2026 Chevrolet Blazer RS: Kirkland Buyers Guide

What makes an RS an RS

You can spot one from across the lot. The grille, bowties, wheels, and exhaust tips pick up black or bright detailing that the 2LT and 3LT don't have, and Chevrolet offers 21-inch high-gloss machined wheels as an option over the standard 20s. Inside, the RS adds an 8-inch digital driver display, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system with navigation. The liftgate opens with a foot gesture under the rear bumper, which saves a hand when you're carrying a bag and a coffee. A sunroof and Driver Confidence II are both available.

Underneath, the sport-tuned suspension is what separates the RS from the other two on a winding road such as Juanita Drive. It isn't a race car, but the firmer setup gives it a more planted feel than the standard trims.

The V6 and the twin-clutch AWD

Every Blazer starts with the 2.0-liter turbo making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft, and plenty of RS buyers will stop there. The upgrade is the 3.6-liter V6, which makes 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft with the same 9-speed automatic. It raises the maximum towing rating from 3,250 pounds to 4,500 pounds when the Trailering Package is added, and it's the right choice for hauling a small boat or camper trailer. Independent pricing sources put the V6 at roughly $1,650 over the standard RS engine, so confirm the current number with the dealership.

Fuel economy is the trade-off. The EPA rates the RS with the 2.0-liter at 22 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined with front-wheel drive, and 22, 27, and 24 with AWD. The V6 comes in at 19, 26, and 22 with front-wheel drive, and 18, 25, and 21 with AWD. Both engines use regular unleaded.

When an RS is ordered with AWD, Chevrolet fits Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD, a more sophisticated setup, built for sharper on-road handling response, than the standard AWD used on the 2LT and 3LT. The drive-mode selector on the console lets the driver choose how the Blazer is set up for the road in front of it.

Who the RS suits

If you like the way the Blazer looks and want the full equipment list in one purchase, the RS is the one. It also makes sense if you tow, since only the V6 gets the 4,500-pound rating. If you'd rather save money, the 2LT and 3LT already have the touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Chevy Safety Assist suite. The Blazer overview lays out all three trims in one place.

What Lee Johnson Chevrolet customers say

Reviews of the Kirkland store tend to describe a team that works the deal together. Jakari B. wrote, "Great service! My man Brady and Andrew will take care of you for sure!" and M. B. said "the level of service I received far exceeded what I experienced at local dealers in my area." Brady Harjehausen and Andrew Wight are both named on the dealership's staff page, along with the rest of the sales and leasing team.

Questions about the RS

Is the Blazer RS faster than the 3LT?

Not by default. A standard RS and a 3LT both use the 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo. The RS pulls ahead when it's ordered with the optional 308-horsepower V6, and its sport-tuned suspension gives it a firmer feel through corners.

Is the V6 available with front-wheel drive on the RS?

Yes. EPA data lists the V6 with both front-wheel drive and AWD, and Chevrolet describes Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD as standard when an RS is ordered with AWD.

How much does a Blazer RS cost?

The RS starts at $43,600 MSRP. The $1,995 destination charge brings that to about $45,595 before taxes, title, and fees. Options such as the V6, a sunroof, and larger wheels change the final number, so ask Lee Johnson Chevrolet to price the exact build.

What's the max towing capacity of the Blazer RS?

Up to 4,500 pounds with the 3.6-liter V6 and the available Trailering Package. With the standard 2.0-liter turbo, the rating is 3,250 pounds.

See it in person

Compare the RS to the other trims in the Blazer overview, check pricing and lease basics for Washington, or look through the new inventory at Lee Johnson Chevrolet in Kirkland.