2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS: A New Era Of Compact SUVs

Not that long ago, picking the base trim of a compact SUV meant accepting a lot of hard plastic, a tiny screen, and the feeling that you cheaped out. That's not really how it works anymore, and the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS is a good example of the shift. The stuff that comes standard now would have been mid-grade or optional equipment on a lot of vehicles just a few years back.

If you're looking around Roslyn for a new compact SUV that doesn't start at a number that makes you wince, the LS trim deserves a look. You can see what's currently available by checking the new Chevrolet inventory at East Hills Chevy of Roslyn.

The LS Doesn't Feel Like A Base Trim Anymore

Chevy put an 11-inch touchscreen in every Trailblazer, including the LS. That is the same size screen you get on the top trims. The software is clean and responds without much lag. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard too. You get in, your phone connects without a cable, and the map or your music just shows up. It is a small thing that makes the daily experience feel less budget.

The driver assistance features are all there from the start. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. That's Chevy Safety Assist, and it's not locked behind a package or a higher trim. On the LS, you also get keyless open and start. Walk up to the vehicle with the key in your pocket, it unlocks. Get in, push a button, and go. No fumbling at the door.

The seats are cloth, which some people actually prefer in New York where leather gets freezing in winter and scorching in summer. The interior plastics are not luxury-grade, but they are not the scratchy, hollow stuff that base trims used to get. The design is simple, with physical buttons for climate control. You do not have to dig through menus to adjust the heat.

What Makes It Different From The Trax

The Trailblazer and the Trax share a platform and an engine. They are related. But the Trailblazer does a couple of things the Trax does not. The big one is AWD. You can option all-wheel drive on any Trailblazer trim, including the LS. The Trax is front-wheel drive only, no exceptions. So, if you deal with snow or unpaved roads or just want the extra traction, the Trailblazer opens that door.

The Trailblazer also sits a little taller and has a more upright stance. The roofline is higher in the back, which means more headroom for rear passengers and a bit more cargo flexibility. It is not a massive difference, but if you're tall or regularly carry tall people, it is noticeable. The Trax is longer overall and has more legroom, but the Trailblazer feels airier inside.

Engine And Driving Feel

The LS comes with a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower. It is paired with a CVT on front-wheel drive models. If you choose AWD, you get a 9-speed automatic instead. The 1.3-liter turbo with 155 horsepower is available on higher trims like the LT and Activ, but not on the LS.

The 1.2-liter is not going to pin you to your seat. It is adequate for the kind of driving most people do. Merging onto the highway, keeping up with traffic, running errands. It does the job without complaint. The CVT does what CVTs do. It keeps the engine in its power band and doesn't draw attention to itself. It's the kind of powertrain you stop thinking about after a week, which is usually a good sign.

Ride quality is comfortable. The suspension absorbs bumps without feeling floaty. It is not sporty, and that is fine. For a daily driver that handles Long Island roads and the occasional trip into the city, the tuning makes sense.

Who The LS Actually Works For

The LS is the entry point, and it's priced accordingly. That makes it a sensible option for a few kinds of buyers. Someone buying their first new vehicle. A commuter who just wants something efficient with a good warranty. A small family that needs AWD without jumping up to a bigger, pricier SUV. The monthly payment on an LS tends to be manageable, especially if there are incentives running.

The trade-off is that you do not get the flashier styling of the RS trims, and you don't get heated seats or a sunroof unless you add a package. But if you care more about the monthly budget than the look of the wheels, the LS delivers where it counts.

At East Hills Chevy of Roslyn, the Trailblazer inventory usually includes a mix of trims, so you can compare an LS side by side with an LT and see what the extra money actually buys. Sometimes there are new Chevrolet specials that bring the higher trims closer in price. Other times the LS is the clear value pick. It depends on the month and what Chevy is offering.

The Compact SUV Landscape

The Trailblazer LS competes with vehicles like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, and Nissan Kicks. The Trailblazer's edge is the standard tech and the available AWD at the base trim. The Kia Seltos also offers AWD on lower trims, but the standard screen is smaller. The Nissan Kicks doesn't offer AWD at all. So, the Trailblazer LS occupies a specific spot: it gives you the all-weather capability if you want it, and it gives you the big screen whether you want it or not.

Something else worth noting is the warranty. The Trailblazer comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. That is standard for Chevy, and it is competitive. The first maintenance visit is included too. When that time comes, you can schedule a Chevrolet service appointment right at the dealership. Keeping the service history in one place helps with resale value later.

FAQs

Does the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS have AWD?

It's available as an option. The LS comes standard with front-wheel drive, but you can add AWD if you need it for weather or road conditions.

What engine is in the 2026 Trailblazer LS?

The LS gets a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder with 137 horsepower. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine is reserved for higher trims.

Is the Trailblazer LS bigger than the Trax?

The Trailblazer is taller with more headroom and a more upright design. The Trax is longer overall. They are different shapes for different preferences.

Can I get a sunroof on the Trailblazer LS?

Usually not as a standalone option. The sunroof typically comes on higher trims or as part of a package that may not be available on the LS.