The 2026 Chevy Blazer comes in three gas-powered trim levels - LT, RS, and Premier - plus a separate Blazer EV lineup. For Bergen County buyers comparing features against price, the differences between trims go beyond exterior styling and involve meaningful changes to powertrain, suspension, and technology.
Bottom Line: The RS is the Blazer most buyers in Paramus and Hackensack end up wanting - it hits the sport aesthetic with genuine driving upgrades without jumping to Premier pricing.
- LT starts around $36,000 with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and FWD standard
- RS adds sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and 3.6L V6 standard on AWD variants
- Premier at approximately $49,000-$53,000 is the luxury-oriented trim with the most comfort features
LT: The Entry Point That Doesn’t Feel Like One
The Blazer LT starts around $36,000 with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and front-wheel drive standard. FWD is adequate for most Bergen County daily driving conditions, and AWD is available for buyers who want the added confidence on Route 4 in winter.
LT standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED daytime running lights, and a suite of active safety features under the Chevy Safety Assist package. Heated front seats are available on LT, which is genuinely useful for Paramus and Hackensack winters.
Where the LT falls short compared to higher trims is primarily styling and driving dynamics. The 18-inch wheels, conventional suspension tuning, and more conservative exterior appearance give the LT a different character than the RS. For buyers who prioritize utility over sport aesthetics, the LT is the practical choice.
RS: Sport Mode and V6 Power
The RS starts around $43,000 and is where the Blazer’s sport ambitions come to life. The 3.6L V6 producing 308 horsepower is available on AWD RS configurations, a significant power increase over the LT’s 2.0L turbo. The RS also includes a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch black wheels, and a distinctive gloss-black exterior treatment.
Sport Mode on the RS adjusts throttle mapping, transmission shift points, and steering weight for more engaged driving. On Route 17 through Paramus and the Palisades Parkway, the RS responds with noticeably sharper dynamics than a standard LT. This is a real difference, not marketing copy.
Interior RS upgrades include a sport-specific steering wheel, darker interior trim, and RS badging throughout the cabin. The 10.2-inch touchscreen comes standard on the RS, a meaningful step up from the LT’s smaller display. Active exhaust sound enhancement on the RS adds a sportier note under acceleration that the LT’s exhaust doesn’t produce.
RS with 2.0L turbo is available at a lower price point than the V6 AWD configuration. Buyers who want RS styling without the V6 premium can access the visual and dynamic upgrades with the turbocharged four-cylinder.
Premier: Comfort as the Priority
The Premier at approximately $49,000-$53,000 is the comfort-oriented top trim. It includes leather seating surfaces, a Bose premium audio system, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premier is the choice for Bergen County buyers who prioritize the daily living experience over sport aesthetics.
Premier-exclusive features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, enhanced parking assist, and the highest specification of driver assistance technology in the Blazer lineup. For regular Paramus to Hackensack commutes and weekend runs to Ridgewood, the Premier’s comfort features are appreciable over daily driving distances.
The 3.6L V6 with AWD is standard on Premier trims, so you get the full powertrain without having to specify it. The Premier’s suspension is comfort-tuned rather than sport-tuned, delivering a quieter and more settled ride quality than the RS at the cost of the sport character.
"Most Bergen County buyers come in thinking they want the RS, and most of them leave with the RS. The sport suspension and 21-inch wheels give it a different feel that's hard to walk away from once you've driven it. Premier buyers are usually the ones who've owned luxury imports before and know exactly what they want in an interior."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
Blazer Trim Comparison Scorecard
| Feature | LT (~$36k) | RS (~$43k) | Premier (~$51k) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo (228 hp) | ✓ 3.6L V6 (308 hp) | ✓ 3.6L V6 (308 hp) |
| Sport Suspension | No | ✓ Yes | No (comfort-tuned) |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch | ✓ 10.2-inch | ✓ 10.2-inch |
| Ventilated Seats | No | No | ✓ Yes |
| Bose Audio | No | No | ✓ Yes |
FAQ
Is the Chevy Blazer available as a hybrid? No, the gas Blazer does not have a hybrid option. The Blazer EV is a separate, all-electric vehicle sharing the Blazer name but built on a different platform. See our Blazer EV vs. gas comparison for a full breakdown.
Can I get AWD on the Blazer LT? Yes. AWD is available as an option on the LT trim with the 2.0L turbo engine. For year-round Bergen County driving and occasional New Jersey weather uncertainty, AWD on the LT is worth considering.
Which Blazer trim has the best safety features? The Premier includes the most complete suite of driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. The LT and RS include Chevy Safety Assist with automated emergency braking and lane keep assist as standard. Premier adds the advanced features.
Does the RS come with the 3.6L V6 standard? The 3.6L V6 is standard on AWD RS configurations. FWD RS models use the 2.0L turbo. If the V6 is important to your decision, confirm the specific configuration on any Blazer you’re considering at Paramus Chevrolet.
What does Sport Mode actually change in the Blazer RS? Sport Mode in the RS adjusts throttle response to be more immediate, holds gears longer before upshifting, and increases steering firmness. On the Palisades Parkway or Route 4 between Paramus and Fair Lawn, the difference in engagement is noticeable.
Explore Blazer Inventory in Bergen County
Browse current Chevy Blazer inventory at Paramus Chevrolet and compare available trims and configurations. Hackensack and Ridgewood buyers are minutes from the dealership.
Schedule a test drive to experience the RS and Premier back to back, or contact the Paramus Chevrolet team with questions about current pricing and availability.
For the complete Bergen County Blazer ownership picture, see our Chevy Blazer buyer’s guide for Paramus.