George Nunnally Chevrolet · Trailblazer Research

2026 Chevy Trailblazer Trims Compared — NWA, AR

LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV share a footprint and a standard 11-inch screen — but they split on engine, drivetrain, price, and personality. Here's a side-by-side breakdown to land you on the right one before you ever step on the lot.

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4 trims 2 turbo engines: 137 hp & 155 hp FWD standard, AWD available ~$23,300 to high-$20,000s

The 2026 Trailblazer lineup is refreshingly simple: four trims, two engines, and one big drivetrain decision. Move up the ladder and you're mostly buying a stronger standard engine, more style, and either sport or trail character — not a different vehicle. That makes it easy to right-size your pick for how you actually drive around Fayetteville, Springdale, and Centerton. Below, we compare every 2026 Trailblazer trim head-to-head, then break down who each one is for. When you're ready to match this to live stock, jump to the Trailblazer inventory overview.

Side by Side

2026 Trailblazer Trim Comparison

Trim	Starting MSRP*	Standard engine	EPA (std)	Best for
LS	about $23,300	1.2L Turbo, 137 hp	30 / 31 mpg	Value & commuting
LT	about $24,500	1.2L Turbo, 137 hp	30 / 31 mpg	Most buyers (best all-rounder)
RS	about $27,900	1.3L Turbo, 155 hp	29 / 33 mpg	Sporty styling
ACTIV	about $27,900	1.3L Turbo, 155 hp	29 / 33 mpg	Light off-road & outdoors

*Starting MSRP, excludes the $1,795 destination charge, taxes, and options; sourced June 2026 and subject to change. EPA estimates shown for each trim's standard engine with front-wheel drive. Choosing all-wheel drive on any trim adds the 1.3L engine, a 9-speed automatic, and roughly $1,600–$2,000; AWD fuel economy is 26/29 mpg.

Trim by Trim

What Each Trim Adds

Trailblazer LS — the value play

The LS covers the essentials better than most base trims. Standard kit includes the 1.2L turbo with front-wheel drive, an 11-inch HD touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the full Chevy Safety Assist suite. New for 2026, every Trailblazer — the LS included — comes with a standard tire inflator kit (a spare tire is optional). If you want a tidy, fuel-efficient commuter and don't need the stronger engine, the LS is all the Trailblazer many drivers need.

Trailblazer LT — the all-rounder most people should buy

Historically the best-selling trim, the LT is where flexibility lives. It builds on the LS with added comfort and convenience content (including a six-speaker stereo and available heated front seats) and, crucially, opens the door to the upgrades that matter: the 155-hp 1.3L turbo for about $395, all-wheel drive, and option packages like Cold Weather and Convenience. New for 2026, the LT can also wear a blacked-out Midnight Edition appearance package ($895). Our pick for Northwest Arkansas: the LT with all-wheel drive, which bundles the stronger engine, the smoother 9-speed automatic, and wet-weather traction in the most configurable trim.

Trailblazer RS — the sport look

The RS makes the 1.3L turbo standard and layers on sport style: a blacked-out mesh grille, gloss-black 19-inch wheels, dual-exit exhaust with chrome tips, red interior accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and available synthetic-leather (Evotex) seating. Mechanically it's the same Trailblazer as the others — this is a styling and content step, not a performance one — but if you want the sharpest-looking version, the RS is it.

Trailblazer ACTIV — the outdoorsy one

The ACTIV also gets the 1.3L turbo standard, but trades the RS's sport theme for trail character: an off-road-tuned suspension, a functional skid plate, dual exhaust, rugged exterior styling, and a distinctive interior with synthetic-leather trim and "Activ" detailing. Paired with available all-wheel drive, it's the most capable Trailblazer for gravel roads and trailheads — though it's a light-duty adventurer, not a true off-roader.

Pricing Ladder

How the Choices Move the Price

Two decisions drive most of the price difference between Trailblazers — engine and drivetrain — and they're linked. On the LS and LT, the 1.3L turbo is about a $395 upgrade. All-wheel drive runs roughly $1,600–$2,000 depending on trim and always includes that 1.3L engine plus the 9-speed automatic, so a top RS or ACTIV with AWD lands in the low-$29,000s before options. The RS and ACTIV already include the 1.3L as standard, which is why they start several thousand above the LS and LT.

Quick math: 1.3L turbo on LS/LT ˜ +$395 · All-wheel drive (incl. 1.3L + 9-speed) ˜ +$1,600–$2,000 · Destination charge $1,795 · LT Midnight Edition $895.

The Short Answer

Which 2026 Trailblazer Should You Buy?

You want the lowest price	Choose the LS. Well-equipped, efficient, and the easiest Trailblazer on the budget.
You want the best all-round value	Choose the LT — ideally with the 1.3L and AWD. The widest options list and the smart winter setup for NWA.
You want it to look sharp	Choose the RS. The 1.3L is standard and the styling is the boldest in the lineup.
You head off the pavement	Choose the ACTIV with AWD. Skid plate, off-road suspension, and trail-ready styling.

Questions

2026 Trailblazer Trim FAQs

What are the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer trim levels?

The 2026 Trailblazer comes in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV. LS and LT use the standard 1.2L turbo engine, while RS and ACTIV come standard with the more powerful 1.3L turbo. Every trim offers front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive as an option.

What is the difference between the Trailblazer RS and ACTIV?

Both come standard with the 155-hp 1.3L turbo, but they have different personalities. The RS is a sport-appearance trim with 19-inch gloss-black wheels, a mesh grille, dual exhaust, and red interior accents. The ACTIV is the outdoorsy trim, adding an off-road-tuned suspension, a functional skid plate, and rugged styling. They're priced very close to each other.

Which Trailblazer trim is the best value?

For most buyers, the LT is the sweet spot. It's the most configurable trim, lets you add the 1.3L turbo and all-wheel drive, and historically has been the best-selling Trailblazer. The LS is the better pick if your priority is the lowest possible price.

Can you get all-wheel drive on every Trailblazer trim?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available across the LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV. On any trim, choosing AWD also brings the 155-hp 1.3L turbo and a 9-speed automatic transmission, and adds roughly $1,600 to $2,000 to the price.

Which Trailblazer trims have the more powerful engine?

The 155-hp 1.3L turbo is standard on the RS and ACTIV. On the LS and LT it's an available upgrade for about $395, and it's included automatically whenever you choose all-wheel drive.

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