Looking for your next Chevy SUV but don't know which way to turn. Let's check out two of its most popular models--we've put the Blazer and the Trailblazer side-by-side to see which one actually earns that coveted spot in your driveway.
Key Takeaways
- Blazer and Trailblazer models see minimal changes for 2026.
- As of December 29, 2025, Blazer prices are between $36,295 and $45,595.
- The Trailblazer is less expensive with trims from $25,095 to $29,695.
Chevy didn't mess with a good thing when it comes to the Blazer. However, it did trim down the options a bit by dropping the Premier trim, so if you've got your heart set on the V6, it is standard on the RS. Even the base models are a bit smarter in the new model year with standard safety features like blind-zone alerts and rear parking sensors.
Here's the current price tag for 2026 Blazer trims:
- 2LT: $36,295
- 3LT: $41,495
- Premier: $45,000 (est)
- RS: $45,595
Chevy mostly just tweaked the Trailblazer for '26. It swapped some colors around, ditching Crimson and Nitro Yellow for White Sands and Apex Red. Also, heads up: you won't find a spare tire in the trunk by default anymore. The Trailblazer comes with an inflator kit now, but you can still add a spare for an extra cost.
Prices are up a tiny bit compared to 2025, but you can still grab any trim for under $30K:
- LS: $25,095
- LT: $26,295
- RS: $29,695
- ACTIV: $29,695
2026 Chevy Blazer vs. Trailblazer Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Most Blazers you'll see on the lot have the 228-hp turbo-four. For those who want more oomph, the RS comes with a 308-hp V6 (though it's still an option on the 3LT and Premier trims). Both engines mate with a nine-speed automatic, and you can stick with front-wheel drive or upgrade to all-wheel drive on any of them. Since the engines haven't changed from the 2025 model, the gas mileage stays the same as last year:
- FWD 4-cylinder: 22 city / 29 highway
- AWD 4-cylinder: 22 city / 27 highway
- V6 AWD: 19 city / 26 highway
The Trailblazer's engines from last year are back for 2026. First up is the standard 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder. It gives you 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and it pairs with a CVT and front-wheel drive. If you want a little more pep in your step, you can upgrade to the 1.3-liter turbo. That one bumps you up to 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a nine-speed automatic and gives you the option to add all-wheel drive.
Based on the EPA's numbers, the front-wheel-drive Trailblazer with a 1.2-liter engine gets you around 30 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. If you go with the 1.3-liter engine and front-wheel drive, your highway mileage actually gets a bit better at 33 mpg, with 29 mpg in the city. If you need all-wheel drive, you have to get the bigger engine, which brings the numbers down to 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Blazer and Trailblazer Powertrain Options
| 2026 Chevy Blazer |
2026 Chevy Trailblazer |
| Standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine |
Standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine |
| Available V6 engine on RS, 3LT and Premier trims |
Available 1.3-liter turbocharged engine |
| Nine-speed automatic transmission standard |
CVT automatic transmission with standard engine; Nine-speed automatic transmission with upgraded engine |
| Front-wheel drive standard; All-wheel drive available on all engine options |
Front-wheel drive standard; All-wheel drive available with 1.3-liter engine |
Top Tech in the 2026 Chevy Blazer vs. Trailblazer
Inside the Blazer, you'll have a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on your trim, your digital gauge cluster will be either 4.2 or 8 inches. You can also spring for extras like Bose audio and wireless charging.
The Trailblazer features an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster right behind the wheel and an 11.0-inch touchscreen. It's got both USB-A and USB-C ports, and you won't have to mess with cords since wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard six-speaker stereo gets the job done, but if you're going for the ACTIV or RS, you can upgrade to a seven-speaker Bose system by grabbing the Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package.
Will You Choose the Powerful Blazer or the Affordable Trailblazer?
Comparing these trims is apples and oranges in that you're choosing between the Blazer's extra muscle and the Trailblazer's lower cost. It's all about what fits your lifestyle (and your budget) better. Come by Coleman Motors and see us when you're ready to get behind the wheel and test them both out for yourself!