- Chevy is gunning for 30% of the subcompact SUV market with updates to the Trax and Trailblazer.
- Both SUVs get new standard safety and infotainment tech.
- The new Trailblazer Z71 becomes the smallest and most affordable of Chevy’s Z71 off-roaders.
Chevrolet already offers the best-selling vehicle in the subcompact SUV market with the Chevy Trax, but the bow tie division is looking to become the segment leader with a series of styling, technological, and performance updates on the new Trax and Trailblazer for 2027.
The Chevy Trax and Chevy Trailblazer combined are enjoying their best sales results ever through the first three quarters of this year, according to Chevrolet. Trax sales are down less than 1%, although it enjoyed a 16.3% jump in Q3. Meanwhile, Trailblazer sales are up 21.1% through September, led by a 51.1% jump last quarter. Combined, the two vehicles are up 9% so far this year.
Trax is America’s top seller in the small SUV segment, Megan Liebrock, assistant marketing manager, Trax and Trailblazer, told Kelley Blue Book during a showcase of the new models. She said the brand is targeting a 30% subcompact SUV market share for the Trax and Trailblazer combined in the near term. The overall segment accounts for 6% of the market — and is growing.
A big driver of those lofty goals is a conversion to a new electrical and software architecture that increased standard safety features from six to 20, officials told KBB. Some of the new standard safety features for the 2027 models include reverse automatic braking, Safety Seat Alert, side bicyclist alert, rear cross-traffic braking, front park assist, rear seat belt indicator, and intersection automatic emergency braking.
Divide and Conquer
In order to beat tough competition like the Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and more, Chevy positions the Trax and Trailblazer as very different vehicles. The Trax is an entry-level small SUV packed with safety features and loads of convenience technology with exterior and interior styling that punches above its weight class.
Meanwhile, the Trailblazer offers buyers an opportunity to tap into their adventurous side with available all-wheel drive (AWD) — not an option on the Trax — and higher ride height than its bow-tie buddy. By ensuring the two vehicles can meet all the needs of buyers in this market, Chevy officials believe they’ve got a winning formula.
To reinforce this separation, Chevy streamlined the trim offerings for 2027. The Trax is available as the entry-level, RS, and ACTIV models. The Trailblazer features the first two trims, but it swapped the ACTIV option for a better-known moniker that evokes off-road readiness: the Z71. The “Z” has been used since 1963 to tell potential buyers that a vehicle is ready to head off pavement for some fun and frolic in areas with fewer modern conveniences.
Premium Look, Entry-Level Money
For 2027, the Trax receives exterior updates to give it a more upscale look, including a revised front grille and a redesigned liftgate. The new front grille is more of an evolutionary update, making the Trax look wider and more capable.
The rear liftgate now sees the rear taillights cover the entire width of the SUV, again making it look broader and more agile. Speaking of which, a power liftgate is now available after the brand discovered some Trax owners had difficulty reaching up high enough to grab the liftgate handle to pull it down and close it.
The sole engine option in the Trax remains a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its performance is adequate for the needs of most drivers, making 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the 2026 model is rated at 28 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg, and we expect the 2027 model to be similarly efficient.
Inside, the new tech leads the way with Google built-in with Gemini feeding through a new, larger 11-inch screen for the driver and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen sitting atop the center of the dashboard within easy reach of either front-seat passenger. The new AI-based tech puts a personal assistant in the car while allowing the driver to focus on their primary job — the road. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Making New Trails
The Trailblazer adopts much of the same technology, such as the 11.3-inch infotainment screen and all of the safety features the Trax gets. However, its updates focus on improving its off-road readiness, starting with the new Z71 trim package.
The Trailblazer Z71 will feature standard AWD, an off-road-tuned suspension, an underbody skid plate, and sport-terrain tires. The Z71 trim also features debossed front-row headrests and a new Jet Black & Storm Sky Gray interior with Orange accents. The interior is reconfigured, moving the shifter to the steering column. This allowed designers to offer more storage, including retractable cup holders that provide greater flexibility for open storage.
While its segment partner now gets a power liftgate, Trailblazer owners can now choose the AutoSense power liftgate, which automatically opens the liftgate when it senses the vehicle’s key fob. No more looking like you’re trying to kick your muffler while your hands are full.
Under the hood, it gets the 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine used to be optional in the Trailblazer alongside the smaller engine that powers the Trax, but this bigger, stronger engine is now the standard powerplant in the Trailblazer. It puts out 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, which is unchanged from its predecessor. While you’re not going to go rock crawling in Moab, the updated configuration is Chevy’s way of “giving more customers an authentic way to embrace everyday exploration,” Liebrock said.
Chevrolet officials declined to release pricing for the new models; however, the 2026 Chevy Trax started at $23,495 while the Trailblazer kicked off at $25,095. We predict that Trax pricing won’t change much, but the Trailblazer could get a notably higher base price due to the new standard engine. Both models hit dealer lots in spring 2027.
