2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Trailblazer: Which Small SUV Fits Your Drive?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer sit side by side on our lot in Dallas, and they are the two most frequently confused vehicles in Chevrolet’s lineup — close in size, close in price, close in fuel economy. The real differences come down to all-wheel drive, engine choice, entry price, and which trims get the 11-inch touchscreen.
2026 Trax vs. Trailblazer at a Glance
| Specification | 2026 Chevrolet Trax | 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $23,495 MSRP | $25,095 MSRP |
| Trim levels | 5 — LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, ACTIV | 4 — LS, LT, RS, ACTIV |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft or 1.3L turbo, 155 hp / 174 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT (FWD) or 9-speed automatic (AWD) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive only | Front-wheel drive or available AWD on every trim |
| Best EPA-Estimated combined | 30 MPG | 31 MPG (1.3L FWD) |
| Touchscreen | 8-inch on LS and 1RS; 11-inch on LT, 2RS and ACTIV | 11-inch standard on every trim |
| Maximum cargo space | 54.1 cu ft | 54.4 cu ft |
| Overall length | 178.6 in | About 174 in |
| Towing | Not rated for towing | Up to 1,000 lbs when properly equipped |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
The short version: the Trax is the value play — longer, cheaper, just as efficient. The Trailblazer is the one with available all-wheel drive, more power, and the bigger screen on every trim.
Pricing and Trim Lineups
Entry prices land close together, but the lineups build out differently. The Trax spreads five trims across a narrow band; the Trailblazer uses four and adds cost through engine and drivetrain choices. For a trim-by-trim walkthrough of the Trax side, see our full Trax trims and pricing breakdown.
2026 Chevrolet Trax Trims
| Trim | Starting Price | Engine | Drivetrain | What It Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $23,495 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD | 8-inch touchscreen, 17-inch steel wheels, 4-speaker audio, Chevy Safety Assist |
| 1RS | $24,995 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD | RS styling and badging, red interior accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel — keeps the 8-inch screen |
| LT | $24,995 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD | 11-inch touchscreen, 8-inch digital driver display, 6-speaker audio, 17-inch aluminum wheels |
| 2RS | $27,195 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD | Built on the LT: 19-inch black machined wheels, 8-way power driver’s seat, blind-spot and cross-traffic alert |
| ACTIV | $27,195 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD | Built on the LT: ACTIV grille and trim, 18-inch black wheels, roof rails, Evotex seating, blind-spot and cross-traffic alert |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer Trims
| Trim | Starting Price | Standard Engine | Drivetrain | What It Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $25,095 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD standard, AWD available | 11-inch touchscreen, 8-inch digital driver display, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fold-flat front passenger seat, Chevy Safety Assist |
| LT | $26,295 MSRP | 1.2L turbo, 137 hp | FWD standard, AWD available | Keyless Open and Start, remote start, 17-inch gloss-black wheels, available wireless charging |
| RS | $29,695 MSRP | 1.3L turbo, 155 hp | FWD standard, AWD available | 19-inch high-gloss black wheels, RS badging, red interior accents, heated flat-bottom steering wheel, Evotex seating, heated front seats |
| ACTIV | $29,695 MSRP | 1.3L turbo, 155 hp | FWD standard, AWD available | Off-road-tuned suspension, skid plate, 17-inch wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual exhaust |
All-wheel drive is available across the entire Trailblazer lineup and always pairs the 1.3L turbo engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The top configurations, Trailblazer RS AWD and ACTIV AWD, start at $31,295 MSRP.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Fuel Economy: Closer Than You Think
The two SUVs are nearly identical on fuel economy, and the Trailblazer pulls ahead in only one configuration. Our Chevy Trax MPG guide covers the Trax side in more detail.
| Configuration | Available On | EPA-Estimated City | EPA-Estimated Highway | EPA-Estimated Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax, 1.2L FWD | All five Trax trims | 28 MPG | 32 MPG | 30 MPG |
| Trailblazer, 1.2L FWD | Trailblazer LS, LT | 30 MPG | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| Trailblazer, 1.3L FWD | Standard RS, ACTIV; optional LS, LT | 29 MPG | 33 MPG | 31 MPG |
| Trailblazer, 1.3L AWD | Any Trailblazer trim with AWD | 26 MPG | 29 MPG | 27 MPG |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
What Those Numbers Actually Mean
- A base Trailblazer and any Trax return the same EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined.
- The Trailblazer’s best number, an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined, requires the 1.3L engine with front-wheel drive — one MPG ahead of the Trax. Chevrolet publishes this on its official Trailblazer page.
- Choosing all-wheel drive costs you efficiency. A Trailblazer AWD returns an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined, three MPG behind the Trax.
Both SUVs carry a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, so on I-635 commutes the Trax and a front-drive Trailblazer are effectively even.
Engines, All-Wheel Drive and Capability
This is the clearest separation between the two, and for many shoppers it decides the question outright.
Engine and Transmission Options
| Engine | Output | Transmission | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L ECOTEC Turbo 3-cylinder | 137 hp / 162 lb-ft | 6-speed automatic (Trax); CVT (Trailblazer) | Every Trax trim; Trailblazer LS and LT |
| 1.3L ECOTEC Turbo 3-cylinder | 155 hp / 174 lb-ft | CVT with FWD; 9-speed automatic with AWD | Trailblazer only — standard on RS and ACTIV, optional on LS and LT, required with AWD |
All-Wheel Drive Availability
- 2026 Trailblazer: AWD is available on all four trims. Selecting it also brings the 155-hp 1.3L turbo and a nine-speed automatic.
- 2026 Trax: front-wheel drive only. No package or price adds AWD, as Chevrolet confirms on the official Trax page.
Ground Clearance by Trim
| Configuration | Ground Clearance |
|---|---|
| Trax — all trims | 7.3 in |
| Trailblazer LS and LT | 7.0 in |
| Trailblazer RS and ACTIV with FWD | 7.5 in |
| Trailblazer ACTIV with AWD | 8.0 in |
A base Trailblazer sits slightly lower than a Trax. The 8-inch figure belongs to one configuration: the ACTIV with all-wheel drive.
Towing
The Trailblazer is rated to tow up to 1,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available trailering package, which requires the 1.3L engine. The Trax has no published tow rating. If towing matters, ask our team about current trailering package availability before you order.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Size, Space and Cargo
Both are two-row, five-passenger SUVs whose cargo numbers differ by fractions of a cubic foot. The surprise is outside: the Trax is longer.
Dimensions and Cargo Comparison
| Measurement | 2026 Chevrolet Trax | 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind rear seats | 25.6 cu ft | 25.3 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo, rear seats folded | 54.1 cu ft | 54.4 cu ft |
| Overall length | 178.6 in | About 174 in |
| Overall width | 71.7 in | About 71 in |
| Overall height | 61.4 in | 64 to 66 in, depending on drivetrain |
| Ground clearance | 7.3 in | 7.0 to 8.0 in, depending on trim and drivetrain |
The Trailblazer’s Fold-Flat Advantage
The Trailblazer’s real cargo advantage is structural rather than numerical: a standard flat-folding front passenger seatback creates a continuous load floor to the dashboard, letting you carry items up to 8.5 feet long entirely inside the vehicle. That’s a lumber run or a surfboard without a roof rack. The Trailblazer also stands two to four inches taller, which is where its larger maximum volume comes from despite the shorter body.
Technology
Both come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim. They differ on which trims get the larger display.
Touchscreen and Driver Display by Trim
| Model | 8-inch touchscreen | 11-inch touchscreen | 8-inch digital driver display |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Chevrolet Trax | LS, 1RS | LT, 2RS, ACTIV | LT, 2RS, ACTIV |
| 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer | Not offered | Standard on LS, LT, RS, ACTIV | Standard on LS, LT, RS, ACTIV |
For budget shoppers this is the key fact: the Trailblazer includes the 11-inch screen and digital driver display on its cheapest trim. On the Trax you reach them at the LT.
Audio and Connectivity
- Trailblazer: six speakers standard, seven-speaker Bose available. Wireless charging available on LT, RS and ACTIV.
- Trax: four speakers on the LS, six from the LT up. Active Noise Cancellation standard on every trim.
For a deeper look at the Trax lineup on its own terms, see our 2026 Chevrolet Trax overview, or see how it stacks up outside the Chevrolet family in our Trax vs. Honda CR-V comparison.
Safety Features
Chevy Safety Assist — Standard on Both
Chevrolet includes the same six-feature driver assistance suite on every trim of both SUVs.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Front Pedestrian Braking
Forward Collision Alert
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Automatic High Beams
Following Distance Indicator
Where the Two Differ on Driver Assistance
| Feature | 2026 Chevrolet Trax | 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Chevy Safety Assist (six features) | Standard on all five trims | Standard on all four trims |
| Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert | Standard on 2RS and ACTIV; not available on LS or 1RS | Available on all four trims via the Driver Confidence Package |
| HD Rear Vision Camera | Standard on all trims | Standard on all trims |
| Teen Driver | Standard on all trims | Standard on all trims |
Crash-Test Ratings
Crash-test results for 2026 models are still being finalized and vary by category, so we don’t publish star ratings here. Check current federal results at NHTSA.gov and the insurance-industry evaluations at IIHS.org before you buy.
Warranty and Ownership
Both carry identical Chevrolet factory coverage, so warranty is not a differentiator.
| Coverage | Term | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | Both models |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | Both models |
| Rust-Through Corrosion Protection | 6 years / 100,000 miles | Both models |
| Paint and Surface Corrosion | 3 years / 36,000 miles | Both models |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles | Both models |
Source: Chevrolet Owner Warranty Information.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
The Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
There is no single winner. Both are good small SUVs, and Galleria Chevrolet stocks both.
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trax If
- You want the lowest entry price of the two
- You drive mostly paved roads around Dallas, Addison and Richardson, where front-wheel drive is entirely adequate
- Fuel economy matters and all-wheel drive doesn’t — you’ll match a base Trailblazer at an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined
- You want the longer body and maximum cargo behind the rear seats
- You want five trims to choose from rather than four
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer If
- You want all-wheel drive — the Trax doesn’t offer it at any price
- You want more power than 137 hp
- You want the 11-inch touchscreen and digital driver display on the entry trim
- You need a tow rating or the 8.5-foot interior cargo length
- You want up to 8 inches of ground clearance on the ACTIV with AWD
If all-wheel drive is on your list, the decision is made — only the Trailblazer offers it. If it isn’t, the Trax delivers nearly everything the Trailblazer does for less. Browse more model guides in our Chevrolet research hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gets better gas mileage, the Trax or the Trailblazer?
They are nearly identical. The Trax is EPA-estimated at 28 city / 32 highway / 30 combined MPG on all five trims. A 1.2L front-drive Trailblazer returns an EPA-estimated 30 city / 31 highway / 30 combined MPG — the same combined figure. The Trailblazer’s best result, an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined, requires the 1.3L engine with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive drops it to an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined.
Is all-wheel drive available on both the Trax and Trailblazer?
No. All-wheel drive is available on every 2026 Trailblazer trim and is not offered on the 2026 Trax in any configuration.
Which is cheaper, the Chevy Trax or the Trailblazer?
The Trax. It starts at $23,495 MSRP versus $25,095 MSRP for the Trailblazer, a difference of $1,600.
Which trims get the 11-inch touchscreen?
On the Trailblazer, every trim. On the Trax, the LT, 2RS and ACTIV get the 11-inch display; the LS and 1RS use an 8-inch screen. This matters most between the Trax 1RS and LT, which share a starting price but split between sport styling and the larger screen.
Do the Trax and Trailblazer have the same engine?
Partly. Both use Chevrolet’s 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder producing 137 hp and 162 lb-ft — it’s the only engine in the Trax and the standard engine in the Trailblazer LS and LT. The Trailblazer additionally offers a 1.3L turbo producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, standard on RS and ACTIV and required with all-wheel drive.
Is the Trax or the Trailblazer bigger?
It depends on the measurement. The Trax is longer at 178.6 inches versus about 174 inches. The Trailblazer is taller and offers slightly more maximum cargo volume, 54.4 cubic feet versus 54.1. Both seat five.
What warranty comes with the 2026 Trax and Trailblazer?
Both carry identical Chevrolet coverage: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 6 years/100,000 miles rust-through protection, and 5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance.
See Both at Galleria Chevrolet in Dallas
Our showroom at 4747 LBJ Freeway stocks both side by side. In about ten minutes you can compare:
- Screen size on the exact trim you’re considering
- Back-seat room with your car seat or passengers
- Cargo space with the rear seats folded
Call our sales team at 972-763-5444 or reach out online.
Disclaimers
MSRP
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Towing and Payload
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Warranty
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Model Year Information
2026 model year specifications, equipment and pricing are preliminary, current as of September 2026, and subject to change by the manufacturer at any time. Feature availability varies by trim and configuration. Confirm equipment on a specific vehicle with Galleria Chevrolet before purchase. Sources: Chevrolet 2026 Trax, Chevrolet 2026 Trailblazer, Chevrolet Owner Warranty Information, NHTSA and IIHS.
