Based in the Motor City, Carl Anthony is the Automotive Lead at How-to-Geek and the host of AutoVision Files Radio, a podcast that specializes in future automobile technology, at the side of next-generation ADAS innovations, electrification, and utility-outlined vehicles.
A broadcaster by nature, he has looked on standard podcasts and radio reveals, at the side of Wrench Nation, Vehicles Yeah, The Vehicle Doctor, and Digital PR Explained. Carls frequent appearances on MotorMouth Radio (WHPC 90.3 FM) over the final decade enjoy made him a depended on helpful resource for automobile fans, whereas his web hosting of the AutoSens Insights sequence continues to highlight the most modern automotive applied sciences.
Prior roles consist of serving as a brand new automobile starting up and vendor trainer for Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. Carl was a senior product specialist on Chevy’s Nationwide Truck Team, an experiential marketing program that travels the US, and a respected member of the FCA (now Stellantis) national auto expose personnel, the place apart he served as the resident professional for shoppers on the Dodge Charger and Challenger.
Earlier than the automotive enterprise, Carl was a disc jockey, producer, and programmer at loads of standard Midwest radio stations, at the side of KIWR, KEZO, KJAN, and KELO-FM. He’s a graduate of Iowa Western Crew College in Council Bluffs, the place apart he dual-majored in the Electronic Media studies program, earning an Affiliate of Applied Sciences degree in each and every radio and tv broadcasting.
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The Toyota RAV4 has been environment the stride in the runt SUV segment for virtually 30 years. Since arriving in the US in 1996, it has change into the ultimate-promoting runt SUV in America, with extra than 6.4 million items on the road. For 2026, Toyota made one of many boldest strikes in the RAV4’s history, shedding gasoline-easiest engines entirely and transferring to a absolutely electrified lineup of hybrids and poke-in hybrids.
The consequence is a extra grand, extra gasoline-efficient automobile with a soundless-inexpensive starting up imprint of $33,495, at the side of vacation role. Hybrid or otherwise, the RAV4 stays a benchmark in the compact SUV segment.
Admittedly, here will not be a straight apples-to-apples comparison. The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV, one size class beneath the RAV4, and it doesn’t faux to compare its cargo room or hybrid gasoline economy.
Technically talking, the 2026 Chevy Equinox is nearer to the RAV4, but automobile investors pause not consistently shop strictly by segment. The RAV4’s recognition is sturdy passable that investors trying at other SUVs will in total fetch themselves bad-buying it merely since it retains coming up. In the end, the RAV4 is an good automobile.
The query price asking, despite the indisputable truth that, is whether or not every purchaser if truth be told wants every little thing the RAV4 affords. For someone who drives largely around town, doesn’t haul worthy cargo, and desires to relief their monthly fee decrease, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer, which starts at $25,095 at the side of vacation role, makes a sturdy case for itself.
It undercuts the RAV4 by $8,400 on the foul degree and delivers solid technology and comfort aspects in a kit that is more straightforward to park and cheaper to enjoy.
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1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
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CVT
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Front-Wheel Drive
Two thoroughly different powertrain approaches
All-wheel force could well perhaps be price the money
The Trailblazer comes with a sequence of two engines. The foul 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque, and is on hand with entrance-wheel force easiest (FWD).
Stepping as a lot as the 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder brings 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. of torque, and opens the door to on hand all-wheel force (AWD). Both engines pair with a consistently variable transmission on FWD items, whereas the 1.3-liter AWD mannequin uses a nine-lope automated. These are not performance engines whatsoever, but they are effectively-matched to the Trailblazer’s size and the on daily foundation driving it is a long way built for.
Quiz
8 Questions · Test Your Files
Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV
Trivialities Wretchedness
Judge you know Chevy’s plucky and versatile compact SUV?
HistoryInventPerformanceFacetsTrims
Birth up
In what year did the second-generation Chevrolet Trailblazer (the compact SUV
model) plod on sale in the US?
A2018B2019C2020D2021
Perfect! The second-generation Chevrolet Trailblazer went on sale in the
United States for the 2021 mannequin year, which capability it became on hand to investors in 2020. It marked a
return of the Trailblazer nameplate to North America after years of absence.
No longer rather. The second-generation Trailblazer went on sale in the U.S. in
2020 as a 2021 mannequin year automobile. Chevrolet revived the Trailblazer name for a brand new compact crossover
after the distinctive body-on-body SUV was discontinued in 2009.
Continue
What was the distinctive Chevrolet Trailblazer primarily based totally on when it launched as a full-size
SUV in 2002?
AThe Chevrolet Silverado platformBThe GMT360 platform shared with the GMC EnvoyCThe Ford Explorer’s unibody structureDThe Jeep Mountainous Cherokee’s chassis structure
That’s ethical! The modern Trailblazer was built on GM’s GMT360
platform, which it shared with sibling autos fancy the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier. This body-on-body
structure gave it rugged truck-fancy functionality that was standard in the early 2000s SUV market.
