Chevrolet has refreshed its two least expensive vehicles. The 2027 Trax and 2027 Trailblazer, shown on Oct. 8, get updated styling, larger screens and a longer list of standard driver-assistance features, and the Trailblazer gains a Z71 off-road trim. Both reach dealers next spring. Prices will come closer to launch, but a Chevrolet spokesperson told Car and Driver that "the two will continue to be the most affordable vehicles for Chevrolet."
That matters because these two small SUVs carry much of GM's entry-level volume. GM said Trax sales rose 16% in the third quarter, and its family of small, affordable SUVs, led by the Trax and Buick Envista, had its best quarter ever. Chevrolet's website currently lists the 2026 Trax from $21,700 and the 2026 Trailblazer from $23,600.
Bigger screens and seven new standard safety features
Both SUVs now come with an 11-inch digital driver display and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen running Google built-in with Gemini, the voice assistant Chevrolet says can plan trips, summarize texts and adjust vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain. On the Trax, Chevrolet says the update retires manual climate controls, the keyed ignition and analog gauges.
Each model now lists more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features. The newly added items are:
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Front Park Assist
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- Safety Seat Alert
- Rear Seat Belt Indicator
The new electrical and software architecture underneath made those additions possible, according to Car and Driver.
What changes on each model
The Trax gets a new grille, horizontal headlights and all-LED lighting, with new taillights joined by a strip of black trim. A power liftgate is available for the first time, and a Storm Sky Gray interior joins the options. The lineup is trimmed to three versions: LT, RS and Activ. The Trax stays front-wheel drive only, and its cargo area holds up to 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. New colors are Lagoon, Sunrise Orange and Pacific Blue Metallic.
The Trailblazer changes more under the hood. The turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder is gone, and the 1.3-liter turbo is now standard, rated at 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, with up to 1,000 pounds of towing capacity. MotorWeek reports a column shifter replaces the console shifter, freeing room in a redesigned center console that adds rear air vents, and an AutoSense power liftgate is available. Lagoon and Sunrise Orange replace Cacti Green and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat.
2027 Trax and Trailblazer at a glance
| Metric | Trax | Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Trims | LT, RS, Activ | LT, RS, Z71 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | FWD; AWD standard on Z71 |
| Screens | 11-in. cluster, 11.3-in. touchscreen | 11-in. cluster, 11.3-in. touchscreen |
| Max cargo | 54.1 cu ft | 54.4 cu ft |
| Length | 178.6 in. | 174.1 in. |
| Arrives | Spring 2027 | Late spring 2027 |
Pricing has not been announced. Source: Chevrolet.
The Trailblazer Z71 replaces the Activ
The new top Trailblazer is the Z71, which takes the place of the Activ. It gets standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, sport-terrain tires on 17-inch dark gray machined wheels and a functional front steel skid plate, plus orange interior accents. The RS stays as the sporty choice with 19-inch wheels, red accents and an available two-tone roof.
The updates arrive without any change to what made these two popular: low prices and practical cabins. Chevrolet has not said how much the added equipment will cost, and pricing will be published when the vehicles go on sale in spring 2027.
