Get the Perfect Chevy Trailblazer With Just Five Decisions

May 12th, 2025 by

A blue 2025 Chevy Trailblazer RS parked at a Chevy dealer near Indianapolis.

If you know that you’re interested in the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer, then you’ve already made a great decision since this is a fantastic vehicle that a lot of people are interested in this year. When you come to us as your Chevy dealer near Indianapolis to buy the Trailblazer, however, you’ll quickly discover that you have a few more big decisions to make before you drive away in a vehicle that you love. We’re here and happy to help you figure all of these things out, but we know that a lot of folks like to have stuff settled before coming to visit us—or at least some options narrowed down. So today, we’re going to take you through these big decisions as you shop for a 2026 Trailblazer and help you figure things out to choose the right options that deliver everything you want.

#1 – Which Trim Level Is Right for You?

We’re starting with figuring out the trim level that’s best for you because a lot of other decisions can be made for you based on this or at least become easier to explore. You have four trims available for the 2026 Trailblazer, and the differences between them can be pretty substantial. The standard LS model comes with an impressive array of features, including 17-inch tires, LED headlights, and IntelliBeam automatic on/off high beams. You get a manual rear liftgate on the LS, plus Chevy Safety Assist that includes a Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with a Lane Departure Warning.

Looking inside the Trailblazer LS, we find a well-appointed cabin that includes a gorgeous 11-inch HD color infotainment display with a six-speaker sound system, plus an eight-inch Driver Information Center, cloth seating, and standard cruise control. If you want some enhancements and more options to upgrade your SUV, then check out the LT trim, which gives roof-mounted side rails, Keyless Open, and Remote Start functionality. You also get more options available to you with this trim for more enhancements compared to the starting LS model, but we’ll get into those in a little bit.

You have two more trim levels available to you that both start at the same price, letting you choose the kind of overall look and driving experience you prefer. The RS features 19-inch High Gloss Black wheels for great style and a bolder stance, along with an upgraded interior that includes Evotex seating with an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated and wrapped steering wheel that’s perfect for cold winter mornings in Indianapolis. For something a bit more adventurous, the ACTIV trim includes a couple of unique features, such as Off-Road suspension tuning for a more rugged ride and functional skid plates to help protect the underbody of your vehicle. You get 17-inch wheels wrapped in Sport terrain tires on the ACTIV, plus similar interior features to the RS, including the heated front seats and steering wheel.

The black interior and dash in a 2025 Chevy Trailblazer.

#2 – Which Engine Do You Want?

Chevy offers two different engines for the 2026 Trailblazer, though your choice of trim can determine what’s available to you. The standard engine is a 1.2L turbo that provides 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque; both engines come paired with a continuously variable transmission that ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience. Honestly, this engine provides you with plenty of power for getting to work each day and running errands around Indianapolis—plus taking care of everything else you need to do. The Trailblazer is a small SUV, after all, so this kind of performance ensures that it’s fun to drive without going overboard.

If you’re looking for an enhanced experience, however, then there’s a 1.3L turbo engine available that delivers 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. You can see that this isn’t a massive boost to power, though it is a noticeable increase in terms of overall performance, especially when you’re cruising up a hill or driving in rough terrain. Both engines are great for the Trailblazer, and the right one simply comes down to what you’re looking for in your next SUV. One thing to note is that you can choose either of these engines with the LS and LT models; if you go with the RS or ACTIV trim, then you get the upgraded 1.3L engine as standard.

#3 – What Kind of Driving Experience Do You Prefer?

Although a number of different factors impact your overall driving experience, one of the most important things to think about and decide on is the drive type you want. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard for the Trailblazer, and it provides responsive handling and a great overall experience. If you’re looking for something with improved traction, then all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. Although we enjoy the feel of FWD, we tend to prefer AWD with this SUV, especially when it comes to dealing with rough weather and snowy or slushy roads around Indianapolis in the winter. One thing we love is that Chevy offers both of these options for all four trim levels and with either engine, so you can get the right combination to meet your needs without missing out on anything.

#4 – What About Your Exterior Color and Features?

Aesthetics and styling can seem like extra niceties, but these things matter when you own a vehicle for many years. There’s nothing quite like getting a big smile on your face when looking at the vehicle parked in your driveway, not to mention liking the SUV that you walk toward and get into each day. Numerous exterior colors are available for the LS and LT models, including Summit White, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Mosaic Black Metallic. If you’re looking for something a bit more distinct, then consider one of the other two trims; the RS is available with a Mosaic Black Metallic roof that you can combine with Apex Red, Marina Blue Metallic, and other colors to create a gorgeous two-tone look. Similarly, you can choose the ACTIV model with a Summit White roof and a two-tone pairing with exterior colors like Cacti Green and White Sands, creating a gorgeous SUV that you’ll love driving around Indianapolis.

A yellow 2025 Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV parked near a tent.

#5 – Want Any Other Packages or Options?

Finally, once you’ve decided on other features, then there are a number of extra options and packages available to further customize your Trailblazer and make it your own. Many of these options are tied directly to your choice of trim level, so keep that in mind. If you go with the LS, for example, then Chevy offers options like the LS Confidence Package with enhanced safety technology or the LS Convenience Package with Remote Start functionality and deep-tinted rear glass. Going with the LT lets you choose more upgrades like a wireless charging pad, power rear liftgate, and automatic climate control. The RS and ACTIV trim levels let you take things even further, giving you access to things like an Adaptive Cruise and Sound Package that adds Adaptive Cruise Control and a Bose Premium seven-speaker sound system. This is why we like to start with the trim levels since so many other things depend on that first decision.

Find the Right Chevy Trailblazer for Indianapolis Driving

As you can see, by taking things one step at a time and approaching each of these decisions with the right information, it’s not hard to get the perfect 2026 Chevy Trailblazer with all of the features you want. Chevy gives you a number of excellent options to choose from and the freedom to put together an SUV that you’ll love driving for many years to come. That being said, these are still important decisions to make, and we understand that trying to navigate all of these options and keep track of everything can become overwhelming. That’s why we’re here at Vermilion Chevrolet to help you figure it all out so you get everything you want. Once you know what you need in your next SUV, then you can count on us to help you find it all.