Trying to decide between Chevy's popular SUVs, the Equinox and the Trailblazer, usually comes down to how much space you need and what your budget looks like. Both are great for getting around town, but they definitely offer different perks depending on your lifestyle. Find out how the 2026 Chevy Equinox stacks up against the Trailblazer to help you figure out which one fits you best.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 Chevy Equinox model prices are $30,795 to $35,595 as of December 30, 2025; the Trailblazer's trims are very affordable, $25,095 to $29,695.
- Changes to the Equinox and Trailblazer are minimal for 2026.
- The Equinox has one engine option, while the Trailblazer has two.
Chevy didn't feel the need to change much with the Equinox for 2026. One small tweak is that the LT's Convenience II package doesn't come with roof rails anymore; however, should you want them, you can get them via the Midnight Edition or a sunroof. Models across the board now feature a drive mode selector as standard, and the Activ and RS trims feature a new Polar White Tricoat paint option.
Here's the Equinox price breakdown:
- LT: $30,495
- Activ: $35,395
- RS: $35,395
The Trailblazer's changes are mostly cosmetic for '26. Chevy discontinued the colors Crimson and Nitro Yellow, adding White Sands and Apex Red in their place. Unfortunately, you won't get a standard spare tire anymore--you'll get a tire inflator kit instead, though you can still pay a little extra to add a spare tire if you want that peace of mind. (And who doesn't?)
Even with a tiny price bump, every Trailblazer trim still starts under $30K:
- LS: $25,095
- LT: $26,295
- RS: $29,695
- ACTIV: $29,695
Equinox and Trailblazer Model Year Changes
| 2026 Chevy Equinox |
2026 Chevy Trailblazer |
| LT Convenience II package no longer includes roof rails |
Crimson and Nitro Yellow paint colors discontinued |
| Roof rails available with Midnight Edition or sunroof |
White Sands and Apex Red paint colors added |
| Drive mode selector now standard on all trims |
Spare tire no longer standard |
| Activ and RS trims add Polar White Tricoat paint option |
Tire inflator kit included with optional spare available |
Under the Equinox's hood, you'll find a 175-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT, while all-wheel-drive models get an upgrade to an eight-speed automatic for a bit more performance.
The Trailblazer gives you two engine choices--a standard 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder with 137 ponies, paired with a CVT and FWD. If you want more "get up and go," the 1.3-liter turbo bumps you up to 155 horsepower and uses a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter is the only way to get all-wheel drive on the Trailblazer.
Efficiency in the 2026 Chevy Equinox vs. Trailblazer
Both Chevy models are extremely fuel-efficient. The FWD version gets 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; AWD drops to 24 mpg city, but highway mileage actually climbs slightly to 29 mpg.
The Trailblazer is a bit more fuel-efficient. The 1.2-liter FWD version gets about 30 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. If you step up to the 1.3-liter with FWD, you'll get the best highway numbers, at 33 mpg. If you add AWD to that 1.3-liter, you're looking at 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Towing Capacity in the 2026 Chevy Equinox vs. Trailblazer
Both Chevys can handle light tasks. If you get an AWD Equinox with the right gear, it can pull up to 1,500 pounds (FWD drops that to 800 pounds). The Trailblazer isn't usually the first choice for towing, but it can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
Chevy Offers Two Solid SUVs for Your Family
At the end of the day, we get that making this choice can be tough! Whether you want the extra room and power of the Equinox or the budget-friendly, fuel-sipping Trailblazer, you really can't go wrong. The best way to decide is to see how they feel from the driver's seat, so come on down to Coleman Motors and take them both for a test drive!