No longer rather. The major-generation Trailblazer stale GM’s GMT360 platform,
shared with the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier. It was a ancient body-on-body SUV, rather thoroughly different
from the fashionable unibody crossover that carries the name this day.
Continue
Which engine is customary on the foul Chevrolet Trailblazer LS and LT trims?
AA 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder making 228 hpBA 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder making 137 hpCA 1.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 160 hpDA 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder making 155 hp
Perfect! The foul Trailblazer LS and LT advance with a 1.2L turbocharged
three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower. While runt, this engine is paired with a CVT and is
designed to prioritize gasoline effectivity in day to day driving prerequisites.
No longer rather. The customary engine on the Trailblazer LS and LT is a 1.2L
turbocharged three-cylinder making 137 hp. Higher trims fancy the ACTIV and RS get a extra grand 1.3L
turbo three-cylinder as a replace.
Continue
What is the towing skill of the Chevrolet Trailblazer when properly equipped?
A1,000 lbsB1,500 lbsC2,000 lbsD2,500 lbs
Perfect! The Chevrolet Trailblazer is rated to tow as a lot as 1,000 kg
(roughly 2,000 lbs) when properly equipped. While not a heavy-responsibility hauler, here is passable for
runt trailers, bikes, or light recreational tools.
No longer exactly. The Trailblazer has a towing skill of around 2,000 lbs
when properly equipped. It is a compact crossover, so it be not designed for heavy hauling, but it surely can
tackle runt trailers and light recreational loads.
Continue
Which get characteristic makes the Trailblazer ACTIV natty visually sure from other
trims?
AA panoramic glass roof and chrome use tricksBOrange exterior accents, rugged body cladding, and all-terrain stylingCA blacked-out grille, sport spoiler, and diminished suspensionDTwin-tone paint, 20-trot wheels, and a massive body kit
That’s ethical! The Trailblazer ACTIV is styled for roam seekers,
featuring orange exterior accents, rugged body cladding all over the wheel arches, and an total more difficult
fine. It also comes customary with all-wheel force, making it the most off-road-oriented natty in the
lineup.
No longer rather. The ACTIV natty stands out with its orange accents, paunchy
body cladding, and roam-ready styling. It is designed to inquire and feel extra rugged than the customary
trims, and it also comes customary with AWD to inspire up that look.
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Which Chevrolet Trailblazer natty is geared toward investors who desire a sportier, extra
aggressive avenue look?
APremierBACTIVCRSDLTZ
Perfect! The Trailblazer RS is the sporty natty of the lineup, featuring
blacked-out get ingredients, weird styling cues, and a extra aggressive city fine. It pairs the
sporty inquire with the on hand 1.3L turbocharged engine for a bit of extra punch.
No longer rather. The RS natty is Chevrolet’s sporty avenue-targeted option in
the Trailblazer lineup, with blacked-out styling and aggressive get touches. The ACTIV natty, by
distinction, takes on a extra rugged, off-road-impressed look.
Continue
What infotainment system is on hand in the Chevrolet Trailblazer, supporting each and every
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
AChevy MyLink with a 7-trot touchscreenBChevrolet Infotainment 3 with as a lot as an 8-trot touchscreenCGM UConnect with a 10-trot camouflageDChevy Join+ with a 12.3-trot digital cockpit
Perfect! The Trailblazer uses GM’s Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system,
on hand with as a lot as an 8-trot touchscreen. It supports each and every Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and better
trims offer wireless connectivity for those aspects as effectively.
No longer rather. The Trailblazer is equipped with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3
system featuring as a lot as an 8-trot touchscreen. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless
versions of those aspects on hand on higher trims.
Continue
Which of the following autos is even handed a straight away competitor to the Chevrolet
Trailblazer in the subcompact crossover segment?
AFord Bronco SportBJeep WranglerCToyota 4RunnerDHonda Pilot
Perfect! The Ford Bronco Sport is with out doubt one of many Trailblazer’s closest
rivals in the subcompact crossover segment. Both autos aim investors who desire a posh,
gasoline-efficient runt SUV with on hand all-wheel force, and they also compete closely on imprint and aspects.
No longer rather. The Ford Bronco Sport is the most dispute competitor to the
Trailblazer, as each and every sit down in the subcompact crossover class. The Wrangler, 4Runner, and Pilot are bigger
and extra truck-oriented autos that have confidence thoroughly different segments of the SUV market.
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By distinction, the RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, producing 226 mixed horsepower in FWD make and 236 mixed horsepower in AWD make. For AWD items, a trusty rear electrical motor powers the rear wheels independently, with no mechanical connection to the entrance axle.
As noted above, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS FWD starts at $25,095, at the side of vacation role, whereas the 2026 Toyota RAV4 LE FWD starts at $33,495, at the side of vacation role. That’s an $8,400 difference on the foul degree.
