Overview The 2026 Trailblazer has almost everything needed to make it big in the affordable subcompact crossover class: room for five, class-competitive fuel economy, styling that echoes its bigger siblings, and ample cargo room behind the rear seat. There’s a choice of two three-cylinder engines and front or all-wheel drive, some eye-catching exterior colors, and plenty of available tech options. Primary competitors include the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek but the Trailblazer’s biggest challenge comes from within the family, as the Chevrolet Trax SUV brings roughly the same space and utility for thousands less. The Trax shares the Trailblazer’s base 1.2-liter engine but pairs it with a more desirable six-speed automatic transmission instead of the CVT in the Trailblazer. What the Trax doesn’t offer, however, is the option of all-wheel-drive. That makes the Trailblazer worth a look—especially if extra slippery-road traction is something you feel you need—but be prepared to shell out more money for that bit of extra capability. What’s New for 2026?Refreshed for 2024, the Trailblazer sees only a few cosmetic updates for 2026. Exterior colors Crimson Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic are discontinued to make room for the new White Sands and Apex Red finishes. They’ve also made the spare tire an option but added a standard tire inflator kit to fill the void. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer starts at $24,395 and goes up to $28,995 depending on the trim and options.We’re fans of the Trailblazer LT as it adds an upgraded audio system, dark tinted glass for the rear doors and hatch, remote start, and heated mirrors. The trick is to add all-wheel drive, which brings the more powerful 1.3-liter engine and a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission and opens up access to options such as roof-mounted side rails, adaptive cruise control, and the Convenience Package (automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charging pad, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and more), making the Trailblazer far more agreeable. Engine, Transmission, and Performance As with the Encore GX, the Trailblazer comes with either of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder generates 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder is optional, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Given the difference in gearboxes—the nine-speed makes for a smoother, quieter driving experience— we’d say the several hundred dollar upcharge for the engine upgrade is well worth it. Still, acceleration is leisurely with either powerplant, but that’s no surprise in this class. Around town at slower speeds, though, the Trailblazer feels peppier than its acceleration-test numbers would suggest, but merging onto the highway or executing high-speed passing maneuvers does require planning and some patience. Just stick to the right lane when you stuff this Chevy with people and lifestyle debris.0–60-MPH TimesAcceleration is unhurried with either powerplant. Even with the more powerful 1.3-liter engine, our tests saw the Trailblazer amble to 60 mph in a relaxed 8.7 seconds.More on the Trailblazer SUVTowing and Payload Capacity While the Trailblazer is not an obvious choice for towing, it is rated to tug up to 1000 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGAccording to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive Trailblazer with the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Opting for the 1.3-liter engine and front-drive improves the combined fuel economy to 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. All-wheel drive comes only with the larger engine, a combination that drops combined fuel economy to 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, an all-wheel drive Trailblazer RS returned 26 mpg. For more information about the Trailblazer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoClimb inside the Trailblazer, and you’ll find the driver sits up high, much like in a larger SUV. There is more than enough room in the back seat for two adults to sit comfortably. Even though the interior is primarily trimmed in black plastic, it doesn’t feel tacky. Higher-end versions have chrome accents and colored trim pieces that make the cabin feel more expensive than you’d expect at this price point. For such a small SUV, the Trailblazer excels at carrying whatever you’ll need to haul. Its roomy cargo area can be expanded by not only folding the rear seats but the front passenger seat as well. In our testing, we fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat; with the rear seatbacks folded, we fit a total of 19.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe driver gets an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster while a sizeable 11.0-inch touchscreen anchors the middle of the instrument panel. A six-speaker stereo system is standard; a Bose seven-speaker stereo is available as part of the Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package on ACTIV and RS models. One USB-A and USB-C port are standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesChevrolet equips every Trailblazer with basic driver-assistance technology and makes more advanced tech, such as adaptive cruise control, optional. For more information about the Trailblazer’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageWhen compared to many of the competitors, the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s standard warranty coverage is unremarkably average. Searching for a small SUV with a longer warranty? Look no further than the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, all of which come with up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. The Trailblazer’s first planned maintenance visit is free, a feature not found in most competitors.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $29,995/$34,470
Options: power panoramic sunroof, $1495; Convenience package (automatic climate control, rear type-A and -C USB ports, wireless device charging, 120-volt outlet, auto-dimming interior mirror, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, power liftgate), $1195; Adaptive Cruise and Sound package (7-speaker Bose sound system, adaptive cruise control), $995; Fountain Blue paint, $395; Driver Confidence package (blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, rear park assist), $395
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 82 in3, 1338 cm3
Power: 155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/10.4-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact TX
245/45R-19 98H M+S TPC Spec 3178
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length: 173.5 in
Width: 71.2 in
Height: 65.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 50/45 ft3
Cargo Volume, behind F/R: 54/25 ft3
Curb Weight: 3390 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.7 sec @ 83 mph
100 mph: 28.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 380 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/26/29 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
