
|---|---|
| 1.2L turbo engine | 1.3L turbo engine (standard) |
| 17-inch wheels (base styling) | 19-inch wheels with blacked-out trim |
| Cloth seating | Heated synthetic leather seating |
| Manual driver seat | Power driver seat |
| Fold-flat front passenger seat | Dual exhaust tips & LED taillights |
| Remote start (package) | Wireless charging & hands-free liftgate (package) |
| Standard audio system | Available Bose premium audio |
What Trailblazer Trim Should I Purchase?
The trim you pick really comes down to whether you just need a reliable daily driver or you want those extra creature comforts and a sportier look. The LS is a great value play, but the RS adds enough tech and style to make that $29K price tag feel worth it. Contact McQuillen Chevrolet GMC today to test drive both!
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