Both SUVs offer an AWD option, which is able to be price the money for investors who tackle wintry climate climate. The Trailblazer LS AWD starts at $31,295, at the side of vacation role, whereas the RAV4 LE AWD starts at $34,895, at the side of vacation role. That narrows the outlet to $3,600 whereas you add AWD to each and every autos.
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2.5L Inline 4 Hybrid
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CVT
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Front-Wheel Drive
Gas economy numbers
The place apart the mathematics gets inspiring
The RAV4’s hybrid powertrain affords a transparent energy and gasoline economy advantage, however the outlet between these two autos, on the least in the gasoline mileage division, is smaller than it is doubtless you’ll well perhaps presumably also quiz on the FWD degree. Let’s inquire on the EPA estimates for every and every SUVs first:
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer (EPA-estimated, 1.3L):
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FWD: 29 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 31 mpg mixed
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AWD: 26 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 27 mpg mixed
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Estimated annual gasoline price (FWD): $2,000
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Estimated annual gasoline price (AWD): $2,300
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (EPA-estimated):
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FWD (LE/SE): 47 mpg city / 40 mpg highway / 43 mpg mixed
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AWD (LE/SE): 46 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 42 mpg mixed
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Estimated annual gasoline price (FWD): $1,450
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Estimated annual gasoline price (AWD): $1,500
The gap is 12 mpg mixed in the RAV4’s prefer on FWD items. Here is how the mathematics works at 15,000 miles per year and the present national moderate of $4.05 per gallon:
- Trailblazer LS FWD gasoline price per year: 15,000 31 mpg=483.9 gallons per year. 483.9 gallons $4.05=$1,960 per year.
- RAV4 LE FWD gasoline price per year: 15,000 43 mpg=348.8 gallons per year. 348.8 gallons $4.05=$1,413 per year.
- Annual gasoline financial savings with the RAV4: $1,960 $1,413=$547 per year.
- Payback timeline: $8,400 $547=15.4 years.
At 15,000 miles a year, it would steal over 15 years of gasoline financial savings to recuperate what you paid extra for the RAV4 over the Trailblazer. For most investors, that math favors the Trailblazer on FWD items.
The AWD comparison is a bit of thoroughly different, as the price gap between the entry-degree Trailblazer AWD and RAV4 AWD shrinks to $3,600. A driver retaining 15,000 miles a year spends roughly $2,250 yearly on the Trailblazer AWD versus $1,447 on the RAV4 AWD, a difference of $803 per year.
Divide the $3,600 imprint gap by those annual financial savings, and the RAV4 AWD pays for its top rate in about 4.5 years. In other phrases, the RAV4’s hybrid payback timeline when equipped with AWD is a bit of extra manageable.
2026 Toyota RAV4 trims explainedand the one who makes the most sense
The 2026 RAV4 has trims from Woodland to XSE and GR Sport, but which one if truth be told affords you the ultimate price?
Interior tech and cargo condominium
Closer than anticipated on passenger room
The Trailblazer is a smaller automobile, and the cargo numbers replicate that. It affords 25.3 cubic feet in the inspire of the rear seat, increasing to 54.4 cubic feet with every little thing folded. The RAV4 affords 37.8 cubic feet in the inspire of the rear seat and 70.4 cubic feet when folded. Traders who on a frequent foundation haul things will fetch the RAV4 better suited to the duty.
In passenger condominium, the two autos are nearer than the size difference suggests. EPA passenger quantity is accessible in at 98.2 cubic feet for the Trailblazer versus 98.9 cubic feet for the RAV4. The difference will not be as a lot as one cubic foot, so rear-seat passengers will seemingly not gape it too worthy.
Each 2026 Trailblazer comes customary with an eight-trot driver files camouflage and an 11-trot touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2026 RAV4 has a 10.5-trot touchscreen and a 12.3-trot digital gauge cluster, which shows hybrid energy plod with the circulate files alongside customary day out files. Higher RAV4 trims offer a 12.9-trot touchscreen.
Ordinary to the RAV4 in this comparison is a ancient Drive Recorder Flee Cam that uses the RAV4s present cameras to file entrance- and rear-glimpse footage.
Both SUVs are price a take a look at force
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a effectively-rounded subcompact SUV that delivers decent gasoline economy for its class and a starting up imprint $8,400 decrease than a foul RAV4. For investors who opinion to enjoy their automobile for 10 or extra years, the Trailblazer makes a sturdy financial case in opposition to the RAV4.
On the alternative hand, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 shall be even handed the upper automobile on most aim measures. It is miles extra grand, extra gasoline-efficient, and affords extra cargo condominium. The RAV4 AWD makes the most sense as its payback timeline is extra life like.
Both formula, each and every are price a take a look at force sooner than you pick.
The Trailblazer and the RAV4 each and every raise a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota covers the RAV4 and its hybrid system ingredients for eight years or 100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles.
