2026 Chevrolet Trax 1RS: Kirkland Buyers Guide

A style upgrade, not a drivetrain upgrade

The "RS" in the name promises a look, and it does not change how the car moves. Chevrolet describes the 1RS as the sporty standout, and the changes are visual: a unique RS-badged grille, black bowtie emblems in place of the gold ones, red accents inside the cabin and larger 18-inch two-tone wheels. Under the hood you get the same 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder as the LS and every other trim, making 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. Independent testing puts zero to 60 mph near nine seconds, so the RS badge is about appearance more than acceleration.

That is not a criticism, just a clear way to shop. If a Trax that looks a little more athletic in the Kirkland Costco parking lot is what you want, the 1RS delivers it for $1,500 over the LS.

1RS or LT: the choice most buyers actually face

The two trims cost the same, so the comparison comes down to what you value. The 1RS gives you the styling. The LT gives you the technology: an 11-inch HD touchscreen, an 8-inch Driver Information Center, remote vehicle start and automatic climate control. On a damp January morning in Kirkland, remote start and automatic climate may do more for your day than a grille. For a driver who mostly navigates by phone anyway, though, the 1RS's 8-inch screen with wireless CarPlay or Android Auto covers the basics well. Test both with your own phone before deciding.

What stays the same as every Trax

Safety, size and efficiency do not change with the badge. Chevy Safety Assist is standard, with Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking with front pedestrian braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, a following-distance indicator and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Chevrolet lists adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and lane change alert with side blind zone alert as available extras. Cargo space tops out at 54 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, the EPA rates fuel economy at 28 city, 31 highway and 29 combined MPG, and, as with every Trax, there is no all-wheel-drive version and no towing rating.

What Lee Johnson Chevrolet customers say

Buyers who wrote about the dealership tend to mention how the process felt. Joseph S., shopping for his next vehicle after an accident, wrote that the team "worked closely with my preferred credit union, keeping me informed every step of the way" and that he "felt absolutely NO pressure from the sales team when looking at options and deciding on my next vehicle." Katie M., a Trax buyer, said she "talked and laughed" through the visit. The dealership holds about 4.6 stars across more than 2,200 Google reviews.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Trax 1RS and the LT?

The 1RS adds RS styling, with a unique grille, black bowtie emblems, red interior accents and 18-inch two-tone wheels. The LT adds equipment, with an 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display, remote start and automatic climate control. Both start at $23,200 MSRP.

Is the Trax 1RS faster than the LS?

No. Both use the same 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter engine and six-speed automatic, so the 1RS is a styling choice and not a performance one.

What size screen does the Trax 1RS have?

The 1RS uses the 8-inch touchscreen shared with the LS, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11-inch screen is on the LT, 2RS and ACTIV.

How much does the 2026 Trax 1RS cost?

The 1RS starts at $23,200 MSRP, or $24,995 with the $1,795 destination charge. Taxes, title, registration and fees are separate, and the dealership sets its own selling price.

Is the Trax 1RS available with all-wheel drive?

No. Every 2026 Trax, including the 1RS, is front-wheel drive only.

See the 1RS and its neighbors

Start with the 2026 Trax overview, then compare the LT and the 2RS if you want the same sporty look with more equipment. The pricing and leasing guide covers the Kirkland tax math, and you can browse Trax inventory at Lee Johnson Chevrolet or call 425-296-7553.