2026 Chevy Blazer: Release Date, RS V6, Colors & Changes

2026 Chevy Blazer: Release Date, RS V6, Colors & Changes – The automotive world is witnessing a significant shift in strategy from one of its biggest players. General Motors, which had previously announced plans to end production of the gasoline-powered Chevy Blazer after the 2025 model year, has reversed course. The company has decided to continue producing the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of this midsize SUV for the 2026 model year and possibly beyond. This decision is part of a broader re-evaluation of GM’s product lineup, often referred to as an “internal combustion renaissance,” which aims to balance the push toward electric vehicles with the continued strong market demand for traditional gasoline-powered cars.

This article provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand overview of the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer. It is crucial to note that this information pertains to the gasoline-powered model and not the fully electric Chevrolet Blazer EV or the smaller Chevrolet Trailblazer. The provided research includes details on all three, but this article focuses exclusively on the ICE Blazer to prevent confusion and provide a clear, expert-level analysis for prospective buyers and enthusiasts alike.

Key Details for the 2026 Chevy Blazer

The 2026 Chevy Blazer is largely a mechanical “carryover” from its 2025 predecessor, meaning its core structure and engineering remain unchanged. However, Chevrolet has made several key adjustments to the vehicle’s lineup and options that are important for buyers to understand. The Premier trim, which was previously a top-tier option, has been discontinued for 2026. The most significant change, however, involves the availability of the two engine choices. The more powerful 3.6L V6 engine is now exclusively available as an upgrade on the top-of-the-line RS trim, a change from previous years where it was standard on the RS and available on the 3LT and Premier trims. These changes simplify the vehicle’s lineup while also influencing which buyers can access the most powerful engine.

New Features and Changes

Subtle Updates for a Familiar Ride

While the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer maintains the same overall look and feel as the 2025 model, a closer inspection reveals a number of subtle but meaningful updates. The vehicle’s bold, modern styling and core mechanical components are carried over. This strategy allows Chevrolet to extend the life of a popular model without the costly and time-consuming process of a full redesign. Instead, the focus has been on refining the in-cabin experience to keep the Blazer competitive in the midsize SUV market.

The interior has been upgraded with a more intuitive infotainment system and enhanced connectivity options. This focus on user interface improvements is a common practice in the industry, as it provides a valuable upgrade to the driver’s daily experience without altering the vehicle’s underlying architecture. Higher trim levels are expected to feature premium touches like soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and even ventilated front seats. These additions, along with expected features such as wireless phone charging and customizable ambient interior lighting, are designed to make the cabin a more comfortable and modern place to be, reflecting an understanding that the interior is where owners spend the majority of their time. This approach demonstrates a deliberate strategy to provide noticeable improvements that keep the vehicle feeling fresh and current, all while preparing for a more substantial redesign planned for the 2027 model year.

A Major Shift in Engine Availability

The most significant changes for the 2026 Blazer are found not in its features, but in how buyers can access them. The previous lineup included four trim levels: 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. For 2026, the Premier trim has been removed from the lineup, leaving only the 2LT, 3LT, and RS. This simplification streamlines the choices for buyers and eases the manufacturing process.

Even more impactful is the new structure for engine availability. In previous years, the powerful 3.6L V6 engine was standard on the RS and available as an upgrade on the 3LT and Premier trims. For the 2026 model year, this has changed dramatically. The V6 engine will no longer be offered on the 3LT trim, making it unavailable to buyers of that model. Furthermore, the RS trim will now come standard with the same 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that powers the other models, with the V6 becoming an optional upgrade. This change means that the RS is the only trim level where the V6 engine can be found. This strategy effectively encourages buyers who want the extra power and performance of the V6 to purchase the most expensive trim and pay an additional cost for the engine, which simplifies production for the popular 2LT and 3LT models while increasing the profit margin on the flagship RS model.

Performance and Engine Options

A Familiar Duo Under the Hood

The 2026 Chevy Blazer offers two well-known engine options that carry over from the previous model year, giving buyers a choice between efficiency and raw power. The base engine is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. This engine provides a solid balance of power and fuel efficiency for everyday driving, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

For those seeking a more spirited driving experience or greater capability, the 3.6L V6 engine is the choice. This engine delivers 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, offering a significant boost in acceleration and performance. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that helps manage power smoothly across various driving conditions.

