Chevrolet Trailblazer LS, LT, ACTIV & More

Last updated August 4, 2026

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer lineup has four familiar small-SUV branches: L and LS are the essentials-first entry trims, LT is the convenience-and-style step, ACTIV adds an outdoorsy theme and light rough-road hardware, and RS favors sporty street styling and warmer cabin features. The SS is a separate, 2009-only performance branch from the older TrailBlazer era, built around V8 power and sharper road manners rather than the newer small SUV’s formula.

What each trim is known for

Chevrolet Trailblazer Base Model

Base Model

LLS

The Base Model trim level — L and LS — is the straightforward Trailblazer, focused on everyday usefulness, core safety features, and value rather than extra styling or comfort equipment.

Best for: Shoppers who want a simple, practical small SUV and do not need the appearance or convenience upgrades of higher trims.

Highlights

  • Essentials-first L and LS positioning
  • Collision warning and lane-keeping safety suite
  • Split-folding rear seat, plus a fold-flat front passenger seat on LS
  • L uses a 7-inch touchscreen; recent LS models use an 11-inch touchscreen
38 in stock
Chevrolet Trailblazer Mid-Level

Mid-Level

LT

The Mid-Level trim level — LT — is the everyday upgrade, adding more convenience and a more polished exterior while keeping the Trailblazer’s practical character.

Best for: Drivers who want useful daily comforts and dressier details without moving to the rugged ACTIV or sporty RS themes.

Highlights

  • Convenience-focused equipment over the entry trims
  • More polished wheels and exterior trim
  • In later models, keyless entry and starting, remote start, roof rails, and tinted rear glass

Over L and LS, LT’s enduring step is extra everyday convenience and a more dressed-up exterior. In later models, that includes keyless entry and starting, remote start, roof rails, tinted rear glass, and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels.

274 in stock
Chevrolet Trailblazer Rugged Styling

Rugged Styling

ACTIV

The Rugged Styling trim level — ACTIV — is the adventure-themed Trailblazer, designed for light rough-road use rather than hard-core off-roading.

Best for: Drivers who like outdoorsy styling and want added confidence for dirt roads, campsites, and similar light-duty terrain.

Highlights

  • 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
  • Off-road-tuned suspension
  • Functional skid plate
  • Heated front seats and dual-outlet exhaust

Compared with LT’s convenience focus, ACTIV adds the stronger 1.3-liter engine, off-road suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, heated front seats, and more rugged styling.

27 in stock
Chevrolet Trailblazer Sport Styling

Sport Styling

RS

The Sport Styling trim level — RS — is the street-focused Trailblazer, pairing bold exterior details with a more driver-oriented cabin.

Best for: Shoppers who prefer a sporty look, larger wheels, and warmer cabin features over ACTIV’s rough-road theme.

Highlights

  • 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
  • 19-inch black machined-aluminum wheels
  • Heated flat-bottom steering wheel
  • Heated front seats and power-adjustable driver’s seat

RS adds 19-inch wheels, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. It shifts the emphasis from ACTIV’s rough-road hardware to sporty street styling.

61 in stock
Chevrolet Trailblazer Performance

Performance

SS

The Performance trim level — the 2009 SS — is the muscle-SUV version of the older TrailBlazer, combining strong acceleration and sharper road manners with SUV utility.

Best for: Drivers seeking old-school V8 character, a firmer street-focused setup, and a more upscale cabin in an SUV shape.

Highlights

  • 6.0-liter V8 and heavy-duty four-speed automatic
  • Lowered, road-course-tuned sport suspension
  • Leather-appointed heated power front seats
  • Bose audio and 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels

SS is not a direct equipment step above the newer RS because it belongs to the 2009 TrailBlazer era. Its defining additions are a 6.0-liter V8, a lowered road-course-tuned suspension, leather-appointed heated power seats, and premium audio.

