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Chevrolet Trailblazer
MotorTrend says the design-forward 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV with a lot of style, and compared to other subcompact SUVs, it's very spacious for both passengers and cargo, though every 2026 Trailblazer features an 8.0-inch driver display with, in MotorTrend's view, way too much negative space surrounding the screen. Car and Driver says the 2026 Trailblazer has almost everything needed to make it big in the affordable subcompact crossover class: room for five, class-competitive fuel economy, styling that echoes its bigger siblings, and ample cargo room behind the rear seat. U.S. News gives the 2026 Trailblazer a #13 ranking within the Subcompact SUVs category, describing it as a tad more rugged than its Trax sibling but smaller than the compact Equinox.
Style and space
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the design-forward 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV with a lot of style, and compared to other subcompact SUVs, it's very spacious for both passengers and cargo, though it says every 2026 Trailblazer's 8.0-inch driver display has way too much negative space surrounding the screen for its tastes.
Nearly everything needed to compete
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Trailblazer has almost everything needed to make it big in the affordable subcompact crossover class: room for five, class-competitive fuel economy, styling that echoes its bigger siblings, and ample cargo room behind the rear seat.
Where it sits in Chevrolet's lineup
U.S. News (opens in a new tab) gives the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer a #13 ranking based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category, describing it as a subcompact SUV that's a tad more rugged than its Trax sibling but smaller than the compact Equinox.
Questions buyers ask
How does the Chevrolet Trailblazer compare to the Trax and Equinox?
U.S. News (opens in a new tab) says it's a tad more rugged than the Trax but smaller than the compact Equinox.
Where does the Trailblazer rank among subcompact SUVs?
U.S. News (opens in a new tab) ranks it #13 in the category.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is built around 1.2L turbo three-cylinder or 1.3L turbo three-cylinder, rated at 137 / 155 horsepower across its subcompact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 Trailblazer seats 5 and is a Subcompact SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2026 Trailblazer.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
MY2026 carries the Trailblazer's dual-engine structure forward from MY2025: the base 1.2L engine and FWD are standard on LS/LT, while RS and Activ step up to the stronger 155-horsepower 1.3L engine standard, with AWD (and the 1.3L engine) optional on LS/LT for a $2,000 premium.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Chevrolet Trailblazer model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 2025 record → | |
| 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 2023 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer (also known as Trailblazer) is a mid-size SUV produced by Chevrolet, a division of General Motors. The nameplate was first used in North America from 2001 to 2008; in 2009, it was replaced by the Traverse, as a crossover SUV. In 2011, production of a newly redesigned version of the Trailblazer for the Asian and Brazilian markets began.
Source: Chevrolet TrailBlazer (SUV) (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Trailblazer at a glance
- Production
- 1998–2001 (as Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Blazer trim line), 2001–2008 (separate model, North America), 2011–2020 (Asia), 2011–present (South America)
- Class
- Mid-size SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame
- Predecessor
- Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Chevrolet Trailblazer generations
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has been redesigned in 2011, gaps of 10 years, an average of 10.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation, RG) began in 2011.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | KC | 2001–2011 | The first-generation TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform officially known as GMT360, with all models having four-wheel-drive layout as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "Auto," "2-High," "4-High," and "4-Low" gearings, except the SS model which features an all-wheel-drive system. |
| Second generation | RG | 2011–present | The second generation (stylized as Trailblazer instead of TrailBlazer) was unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image. Consequence: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, most often about electrical system (13), unknown or other (7), power train (6).
Year by year
The Chevrolet Trailblazer across 6 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 27–31 | $2,100–$2,400 | 3 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 27–31 | $2,000–$2,300 | 3 | 20 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 27–31 | $2,000–$2,300 | 2 | 32 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 28–31 | $2,000–$2,250 | 3 | 66 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 28–31 | $2,000–$2,250 | 3 | 1 | 108 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 28–31 | $2,000–$2,250 | 3 | 4 | 190 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Chevrolet Trailblazer, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | Labels: Trailblazer FWD FFV | |||
| 2024 to 2025 | 2 to 3 | Engines: 1.2L 3-cyl SIDI; FFV; Fuels: Gasoline or E85 | ||
| 2023 to 2024 | 3 to 2 | 29.5 to 29.0 | Engines: 1.2L 3-cyl SIDI |
Buying used
What the Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | equipment (mechanical) | None |
| 2021 | 4 | tires; seats (critical fasteners); service brakes; 1 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| unknown or other | 112 | 27% | 2021 (54) |
| electrical system | 110 | 26% | 2021 (41) |
| power train | 96 | 23% | 2021 (40) |
| engine | 81 | 19% | 2021 (38) |
| service brakes | 70 | 17% | 2021 (31) |
| forward collision avoidance | 28 | 7% | 2021 (10) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | AWD | 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 155 | 174 | 3,252 | – | 27 | $25,095 |
| LT | AWD | 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 155 | 174 | 3,252 | – | 27 | $26,295 |
| ACTIV | AWD | 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 155 | 174 | 3,252 | – | 27 | $29,695 |
| RS | AWD | 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 155 | 174 | 3,252 | – | 27 | $29,695 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Chevrolet Trailblazer model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 155 | 3,252 | – | 13.2 |
| 2025 | 4 | 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 155 | – | – | 13.2 |
| 2024 | 4 | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) / 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 137–155 | – | – | 13.2 |
| 2023 | 4 | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) / 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 137–155 | – | – | 13.2 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) / 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 137–155 | – | – | 13.2 |
| 2021 | 5 | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) / 1.3-liter 3-cylinder (ECOTEC, Turbo) | 137–150 | – | – | – |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-20 (4.2 qt) 1.2L L3 Gas Engine FWD; 0W-20 (4.8 qt) 1.3L L3 Gas Engine FWD; 0W-20 (4.8 qt) 1.3L L3 Gas Engine AWD | DOT 4 | 100 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Chevrolet Trailblazer: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 20 | ||
| 2024 | 32 | ||
| 2023 | 66 | ||
| 2022 | 1 | 108 | equipment |
| 2021 | 4 | 190 | seats, tires, brakes, equipment |
| 2020 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | 0 | ||
| 2018 | 0 | ||
| 2017 | 0 | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | 0 |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Chevrolet Trailblazer model year: recall counts across the 2 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about n/a recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Chevrolet Trailblazer by model year?
2022: equipment. 2021: seats, tires, brakes, equipment.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering.
Compared with
Models this Chevrolet Trailblazer is most often compared with.
Nearest Chevrolet models
Other Chevrolet models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Trailblazer come in?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer (subcompact SUV) comes in 4 trims: LS, LT, RS, Activ.
Q02What are the 2026 Trailblazer trims?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer trims are LS, LT, RS, Activ, listed from the entry LS up to the top Activ.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Trailblazer use?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is built around 1.2L turbo three-cylinder or 1.3L turbo three-cylinder, rated at 137 / 155 horsepower across its subcompact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Trailblazer have?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is rated at 137 / 155 horsepower (1.2L turbo three-cylinder or 1.3L turbo three-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Trailblazer?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is offered with FWD / AWD.