The following table provides a clear comparison of the two engine options:

Engine Type	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum Towing Capacity
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	228 hp	258 lb-ft	3,500 pounds
3.6L V6	308 hp	270 lb-ft	4,500 pounds

Towing and Power

The difference in engine power directly affects the Blazer’s towing capacity, a crucial detail for buyers who plan to use the SUV to haul a boat or a small trailer. The 2.0L turbocharged engine provides a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. However, to achieve the maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, a buyer must choose the 3.6L V6 engine. Given the new engine availability structure, this means that buyers who need the extra towing capability are now limited to selecting the RS trim and opting for the V6 engine upgrade. This demonstrates how the new engine strategy has a direct, functional impact on a buyer’s ability to use the vehicle for specific tasks.

Trims and Pricing

The Simplified Lineup

For the 2026 model year, the Chevrolet Blazer lineup has been simplified to three trims: the 2LT, 3LT, and RS. This change means that the Premier trim, which was previously a key offering, has been discontinued. The streamlining of the lineup is a key difference from previous models and simplifies the choices for buyers.

Based on current estimates, the starting price for the 2026 Chevy Blazer is around $37,500 for the 2LT trim. The mid-range 3LT is estimated to start at around $41,000, while the top-tier RS trim is expected to begin at around $45,000. These prices are estimates and may vary depending on options and other factors.

The following table shows the new trim structure and engine availability:

Trim Level	Standard Engine	Available Engine
2LT	2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	None
3LT	2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	None
RS	2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	3.6L V6

Exterior and Interior Colors

What to Expect

Specific details on the exterior and interior color options for the gasoline-powered 2026 Chevy Blazer are not yet publicly available. A common point of confusion arises because information about the smaller Chevy Trailblazer and the electric Blazer EV is often presented alongside news about the ICE Blazer. For example, some sources list colors like Apex Red and White Sands, as well as two-tone roof options, but this information applies to the Chevy Trailblazer. Similarly, paint colors like Polar White Tricoat and Radiant Red Tintcoat, as well as a standard black-painted roof for the RS trim, are specific to the Blazer EV.

While the exact color palette for the 2026 ICE Blazer remains unconfirmed, its overall sporty and modern exterior design is expected to remain consistent with previous model years. This consistency allows the vehicle to maintain its distinct on-road presence.

Understanding the Build and Buy Process

Timeline for Your New Blazer

For potential buyers eager to get their hands on a new 2026 Chevy Blazer, a clear timeline for the purchasing process has been established. The official order guide, which dealers use to configure vehicles, was released on August 18, 2025. This was followed by the opening of the dealer order system on August 21, 2025, allowing dealerships to begin entering customer requests. Official pricing information for the various trims and options was released a day later on August 22, 2025, and the first official order cycle was set to begin on August 28, 2025. The start of regular production for the 2026 Blazer is scheduled for October 8, 2025, at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

How to Configure Your Vehicle

As of the provided information, a public-facing “build and price” tool for the 2026 gasoline-powered Blazer is not yet available on Chevrolet’s official website. The online configurator currently shown is for the electric Blazer EV. This means that the primary way for a buyer to configure and order their vehicle is to work directly with a dealership. With the new, simplified trim and engine structure, the process of configuring the vehicle is straightforward. A buyer must first choose from one of the three available trim levels—the 2LT, 3LT, or RS. Once the trim is selected, the dealership can help identify any available options and packages. For those who want the performance of the V6 engine, the only path is to choose the RS trim and add the V6 engine as an option. This dealer-centric ordering process emphasizes the importance of consulting with a sales professional to navigate the available options and build a vehicle that meets specific needs.

The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer represents a strategic decision by General Motors to extend the life of a popular and successful gasoline-powered model. Instead of a full redesign, this model year focuses on key adjustments to its lineup and offerings. The most significant changes are the discontinuation of the Premier trim and the restructuring of engine availability, which now makes the powerful 3.6L V6 exclusive to the RS trim. This move simplifies the manufacturing process and encourages buyers seeking maximum performance or towing capacity to opt for the highest trim level.

While the 2026 Blazer is largely a mechanical carryover, it receives thoughtful interior and technological refinements that enhance the driver and passenger experience. The public-facing buying process, which will rely on dealer orders before a public configurator is available, requires buyers to engage directly with a dealership. The overall approach demonstrates a calculated effort by GM to maintain a strong presence in the gasoline-powered midsize SUV market, leveraging the existing design while preparing for a more significant update in the future.