2026 Trailblazer at a Glance
- ✔ Starting MSRP: $23,000* for the LS, with four trims up to the ACTIV and RS at $27,600*
- ✔ Fuel economy: Up to 31 MPG combined
- ✔ Standard safety: Chevy Safety Assist with over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features1
- ✔ All-wheel drive: Available with the ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine
- ✔ Technology: 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen standard
- ✔ Awards: NHTSA 5-Star overall safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer has become a favorite for Waterloo drivers who want a small SUV without giving up style or tech. It starts at $23,000* and comes in four trims, with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and Chevy Safety Assist standard on every one. You also get the option of all-wheel drive, which matters when the snow starts falling and Highway 218 gets slick. Rydell Chevrolet keeps the full lineup on the lot, so you can compare trims in person instead of guessing.
How Much Does the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer Cost?
The 2026 Chevy Trailblazer price starts at $23,000* for the LS. The LT starts at $24,200*. The ACTIV and RS both start at $27,600*. That spread gives you room to choose between value, comfort, or personality without jumping into a different vehicle entirely.
Two turbocharged three-cylinder engines are available. The base 1.2-liter makes 137 horsepower. The upgraded 1.3-liter delivers 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and it opens the door to available all-wheel drive. Fuel economy reaches up to 31 MPG combined, depending on how you configure it.
Top Features at a Glance
- ✔ 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen
- ✔ Over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features1
- ✔ All-wheel drive available
What Are the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer Trim Levels?
Four Trailblazer trim levels are available: LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS. Each one has its own personality. The LS is the value play. The LT adds everyday comfort and tech. The ACTIV leans rugged with off-road suspension tuning and a functional skid plate. The RS goes sporty with 19-inch wheels, red interior accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Two new colors for 2026, Apex Red and White Sands, give you fresh ways to make it yours.
2026 Trailblazer Trims and Starting Prices
| Trim | Starting MSRP* | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LS | $23,000 | Lowest price, standard tech and safety |
| LT | $24,200 | Everyday comfort and convenience |
| ACTIV | $27,600 | Rugged styling and off-road hardware |
| RS | $27,600 | Sporty styling and 19-inch wheels |
LS: Standard Tech From the Start
The LS starts at $23,000*. Even at the entry point, you get the 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, push-button start, and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Chevy Safety Assist comes standard too. If you want a new SUV with modern tech and a low price, the LS makes a strong case.
LT: The Comfortable Middle Ground
The LT starts at $24,200*. It builds on the LS with more comfort features and opens up options like the Midnight package for a darker, more aggressive look. If you want a Trailblazer that feels a step above basic without jumping to the top of the range, the LT is the sweet spot.
ACTIV: Rugged Hardware, Real Capability
The ACTIV starts at $27,600*. It brings off-road suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, and unique Artemis accents. The look is tougher, and the hardware backs it up. If you spend weekends on gravel roads or just prefer a more rugged design, the ACTIV delivers. All-wheel drive is available with the 1.3L turbo engine.
RS: Sporty Looks, Sharp Details
The RS also starts at $27,600*. It takes the Trailblazer in a sportier direction with 19-inch wheels, red interior accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The RS shares its price with the ACTIV, so the choice comes down to personality. Pick the RS if you want the sharpest street look in the lineup.
What Does Every 2026 Trailblazer Give You?
No matter which trim you choose, the Trailblazer comes loaded with standard features that would cost extra on many rivals. Every trim gets the 11.3-inch HD color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, push-button start, and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Chevy Safety Assist bundles six driver-assistance features at no extra charge, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.
Available upgrades include wireless charging, a Bose premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic dual-pane power sunroof. A hands-free power liftgate is also available on upper trims, which makes loading groceries or gear easier when your hands are full.
How Safe Is the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer?
The 2026 Trailblazer earned a 5-Star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It also scored Good across all IIHS crashworthiness categories and holds IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status. Those are strong results for any vehicle, let alone one at this price point.
Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on every trim. The suite includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, and IntelliBeam high-beam assist. Over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features are included across the lineup.1
What Technology Comes in the 2026 Trailblazer?
The Trailblazer's tech list would make pricier rivals blush. Every trim ships with an 11.3-inch HD color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, push-button start, and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. The screen is bright and easy to read, and the wireless connectivity means you can pair your phone and get moving without fumbling for a cable.
Available upgrades include wireless charging, a Bose premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic dual-pane power sunroof. Three versatile drive modes let you adjust the Trailblazer's behavior to suit conditions, from dry pavement to rain or light snow.
What Makes the 2026 Trailblazer Stand Out?
The Trailblazer has a look that turns heads in a crowded parking lot. A black mesh grille, titanium chrome accenting, and an available two-tone roof give it a presence that smaller SUVs often lack. New for 2026, Apex Red and White Sands join the color palette. Cacti Green and Marina Blue Metallic remain available for anyone who wants something less common.
Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV. The digital-first layout keeps controls within easy reach, and the 11.3-inch screen anchors the dashboard. Rear seats fold to expand cargo space, and the available hands-free power liftgate makes loading simpler when your hands are full.
What Awards Has the Trailblazer Earned?
The Trailblazer has earned recognition from top industry voices. Kelley Blue Book awards it a 4.2 expert rating and ranks it among the Best Subcompact SUVs. KBB owners rate it 4.3 out of 5 stars for reliability, comfort, and styling. It holds a Wards 10 Best UX award for its user experience. NHTSA gave it a 5-Star overall safety rating, and IIHS awarded it Top Safety Pick+ status.
What Is New for the 2026 Trailblazer?
For 2026, Chevy adds two new exterior colors: Apex Red and White Sands. The spare tire is replaced with a standard tire inflator kit, which helps keep weight down. The four-trim structure carries over, as do the two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options. The 2024 refresh already brought a redesigned cabin and updated tech, so the 2026 model builds on a strong foundation.
Why Buy Your Trailblazer at Rydell Chevrolet in Waterloo?
Rydell Chevrolet keeps the full Trailblazer lineup on the lot, so you can compare the LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS side by side. Sit inside each one. Check the screens. Look at the wheels and the interior accents. Then decide which trim matches how you actually drive.
Whether you are in Cedar Falls, Evansdale, or coming in from Independence, the drive to 1325 E San Marnan Dr is worth it. Stop in for a test drive and see the Trailblazer for yourself. Spec sheets only tell you so much.
FAQ
How much does the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer cost?
The 2026 Chevy Trailblazer starts at $23,000* for the LS trim. The LT starts at $24,200*, while the ACTIV and RS both start at $27,600*.
Does the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available on the 2026 Trailblazer when equipped with the ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine.
What kind of fuel economy does the 2026 Trailblazer get?
The 2026 Chevy Trailblazer reaches up to 31 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain configuration.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Trailblazer have?
The 2026 Trailblazer offers a spacious cabin for a subcompact SUV, with a hands-free power liftgate available on upper trims for easier loading.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 Trailblazer?
Every 2026 Trailblazer includes Chevy Safety Assist, which bundles six driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.
What is the difference between the Trailblazer ACTIV and RS?
The ACTIV adds off-road suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, and unique Artemis accents. The RS counters with 19-inch wheels, red interior accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Rydell Chevrolet
Address: 1325 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702
Sales Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Phone: (319) 552-5594
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.
1Requires ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine.