Chevrolet's two small SUVs share more than a first look suggests. The 2026 Chevy Trax and 2026 Chevy Trailblazer both seat five, both come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, and both carry identical warranty coverage. Where they separate is drivetrain, engine choice, pricing, and trim character. Here is where they diverge.
| 2026 Chevy Trax | 2026 Chevy Trailblazer | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Low $20Ks (LS FWD) | Mid $20Ks (LS FWD) |
| AWD Available | No | Yes, on every trim |
| Engine Options | 1.2L Turbo | 1.2L Turbo or 1.3L Turbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT (FWD) or 9-speed automatic (AWD) |
| Best Fuel Economy | 30 MPG combined | 31 MPG combined (FWD, 1.3L) |
| Passenger Volume | 99.80 cu ft | 98.20 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo | 54.10 cu ft | 54.40 cu ft |
| Standard Airbags | 6 | 10 |
| Trims | LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, ACTIV | LS, LT, ACTIV, RS |
The Trax is the lower-priced of the two. It starts in the low $20Ks at the LS trim and tops out in the high $20Ks at the 2RS and ACTIV. Five trims cover the lineup, and every trim is front-wheel drive.
| 2026 Trax Trim | Drivetrain | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| LS | FWD | Low $20Ks |
| 1RS | FWD | Mid $20Ks |
| LT | FWD | Mid $20Ks |
| 2RS | FWD | High $20Ks |
| ACTIV | FWD | High $20Ks |
The Trailblazer is priced a step higher. Its LS FWD starts in the mid $20Ks, and the lineup climbs to the low $30Ks at the top with the ACTIV AWD and RS AWD. Four trims are each available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and AWD adds a step up in price at every trim level. The ACTIV and RS share identical pricing at both the FWD and AWD levels, because they are aimed at different buyers rather than different budget tiers.
| 2026 Trailblazer Trim | FWD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| LS | Mid $20Ks | High $20Ks |
| LT | Mid $20Ks | High $20Ks |
| ACTIV | High $20Ks | Low $30Ks |
| RS | High $20Ks | Low $30Ks |
See current offers on the Chevy Trax Lease Deals page and the Chevy Trailblazer Lease Deals page.
The single largest difference between these two vehicles is drivetrain availability. The Trax is offered exclusively in front-wheel drive. The Trailblazer is offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and AWD is available on every Trailblazer trim from the LS up through the ACTIV and RS.
For drivers who want the added winter traction AWD provides, this is a binary choice. The Trailblazer is the only one of the two that offers it. Browse current AWD stock on the Chevy Trailblazer Inventory page.
The Trax runs one powertrain across the whole lineup: an ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo paired with a 6-speed automatic. No trim variants, no optional engine upgrades.
The Trailblazer offers two engines, and which one comes standard depends on both trim and drivetrain. The ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo is standard on the LS FWD and LT FWD, with the 1.3L Turbo available as an upgrade on both. The ACTIV FWD and RS FWD come standard with the 1.3L Turbo, with no 1.2L option available. Every AWD Trailblazer, regardless of trim, runs the 1.3L Turbo as the only engine available.
| Trailblazer Trim | FWD Engine | AWD Engine |
|---|---|---|
| LS | 1.2L Turbo std / 1.3L Turbo avail | 1.3L Turbo |
| LT | 1.2L Turbo std / 1.3L Turbo avail | 1.3L Turbo |
| ACTIV | 1.3L Turbo | 1.3L Turbo |
| RS | 1.3L Turbo | 1.3L Turbo |
Transmission on the Trailblazer follows a firm rule tied to drivetrain rather than trim. Every FWD Trailblazer uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and every AWD Trailblazer uses a 9-speed automatic. A CVT moves through a continuous range of gear ratios using a variable pulley system rather than stepping through fixed gear positions, producing smooth power delivery without discrete gear shifts. The 9-speed automatic works through defined steps. The practical implication is that choosing AWD on any Trailblazer trim automatically changes the transmission from CVT to 9-speed automatic, regardless of which trim level you select.
Both vehicles include an automatic engine stop-start system standard, which briefly shuts the engine at a stop to reduce fuel consumption and restarts it when the driver releases the brake. The Trailblazer also includes a driver-selectable override for the stop-start system as part of its standard mechanical features.
The Trailblazer is the only one of the two with engine choice and transmission variety. The Trax keeps it consistent: one engine, one transmission, one drivetrain across all five trims.
The Trax is rated at 28 MPG city, 32 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined across every trim, running the 1.2L Turbo and 6-speed automatic.
The Trailblazer's numbers vary by engine and drivetrain. With the 1.2L Turbo and FWD, the LT FWD is rated at 30 MPG city, 31 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined. With the 1.3L Turbo and FWD, the ACTIV FWD and RS FWD move up to 29 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, and 31 MPG combined, making that the most fuel-efficient combination in either lineup. Every Trailblazer AWD trim is rated at 26 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 27 MPG combined with the 1.3L Turbo, which is the expected AWD trade-off.
Both vehicles carry a 13.2-gallon fuel tank.
| Fuel Economy | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trax (all trims) | 28 | 32 | 30 |
| Trailblazer LT FWD (1.2L) | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| Trailblazer ACTIV / RS FWD (1.3L) | 29 | 33 | 31 |
| Trailblazer AWD (all trims, 1.3L) | 26 | 29 | 27 |
In front-wheel drive with the 1.3L Turbo, the Trailblazer edges out the Trax by 1 MPG combined. In AWD, the Trailblazer gives back efficiency for added traction and drops to 27 MPG combined.
Inside, the two are close, with each vehicle posting small advantages in different measurements. The Trax has slightly more passenger volume at 99.80 cubic feet versus the Trailblazer's 98.20 cubic feet, and an inch more front legroom at 41.90 inches versus 40.90 inches. The Trailblazer edges ahead on rear legroom at 39.00 inches versus 38.70 inches, and on maximum cargo at 54.40 cubic feet versus 54.10 cubic feet. Cargo behind the second row is effectively tied at 25.60 cubic feet in the Trax and 25.30 cubic feet in the Trailblazer.
| Interior | Trax | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 99.80 cu ft | 98.20 cu ft |
| Front Headroom | 39.60 in | 39.98 in |
| Front Legroom | 41.90 in | 40.90 in |
| Rear Headroom | 38.10 in | 38.40 in |
| Rear Legroom | 38.70 in | 39.00 in |
| Cargo (seats up) | 25.60 cu ft | 25.30 cu ft |
| Cargo (max) | 54.10 cu ft | 54.40 cu ft |
The exterior dimensions are less intuitive. The Trax is actually the longer of the two, at 178.60 inches of overall length on a 106.30-inch wheelbase. The Trailblazer is 174.07 inches long on a 103.95-inch wheelbase. Height tells the opposite story: the Trax stands 61.40 inches tall across every trim, while the Trailblazer runs taller, from 64.70 inches on the LS AWD up to 65.68 inches on the LT AWD and ACTIV AWD. The Trax has a longer, lower stance. The Trailblazer has a shorter, taller one.
| Exterior | Trax | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 106.30 in | 103.95 in |
| Overall Length | 178.60 in | 174.07 in |
| Overall Height | 61.40 in | 64.70 to 65.68 in (varies by trim) |
| Max Width (no mirrors) | 71.70 in | 71.20 in |
Both vehicles come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, Chevrolet's advanced driver assistance package covering automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert among its features. Both also include an HD Rear Vision Camera, Teen Driver, and LATCH child seat anchors standard across every trim.
The notable content difference is airbag count. The 2026 Trailblazer comes standard with 10 airbags, more than most Chevrolet SUVs carry. The 2026 Trax comes standard with 6 airbags.
Available safety features on both include Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.
Both lineups use the ACTIV and RS names, but they mean different things on each vehicle.
| 1RS | 2RS | ACTIV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid $20Ks | High $20Ks | High $20Ks |
| Character | Sport entry | Sport premium | Adventure / lifestyle |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo | 1.2L Turbo | 1.2L Turbo |
| Touchscreen | 8 in | 11 in HD | 11 in HD |
| Audio | 4-speaker | 6-speaker | 6-speaker |
| Wheels | 18-in black machined alloy | 19-in black machined alloy | 18-in black alloy |
| Seat Trim | Cloth | Evotex | Evotex |
| Driver Seat | 6-way manual | 8-way power | 8-way power |
| Heated Steering Wheel | No | Yes | Yes |
| Functional Skid Plate | No | No | No |
| DRL Type | LED | Signature LED | Signature LED |
| RS | ACTIV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range (FWD) | High $20Ks | High $20Ks |
| Price Range (AWD) | Low $30Ks | Low $30Ks |
| Character | Sport-styled | Off-road capable |
| Engine | 1.3L Turbo | 1.3L Turbo |
| AWD Available | Yes | Yes |
| Functional Skid Plate | No | Yes |
| Off-Road Suspension | No | AWD standard |
| Dual-Outlet Exhaust | Yes | Yes |
| DRL Type | Signature LED | Signature LED |
The Trailblazer ACTIV is the only trim in either lineup with hardware-level off-road content. On the Trax, the differences across these three trims are primarily technology and sport styling at different price points, with the same 1.2L Turbo engine running through all of them.
Both vehicles carry identical Chevrolet warranty coverage, including a 3-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 6-year or 100,000-mile rust-through coverage, 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, and one scheduled maintenance visit at 12 months or 12,000 miles.
If price is the deciding factor and most of your driving is around town, the Trax LS in the low $20Ks is the lowest starting point in this matchup, and the Trax's longer wheelbase and slightly larger passenger volume make it a capable daily driver.
If you want all-wheel drive, the Trailblazer is the only one of the two that offers it. Every Trailblazer trim is available in AWD, with the LS AWD starting in the high $20Ks.
If you want functional off-road equipment rather than just off-road styling, the Trailblazer ACTIV AWD is the pick. It is the only trim across either lineup with a functional skid plate standard and Off-Road suspension tuning standard.
If you want a sporty look at the lowest price, the Trax 1RS in the mid $20Ks includes 18-inch black machined aluminum wheels, RS badging, and a wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. If you want sport styling paired with AWD, the Trailblazer RS AWD in the low $30Ks is the Chevrolet answer.
For shoppers who want engine and transmission variety, the Trailblazer is built for it. For those who prefer a simpler powertrain and want the most interior room and longest wheelbase of the two, the Trax delivers.
Gordon Chevrolet has sold and serviced Chevrolets on Ford Road in Garden City since 1983. We stock the 2026 Trax and 2026 Trailblazer lineup for drivers across Livonia, Canton, Westland, Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, and the rest of the western Metro Detroit area. We list every vehicle at the True Ad Price: real prices, real payments, and no hidden fees.
No. Every 2026 Trax trim is front-wheel drive. The 2026 Trailblazer is the small Chevrolet SUV that offers AWD, available on all four trims.
In front-wheel drive with the 1.3L Turbo engine, yes. The 2026 Trailblazer ACTIV FWD and RS FWD are rated at 31 MPG combined. The 2026 Trax is rated at 30 MPG combined across every trim. In AWD, the Trailblazer trades some MPG for added traction and is rated at 27 MPG combined.
At the base trim, the 2026 Trax LS starts in the low $20Ks, while the 2026 Trailblazer LS starts in the mid $20Ks in FWD or the high $20Ks in AWD. At the top of each lineup, the Trax reaches the high $20Ks, while the Trailblazer ACTIV AWD and RS AWD climb into the low $30Ks.
Yes. The 2026 Trailblazer ACTIV comes standard with a functional skid plate. The ACTIV AWD also includes Off-Road suspension tuning as standard. Neither feature is offered on the Trax ACTIV or any other Trax trim.
The 2026 Trailblazer comes standard with 10 airbags. The 2026 Trax comes standard with 6 airbags.
It depends on the dimension. The Trax is the longer vehicle at 178.60 inches of overall length on a 106.30-inch wheelbase, compared to the Trailblazer at 174.07 inches on a 103.95-inch wheelbase. The Trax also has slightly more passenger volume at 99.80 cubic feet versus 98.20 cubic feet. The Trailblazer is the taller vehicle, ranging from 64.70 inches to 65.68 inches depending on trim, while the Trax stands 61.40 inches across every trim.
Yes, on FWD configurations. The 1.3L Turbo is available as an upgrade on the Trailblazer LS FWD and LT FWD, which come standard with the 1.2L Turbo. On the ACTIV FWD, RS FWD, and all AWD Trailblazer trims, the 1.3L Turbo is the only engine offered.
No. The Trax ACTIV is a styling and lifestyle trim. It does not include a functional skid plate or off-road suspension tuning. Those features are specific to the Trailblazer ACTIV, which is the only trim in either lineup with hardware-level off-road equipment.
Yes. Both carry identical Chevrolet warranty coverage: a 3-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 6-year or 100,000 miles rust-through coverage, and 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance. Both also include one scheduled maintenance visit at 12 months or 12,000 miles.
The two are effectively tied. The Trax offers 25.60 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.10 cubic feet at maximum capacity with the seats folded. The Trailblazer offers 25.30 cubic feet with seats up and 54.40 cubic feet at maximum. The difference at each measurement is under half a cubic foot.