Mills Chevrolet - Is AWD worth it on the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer for East Moline, IL drivers?
All-Wheel Drive can be a smart addition to a compact SUV, especially if your routine includes seasonal weather, unpaved routes to parks, or frequent highway travel. The 2026 Trailblazer offers available AWD and three drive modes that help you dial in traction and control, giving you a more composed drive when conditions change.
Because the Trailblazer is nimble by design, AWD adds confidence without sacrificing the small-footprint convenience that makes daily driving so easy. It works in tandem with selectable drive modes, allowing the vehicle to adapt responsiveness and grip to match your road surface. Whether you are easing out of a snowy neighborhood or merging onto a wet highway, the system is engineered to support stability and driver assurance.
- Seasonal stability: Available AWD helps manage wheel slip and optimize grip when the pavement is slick or uneven.
- Selectable response: Three drive modes let you tailor the SUV’s behavior to the day’s conditions.
- Balanced efficiency: The system is designed for smart engagement, favoring stability when you need it and composure when you do not.
- Trim synergy: ACTIV and RS add the ECOTEC® 1.3L Turbo engine and dual exhausts for responsive power alongside the AWD option.
Beyond traction, it is worth thinking about how the rest of the vehicle supports your routine. A standard 11-inch diagonal HD color touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ keeps navigation, music, and messages simple and familiar. The standard fold-flat front passenger seat is equally helpful, enabling up to 8.5 feet of max cargo length for skis, project lumber, or a pair of trail bikes with the front wheels removed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do all trims offer AWD?
AWD is available, so you can equip it on the configuration that suits your needs, whether you prefer the adventurous feel of ACTIV, the sporty RS, or value-focused trims.
What are the advantages of three drive modes?
The selectable drive modes fine-tune how the Trailblazer responds to your inputs and the road, supporting traction in challenging weather and promoting composed driving on clear pavement.
What safety features come standard if I skip AWD?
Chevy Safety Assist is standard across the lineup, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam®.
Will AWD affect interior space or cargo flexibility?
The interior layout and cargo solutions remain the same, including the standard fold-flat front passenger seat that supports up to 8.5 feet of max cargo length, so practicality is uncompromised.
If you are on the fence, schedule a back-to-back drive with an AWD model and a front-drive counterpart. Use a route with a variety of surfaces, then toggle the drive modes to feel how the system adapts. As you weigh capability, do not overlook comfort and technology—available Bose audio, available wireless charging, and the standard 11-inch display create a cabin that is easy to live with every day.
For guidance and a tailored test route, connect with Mills Chevrolet, proudly serving Bettendorf, IA, East Moline, IL, and Moline, IL. Our team can walk you through AWD considerations, help you compare trims, and set up a drive that reflects your real-world commute and weekend plans.