Rental Car Review: 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

This was a lucky spin on the Rental Car Roulette. 

Since we’re about a month-and-a-half from wrapping up #VOTY2026 eligibility, I had to look for other manufacturers that we do not normally work with. Sad, but true, but spinning the Rental Car Roulette wheel is the only way to get those manufacturers and brands. 

We recognize that General Motors has been improving their lineup with interesting vehicles across all four brands. Mostly, they have been concentrating on SUVs. Some of which happen to be fed dominantly through a battery. 

However, there had been chatter about the Chevrolet Trax. This small, front-drive crossover has been the darling of those looking for a bargain from a value-laden small vehicle. It was exactly what a lot of consumers have been looking for. The turbocharged wonder certainly made an impression on us a few years ago. 

Alongside the Trax is an SUV built on the same platform, with a taller roofline, and some practicality to match. Chevrolet calls this the Trailblazer and I finally got it to land on the right number. 

This platform is shared with two Buick models – Encore GX and Envista – along with the Trax. They represent affordability and scalable size that is made for accommodating starter families or individuals looking for practicality in their vehicle. The 2026 Trailblazer LT AWD model is one such example of exactly what budget conscious consumers are looking at. 

One may think that the Trailblazer is not much of a looker. It is purposeful with its higher roofline and more upright profile. There is the current signature Chevrolet front clip with split grille and headlamp units on each side. The front doors open wide, while the rear doors simply do their job. The liftgate also does the job without any gimmicks. 

This LT AWD rental unit wore a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. It helps that it sat eight inches above the ground for a solid SUV stance. 

Inside is what I’d like to call contemporary Chevrolet. The driver has an eight-inch digital instrument cluster that keeps it simple with ample information. The controls are tactile, and you got the love the long throw shifter for the automatic transmission.

An 11-inch center infotainment touchscreen crowns the center stack. It features wireless smartphone integration.  Six standard speakers deliver quality sound throughout the cabin. 

The LT’s standard cloth seats are in a tasteful black-and-gray colorway. They vare supportive, but a bit firm. Perhaps the front seats are a bit small. Rear seat space is better served for “average-sized” adults or children. Cargo space is generous with 25.3 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. It is expandable to a maximum volume of 54.4 cubic feet. 

All-wheel drive equipped 2026 Trailblazers come with a 155-horsepwer 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This small and mighty engine also puts down 174 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission transfers power down to all four wheels. 

For being under 3,300 pounds, it is a sprightly small SUV. Adding a turbocharger to a diminutive three-cylinder engine was what Chevrolet needed for the 2026 Trailblazer. Acceleration was fine, as was cruising. Unfortunately, we did not have an adaptive cruise control system for on this rental unit. You can get one as an option, though. 

As for fuel economy, we did achieve 30.2 MPG during our time with the 2026 Trailblazer AWD.

Ride quality was quite decent. It managed rougher tarmac, while feeling relaxed on smoother stretches. There is plenty of roll and lean when it comes to handling and cornering. The brakes were quite good, exhibiting solid stops in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel was strong and direct. You also have a solid steering action providing tight turns. It is due in part to the small size of the vehicle. On-center feel was OK, though some correction was needed within he lane. 

With four trim levels available, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in with a starting price of $23,200. If sold through your local dealer the sticker price for this LT AWD model would come to $28,295. 

This might not be the sexiest vehicle in any given rental car lot. However, the 2026 Trailblazer offers plenty of charm and practicality for urban exploration of a run into the countryside. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, check this one out and try one on for size. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle rented by Victory & Reseda – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern