2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS: Monroe Buyers Guide

How the RS earns its badge

Chevrolet pitches the RS as the sleek, sporty member of the family, and most of that character comes from details that show from across a parking lot. The mesh grille is finished in High Gloss Black with a small red RS emblem, the roofline is a contrasting dark color, and the wheels grow to 19 inches in the same black machined finish. Compared with the 17-inch wheels on the other trims, those larger rims fill the wheel wells and give the Trailblazer a lower, wider look. The color palette also includes a new shade for 2026 called Apex Red, which Chevrolet shows on an RS in its own photos.

Inside the RS

Red is the signature inside the RS. Chevrolet's photos show an RS logo stitched in red on the headrests with red thread tracing the seat bolsters, and the steering wheel is wrapped, heated and flat-bottomed. A heated wheel is a small luxury that is easy to appreciate on a chilly morning, whether you are on SR-522 or waiting at the roundabout near Monroe High School. The rest of the cabin matches the other trims, with an 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start and a front passenger seat that folds flat.

Power, drivetrain and a note on big wheels

Unlike the LS and LT, the RS does not ask for an upcharge to get the 1.3-liter turbo, because it is standard. It makes 155 horsepower and up to 174 lb-ft, and with front-wheel drive the EPA rates it at 29 city, 33 highway and 31 combined mpg. Choosing all-wheel drive adds a nine-speed automatic and brings the ratings to 26, 29 and 27. A small engine in a small SUV means the RS is the one that dresses sporty rather than the one that races, so a test drive up the grade on US-2 will show you whether the power suits your habits. One practical point about 19-inch wheels is that their tires have shorter sidewalls, which makes them a little more sensitive to potholes, and winter frost heaves on county roads can leave a few behind.

RS or ACTIV?

Both trims cost $28,200 to start and both use the 1.3-liter turbo. The ACTIV has off-road suspension tuning, a skid plate and 17-inch wheels, while the RS has the 19-inch wheels, the heated flat-bottom steering wheel and the sport styling. Drivers who spend their week on SR-522 and in town usually find the RS the better fit, and drivers who head for trailheads on the weekend lean toward the ACTIV.

What Speedway Chevrolet customers say

Shelby S. wrote about shopping for a family vehicle: "We worked with Shane and Joe at speedway to get a new SUV. They were both professional, communicative and patient with us while trying to decide the best vehicle for our family." Shane Hagans is listed as a Fleet and Sales Consultant and Joe Harvey as a Finance Manager on the dealership's team page. The review does not name the Trailblazer, but it captures the patient, no-rush style of shopping that makes comparing trims easier.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2026 Trailblazer RS?

The RS starts at $28,200 MSRP, and the $1,795 destination charge brings the starting total to $29,995. Taxes, title, registration, documentary fees and options are extra.

Which is better, the Trailblazer RS or LT?

The LT costs less and covers daily conveniences, while the RS starts $3,400 higher and adds the 1.3-liter turbo, 19-inch black wheels, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel and red interior accents. If styling and the stronger standard engine matter most, the RS is the closer match.

What engine does the Trailblazer RS have?

The RS comes standard with the ECOTEC 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, which makes 155 horsepower and up to 174 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Trailblazer RS all-wheel drive?

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. The all-wheel-drive version pairs the 1.3-liter turbo with a nine-speed automatic.

What wheels does the Trailblazer RS have?

The RS has 19-inch High Gloss Black machined-aluminum wheels, the largest size offered on the Trailblazer.

Compare, then drive

Read the ACTIV guide for the other 1.3-liter trim, the LT guide for the step below, and the overview for the full lineup. The pricing and leasing guide covers Washington sales tax. Then browse the new Trailblazer inventory, schedule a test drive or call sales at 866-647-1030.