0 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureMid-LevelBase ModelPerformanceSport StylingRugged Styling
Includes
LT274 in stock
L, LS38 in stock
SS0 in stock
RS61 in stock
ACTIV27 in stock
Recognizable trim name(s)LTL and LSSSRSACTIV
Main identityConvenience and styleEveryday essentialsV8 muscle SUVSporty street styleAdventure theme
Defining engineTurbo three-cylinder; typically 1.2L, with 1.3L also representedTurbo three-cylinder; typically 1.2L, with 1.3L also represented6.0L V81.3L turbo three-cylinder1.3L turbo three-cylinder
Road setupEveryday road focusEveryday road focusLowered, road-course-tuned suspensionStreet-style focusOff-road-tuned suspension and skid plate
Exterior cueRoof rails, tinted rear glass, 17-inch machined wheels in later modelsSimple, essentials-first trim20-inch polished-aluminum wheels19-inch black machined wheelsRugged front treatment and dual exhaust
Convenience and comfortLater models add keyless entry and remote startFlexible seating; LS adds push-button startLeather-appointed heated power front seatsHeated seats and steering wheel; power driver’s seatHeated front seats
Notable media techRecent models: 11-inch screen and wireless phone integrationL: 7-inch screen; recent LS: 11-inch screenBose audio and Bluetooth phone connectivityRecent models: 11-inch screen and wireless phone integrationRecent models: 11-inch screen and wireless phone integration

Frequently asked questions

What are the main Chevrolet Trailblazer trims?

In recent years, the lineup runs from LS to LT, ACTIV, and RS. LS covers the essentials, LT adds convenience, ACTIV gets rugged styling and light rough-road hardware, and RS emphasizes sporty looks and cabin upgrades.

What is the difference between the Trailblazer LS and LT?

In recent years, LT adds everyday conveniences and exterior upgrades over LS. Key additions include keyless entry and start, remote start, roof rails, dark-tinted rear glass, and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels.

What is the difference between the Trailblazer LT and ACTIV?

ACTIV moves beyond the LT's convenience focus with the stronger 1.3-liter turbo engine, rough-road suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, dual exhaust outlets, heated front seats, and adventure-themed styling.

What is the difference between the Trailblazer ACTIV and RS?

ACTIV is the rough-road-themed trim, with special suspension tuning and a skid plate. RS is the street-style trim, with 19-inch wheels, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Both use the stronger 1.3-liter turbo engine.

What was the Trailblazer L, and how is it different from LS?

The L was the simplest modern Trailblazer and appeared only at the start of this generation. It had the 1.2-liter turbo engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, steel wheels, and core safety features. LS sat one step higher and remained after L was dropped.

Which Trailblazer trim is the straightforward everyday choice?

LS is the straightforward choice for shoppers who mainly want the Trailblazer's core space, safety features, and phone connectivity. On refreshed models, it also has the same 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch driver display used across the range.

Which Trailblazer trim makes the most sense for convenience features?

LT is the convenience-focused middle trim. In recent years it adds remote start, keyless entry and start, roof rails, tinted rear glass, and upgraded wheels without moving to the specialized ACTIV or RS styling themes.

Is the Trailblazer ACTIV meant for serious off-roading?

No. ACTIV is intended for light rough-road use and an outdoorsy look, not hard-core off-roading. Its useful changes include special suspension tuning, a functional skid plate, and the stronger 1.3-liter turbo engine.

Which Trailblazer trim should I look for if styling matters most?

RS is the street-style choice. On newer models it combines the stronger 1.3-liter turbo engine with 19-inch black machined wheels, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Do all newer Trailblazer trims have the large touchscreen?

Yes, on refreshed Trailblazers. LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS all use an 11-inch center touchscreen with an 8-inch driver display. Earlier models use a 7-inch touchscreen instead.

Which Trailblazer trims have the stronger turbo engine?

ACTIV and RS use the stronger 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder engine in the recent lineup. Trailblazers were also sold with a 1.2-liter turbo engine, so verify the engine when comparing LS and LT examples.

Is the old TrailBlazer SS the same idea as the newer RS?

No. The older SS was a true performance model with a 6.0-liter V8, lowered sport suspension, and a heavy-duty four-speed automatic. The newer RS is mainly a sporty appearance and comfort trim with a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder engine.

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