2026 Chevrolet Blazer RS: Marion Buyers Guide

The Blazer trim that actually changes how it drives

Every other 2026 Blazer trim runs the same 228-hp turbo four and rides on the same suspension tuning; RS is where that stops being true. Its sport-tuned suspension and standard 20-inch wheels change the way it handles a curve on the way toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it's the only trim where the available 3.6-liter V6 can be ordered at all — 2LT and 3LT are turbo-four only, full stop. Stepping up to the V6 also raises max towing from 3,250 lbs to 4,500 lbs, which matters if a boat trip to Lake James or a small camper is part of the plan. Independent pricing sources put the V6 upcharge over RS's standard turbo-four price at roughly $1,650, though the exact current figure is worth confirming directly since manufacturer pricing on options can move during a model year.

The AWD story is more layered on RS than on the trims below it: build an RS with all-wheel drive, or with the V6 engine, and it comes with GM's Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD — a twin-clutch rear-axle system that can send torque side-to-side across the rear axle, not just front-to-back, for better response on a wet or graded road than the simpler AWD system 2LT and 3LT get. Inside, RS adds an 8-inch digital driver display, Bose premium audio with navigation, a heated steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting, on top of a gesture power liftgate that opens with a foot motion under the rear bumper rather than a button.

What buyers at Jim Cook Chevrolet say

Ashton Whitaker's review captures the kind of efficient, no-friction process that fits RS's sportier positioning: "I always have a wonderful experience at Jim Cook Chevrolet… Efficient, Simple, And Direct." James Bristow, buying his second vehicle from the dealership, put it plainly: "I just bought my second vehicle from Jim Cook Chevrolet and the experience was even better than the first."

Frequently asked questions

Is the V6 worth the upcharge on RS?

It depends on priorities. The V6 adds meaningfully more horsepower (308 vs. 228) and raises max towing from 3,250 to 4,500 lbs, at the cost of lower EPA-estimated fuel economy and roughly a $1,650 premium over the standard turbo four — worth confirming with Jim Cook Chevrolet at time of purchase. For a buyer who won't tow near the 4,500-lb ceiling, the standard turbo four covers most everyday driving without the fuel-economy trade-off.

Does RS come standard with all-wheel drive?

No. Front-wheel drive is standard on RS just as it is on 2LT and 3LT; all-wheel drive is available. The difference is what kind of AWD hardware RS gets when it's ordered: an RS built with AWD (or with the V6) comes with the more capable Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD rather than the standard system on 2LT/3LT AWD builds.

What is Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD?

It's GM's more capable all-wheel-drive hardware, standard whenever an RS is built with AWD or the V6 engine. Unlike a simpler AWD system that only splits torque front-to-back, the twin-clutch rear axle can also send torque side-to-side across the rear wheels, which improves handling response on a wet road or a graded forest-service road more than raw ground clearance does.

Test RS against the rest of the lineup

The clearest way to judge whether RS's sport-tuned suspension and available V6 are worth the step up is a back-to-back drive against a 3LT, which the team at Jim Cook Chevrolet can usually arrange from current inventory. For the full lineup, see the 2026 Blazer overview; for financing and North Carolina tax specifics, see the pricing & leasing guide.