2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer: The Complete Mobridge Buyer's Guide
Trims, both turbo engines, the AWD 9-speed pairing, new colors, and technology — for South Dakota and North Dakota drivers, from Beadle Chevrolet GMC.
Quick Answer
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a five-seat small SUV and the least expensive Chevy with available all-wheel drive. Four trims — LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV — start at $23,300, each with FWD or AWD; every AWD model pairs the 155-hp 1.3L turbo with a 9-speed automatic instead of the CVT. An 11-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Chevy Safety Assist are standard on every trim. It's sold and serviced at Beadle Chevrolet GMC in Mobridge.
What the 2026 Trailblazer is built for
The 2026 Trailblazer is built for the buyer who needs a real winter vehicle at the entry price point: the first new car, the daily drive between towns, the runner that lives beside the ranch pickup. It's the smallest Chevy that takes Dakota winters seriously.
Around Mobridge, the Trailblazer earns its keep on price and footing. Bismarck, Aberdeen, and Pierre are each about 100 miles away, and this is the least expensive Chevy that will make that drive with all-wheel drive under you — plus heated seats and remote start where they count. Cargo space handles the real errands: 25.3 cu ft behind the back seat, 54.4 with it folded — groceries and a dog kennel, or a weekend's worth of Lake Oahe gear.
What's new for 2026
2026 is a carryover year with fresh paint — the mechanical package that works stays put, and the color chart gets its biggest refresh since the 2024 restyle.
- New color: White Sands. A warm off-white exclusive to RS and ACTIV, with two-tone roof options on both.
- New color: Apex Red. Available on LS, LT, and RS — and it can wear the Mosaic Black roof on RS.
- Midnight Edition on LT. The appearance package adds 18-inch High Gloss Black alloy wheels with black bowtie center caps, High Gloss Black mirrors and roof rails, black fascia inserts, and black bowties and badging.
- Everything else carries over. Both turbo engines, the CVT/9-speed split, the 11-inch touchscreen, and the four-trim lineup are unchanged from 2025.
Every 2026 shade, the roof-color rules, and which colors hide gravel dust are covered in our colors and Midnight Edition guide.
Trims: which 2026 Trailblazer is right for you?
Four trims, each in FWD or AWD. LS is the price leader with the tech that matters standard. LT is the volume pick with the best package access. RS is the sport look. ACTIV is the one actually built for gravel.
LS — from $23,300
17" wheels, cloth interior, and the full standard tech list: 11" touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Chevy Safety Assist, Teen Driver. Remote start and blind-zone alert come via LS packages.
Right for you if: the payment is the priority and you'd rather add winter tires than trim badges.
LT — from $24,500
Adds keyless open and remote start standard, plus access to the packages that matter here: Cold Weather (heated seats and steering wheel), Driver Confidence, adaptive cruise, the panoramic sunroof, and the Midnight Edition.
Right for you if: you want the winter equipment without the RS/ACTIV price — most buyers should start here.
RS — from $27,900
Sport styling: 19" High Gloss Black wheels, black Evotex interior with red accents, available Mosaic Black or Apex Red roof. Heated seats and steering wheel standard; the 1.3L turbo is standard too.
Right for you if: you want the sharpest-looking Trailblazer — RS is a styling choice, not a performance upgrade.
ACTIV — from $27,900
The only trim with functional hardware changes: off-road-tuned suspension, a real skid plate, and sport terrain tires, plus Evotex seats with yellow stitching and available Summit White or Iridescent Pearl roof.
Right for you if: gravel section roads or lake access roads are part of your week — this is the one built for them.
Our pick: an AWD LT with the Cold Weather Package. AWD brings the 1.3L turbo and 9-speed automatic with it, Cold Weather brings the heated seats and steering wheel — and you're still under the RS/ACTIV starting price with money left for winter tires.
Starting MSRP excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, and license (chevrolet.com, July 2026). AWD available on every trim at additional cost. Contact us for current pricing and incentives.
Engine & performance
Two turbocharged three-cylinders: a 137-hp 1.2L (FWD LS and LT only, CVT) and a 155-hp, 174-lb-ft 1.3L that's standard on RS, ACTIV, and every AWD model. The rule of thumb: every AWD Trailblazer is a 1.3L with a 9-speed automatic — no CVT.
The 9-speed pairing is the detail shoppers miss. If the letters CVT have kept you away from small SUVs, the AWD Trailblazer simply doesn't have one — it shifts like a conventional automatic, holds lower revs at 70 on US-12, and downshifts predictably for passes. The 1.3L's torque peaks at just 1,600 rpm, which is why it feels stronger in real driving than the spec sheet suggests. The 1.2L is honest in-town transportation; for regular highway commutes we steer buyers to the 1.3L.
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 29 city / 33 highway (31 combined) with FWD, and 26 city / 29 highway (27 combined) with AWD. The fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons on every model.
The full 1.2L vs 1.3L decision — including what each costs to run — gets its own treatment in our engines explained guide.
Towing & everyday capability
The Trailblazer tows up to 1,000 lbs when properly equipped — a small utility trailer, not a boat or camper. The available Trailering Package (hitch, harness, bezel) requires the 1.3L turbo engine.
Be honest with yourself about towing before you buy. If a fishing boat, camper, or stock trailer is in the picture even a few weekends a year, the Trailblazer isn't the right tool — that's Equinox, Traverse, or Silverado territory, and we'd rather match you to the right vehicle up front. Where the Trailblazer shines is everything short of towing: sure footing on gravel, a tight 37.3-foot turning circle for main-street parking, and GVWRs from 4,189 lbs (1.2L FWD) to 4,409 lbs (AWD). The exact towing rating for your configuration is listed on the window sticker.
Interior, seating & cargo
Five seats, 25.3 cu ft behind the second row, 54.4 cu ft with it folded, and 39 inches of rear legroom — genuinely usable space for a vehicle this size, with a flat-folding load floor tall enough for a dog kennel.
Each trim gets its own cabin character: LS and LT run cloth, RS goes black Evotex with red accents, and ACTIV wears Evotex with yellow stitching in Jet Black or the two-tone Jet Black/Artemis. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on RS and ACTIV and come to LT with the Cold Weather Package. The LT's Convenience Package adds an 8-way power driver's seat and a power liftgate; RS and ACTIV get a hands-free power liftgate with theirs. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is available on LT (with the 1.3L), RS, and ACTIV — never on LS.
Technology & connectivity
Every 2026 Trailblazer gets an 11-inch diagonal HD touchscreen, an 8-inch digital driver display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — standard, on the base trim, no packages required.
Wireless CarPlay at this price point is the tech story — your phone connects the moment you sit down, no cable, even on the $23,300 LS. Wi-Fi hotspot capability and OnStar connectivity are built in, wireless charging comes with the Convenience Package on LT and above, and a Bose 7-speaker system is available on RS and ACTIV. Teen Driver is standard on every trim: set speed alerts, audio limits, and a report card before you hand over the keys.
The screens, Teen Driver setup, and every camera and connectivity feature are covered in our technology and safety deep dive.
Safety
Chevy Safety Assist is standard on every 2026 Trailblazer — Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam auto high beams — plus an HD Rear Vision Camera.
That standard list matters on deer-country highways: forward collision alert and automatic braking watch for what steps onto the road at dusk, and IntelliBeam handles the high-beam etiquette on empty two-lanes. Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist come via the Confidence packages (LS) or Driver Confidence Package (LT, RS, ACTIV), and Adaptive Cruise Control is available on LT and up. Buckle to Drive and Teen Driver are built in for households handing keys to a new driver.
Colors
Eight colors for 2026, including the new White Sands and Apex Red — but availability is trim-specific, so check the chart before you fall in love with a combination.
Mosaic Black Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Marina Blue Metallic (extra cost) are available on all four trims. Summit White is LS and LT only. The new White Sands and the Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (extra cost) are exclusive to RS and ACTIV. Apex Red covers LS, LT, and RS but skips the ACTIV, while Cacti Green covers LS, LT, and ACTIV but skips the RS. Two-tone roofs: RS offers a Mosaic Black or Apex Red roof; ACTIV offers Summit White or Iridescent Pearl.
Every shade with photos, the full roof-color rules, and the Midnight Edition breakdown are in our 2026 colors guide.
Ownership: warranty & maintenance
Every new Trailblazer carries Chevrolet's 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranties, with the first maintenance visit covered.
Small turbo engines want their oil changes on schedule — that's the whole secret to keeping one healthy at 150,000 miles. Our service department handles Trailblazer maintenance right here in Mobridge, which matters when the nearest alternative is a hundred miles of highway away. A block heater is available on every trim, and if you've ever needed one at -20°F, you know it's the cheapest option on the sheet.
Full specifications
| Engines | 1.2L Turbo: 137 hp / 162 lb-ft (FWD LS & LT) · 1.3L Turbo: 155 hp / 174 lb-ft (std RS, ACTIV, all AWD) |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD) · 9-speed automatic (AWD) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; AWD available on every trim |
| EPA fuel economy | 29 city / 33 hwy (FWD) · 26 city / 29 hwy (AWD) |
| Towing | Up to 1,000 lbs (Trailering Package, requires 1.3L) |
| Seating | 5 (2 front / 3 rear) |
| Cargo volume | 25.3 cu ft behind 2nd row · 54.4 max |
| Dimensions | 174.07" L × 71.2" W × 64.2–65.68" H · 103.95" wheelbase |
| Rear legroom | 39 inches |
| Turning diameter | 37.3 ft (38.3 ft on RS) |
| GVWR | 4,189 lbs (1.2L FWD) · 4,255 lbs (1.3L FWD) · 4,409 lbs (AWD) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal (all models) |
| Wheels | 17" (LS, LT) · 18" (Midnight Edition, RT1) · 19" (RS) |
| Technology | 11" HD touchscreen · 8" digital driver display · wireless CarPlay/Android Auto · Wi-Fi hotspot capable |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36k basic · 5 yr/60k powertrain |
From the Beadle Chevrolet GMC lot
"The question I get most on the Trailblazer is whether AWD is worth it. On this one, AWD isn't just traction — it's the bigger engine and the 9-speed too. That's why I rarely talk anyone out of it."
"People hear three-cylinder and expect it to feel slow. Then they drive the 1.3L on US-12 and come back surprised — the torque shows up low, right where you actually use it."
"Trax or Trailblazer comes up every week. My shortcut: if your winter includes a highway commute or gravel, it's the Trailblazer — the Trax doesn't offer AWD at any price."
Frequently asked questions
What's new on the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
2026 is a carryover year with fresh paint: two new colors — White Sands (RS and ACTIV) and Apex Red (LS, LT, and RS) — plus the LT-only Midnight Edition appearance package with 18-inch High Gloss Black wheels, black mirrors, roof rails, and badging. Trims, both turbo engines, and the 11-inch touchscreen carry over.
How much does the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer cost?
Starting MSRP is $23,300 for the LS, $24,500 for the LT, and $27,900 for the RS and ACTIV, excluding destination freight charge. All-wheel drive is available on every trim at additional cost. Contact Beadle Chevrolet GMC for current pricing and incentives.
Is the Trailblazer's 3-cylinder engine enough for highway driving?
For the Mobridge-to-Aberdeen kind of commute, yes — pick the right one. The 1.3L turbo makes 155 hp and 174 lb-ft with its torque arriving at just 1,600 rpm, so it pulls confidently at highway speed. The 137-hp 1.2L is fine in town but we steer highway commuters to the 1.3L. Neither is quick by sports-car standards — plan your two-lane passes, and take a US-12 test drive to judge for yourself.
Can the 2026 Trailblazer tow?
Up to 1,000 lbs when properly equipped — a small utility trailer, not a boat or camper. The available Trailering Package (hitch, harness, and bezel) requires the 1.3L turbo engine. The exact rating for your configuration is on the window sticker. If you tow regularly, look at the Equinox, Traverse, or Silverado.
What colors does the 2026 Trailblazer come in?
Eight colors: Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Sterling Gray Metallic, Marina Blue Metallic (extra cost), Cacti Green, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (extra cost), and the new White Sands and Apex Red. Availability is trim-specific — Summit White is LS/LT only, White Sands and Iridescent Pearl are RS/ACTIV only, Apex Red skips the ACTIV, and Cacti Green skips the RS. Two-tone roofs are available on RS and ACTIV.
Does the 2026 Trailblazer have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes — wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every trim, alongside the 11-inch diagonal HD touchscreen and the 8-inch digital driver display.
Is AWD worth it on the 2026 Trailblazer in South Dakota?
If you commute between towns from November through March, we think so — and on the Trailblazer, AWD buys you more than traction. Every AWD model gets the stronger 1.3L turbo and swaps the CVT for a 9-speed automatic. A common mistake is skipping AWD to save money without budgeting for winter tires; if you stay FWD, plan on a good set.
Quick answers
- Engines? 1.2L turbo (137 hp) or 1.3L turbo (155 hp / 174 lb-ft).
- Transmission? CVT on FWD; 9-speed automatic on AWD.
- CVT on AWD? No — every AWD Trailblazer has the 9-speed.
- Towing? Up to 1,000 lbs; Trailering Package requires the 1.3L.
- Seats? 5.
- Cargo behind back seat? 25.3 cu ft.
- Max cargo? 54.4 cu ft.
- Screen? 11" HD touchscreen, standard.
- Driver display? 8" digital, standard.
- Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto? Standard, every trim.
- AWD? Available on LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV.
- MPG? EPA-est. 29/33 FWD; 26/29 AWD.
- Starting price? $23,300 (LS, excl. destination).
- LT price? From $24,500 (excl. destination).
- RS / ACTIV price? From $27,900 (excl. destination).
- New colors? White Sands and Apex Red.
- Midnight Edition? LT only — black wheels, mirrors, rails, badging.
- Warranty? 3 yr/36k basic, 5 yr/60k powertrain.
- Fuel tank? 13.2 gal, every model.
- Where to buy near me? Beadle Chevrolet GMC, Mobridge, SD.
2026 Trailblazer in-depth guides
Deep Dive
How much is a Trailblazer? Price, payments & what you get
Real 2026 pricing, the payment math, and where the money actually goes at each trim.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
LS vs LT: the value decision
What the $1,200 step actually buys, and which packages are worth adding for a South Dakota winter.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
Is the Trailblazer right for South Dakota winters?
AWD vs FWD, the 9-speed story, and the honest answer for US-12 commuters — including when FWD plus winter tires is the smarter buy.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
Engines explained: 1.2L vs 1.3L turbo
Why AWD gets the 9-speed, what each engine really returns at the pump, and whether a 3-cylinder can handle 70 mph to Aberdeen.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
The ACTIV on gravel: built for the roads around Mobridge
Off-road-tuned suspension, a real skid plate, and sport terrain tires — what they change on washboard and lake access roads.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
Trailblazer vs Equinox: which Chevy SUV fits your life?
The size-up question answered honestly — cargo, price, power, and who should spend the difference.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
Trax vs Trailblazer for South Dakota drivers
The AWD question settles it for most buyers out here — plus the price, space, and engine differences that round out the call.
Read the Full GuideDeep Dive
Tech & safety for families: Teen Driver, wireless CarPlay & Safety Assist
What's standard, what's packaged, and how to set up Teen Driver before handing over the keys.
Read the Full Guide
Deep Dive
Trailblazer vs Subaru Crosstrek: is standard AWD worth the premium?
The honest cross-brand comparison — where the Crosstrek earns its price gap and where the Trailblazer's value wins.
Read the Full GuideDeep Dive
Every 2026 color, two-tone roofs & the Midnight Edition
All eight colors including new White Sands and Apex Red, the trim-availability rules, and the blacked-out LT package.
Read the Full GuideKey takeaways
- The 2026 Trailblazer is the least expensive Chevy with available AWD — four trims from $23,300 (LS) to $27,900 (RS, ACTIV).
- Every AWD model pairs the 155-hp 1.3L turbo with a 9-speed automatic — the CVT is FWD-only, which removes the most common small-SUV objection.
- The 11-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Teen Driver, and Chevy Safety Assist are standard on every trim, including the base LS.
- Towing is light duty — up to 1,000 lbs with the Trailering Package, which requires the 1.3L engine.
- White Sands and Apex Red are new for 2026, color availability is trim-specific, and the Midnight Edition blacks out the LT.
- Sold and serviced at Beadle Chevrolet GMC in Mobridge — about 100 miles from Bismarck, Aberdeen, and Pierre.
My take on the 2026 Trailblazer
The Trailblazer is the vehicle I point to when someone tells me they want a new SUV but the truck payment next to it made them wince. What makes it easy to recommend here specifically is the AWD package: you're not just buying traction, you're buying the stronger engine and the 9-speed automatic in the same box. For the first-time buyers and the between-towns commuters who make up most of this car's audience, that's the whole conversation.
My honest advice: start with an AWD LT and the Cold Weather Package, and put the money you didn't spend on a trim badge into winter tires. If gravel is your daily reality, the ACTIV is the one trim where the extra spend buys real hardware, not looks. And if your budget stops at the Trax — that's a fine car, but drive both first, because the Trax can't be had with AWD at any price. When you're ready, current Trailblazer inventory and ordering options at Beadle Chevrolet GMC are the next step.
About the Author
Lexy Tabbert — Beadle Chevrolet, Mobridge, SD
Lexy Tabbert is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Beadle Chevrolet in Mobridge, South Dakota. She covers Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, trim comparisons, and buyer guidance — helping families, ranchers, and ag operators across the region find the right truck and configuration for their needs. Learn more about Lexy.
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