Which 2026 GM Small SUV Should You Buy? Trax, Trailblazer, Envista, or Encore GX?

Choosing the right small SUV means understanding the real differences between models. GM's 2026 lineup includes four distinct options, each designed for different priorities. The Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer focus on value and versatility, while the Buick Envista and Encore GX emphasize refinement and upscale features.

If you're comparing these models, you're likely weighing factors like all-wheel drive availability, cargo space, technology features, and how each model fits your budget. This guide breaks down the 2026 Trax, Trailblazer, Envista, and Encore GX in the areas that matter most when making your decision.

At a Glance: 2026 Trax, Trailblazer, Envista, and Encore GX

Performance and Drivetrain: Understanding Your Options

The biggest decision you'll make is whether you need all-wheel drive. Two of these models offer it, two don't.

FWD-Only Models: Trax and Envista

The Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista are front-wheel drive exclusively. Both use similar 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder engines paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The Trax produces 137 hp at 5,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, while the Envista is rated at 136 hp at 5,000 rpm with the same 162 lb-ft of torque.

These models prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability. If you primarily drive in urban areas or on highways, and Quebec winters don't worry you with good winter tires, front-wheel drive delivers everything you need at a lower price point.

FWD or AWD: Trailblazer and Encore GX

The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX give you a choice. Both offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, but they handle it differently.

The Trailblazer lets you choose your engine based on your drivetrain preference. FWD models use a 1.2L turbo (137 hp, 162 lb-ft) with a CVT transmission. AWD models get a stronger 1.3L turbo engine producing 155 hp at 5,600 rpm and 174 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The RS and ACTIV trims come with AWD and the 1.3L engine as standard.

The Encore GX uses the same 1.3L turbo engine (155 hp, 174 lb-ft) across all trims, but you choose between FWD with a CVT or AWD with a 9-speed automatic. The Preferred trim offers both options, while Sport Touring and Avenir come with AWD only.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption varies based on engine size and drivetrain. The Trailblazer with the 1.2L FWD configuration achieves the best economy at 7.8 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway. AWD models naturally consume more fuel due to the added weight and drivetrain components. The Trailblazer and Encore GX with AWD both use 9.1–9.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.1–8.4 L/100 km on the highway.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

Cargo space and passenger comfort vary meaningfully across these four models.

Maximum Cargo: Trax and Trailblazer Lead

The Trax and Trailblazer offer nearly identical cargo capacity. The Trax provides 1,531 L with rear seats folded and 716 L behind the second row. The Trailblazer matches this closely at 1,541 L maximum and 716 L behind the seats. Both use 60/40 split-folding rear seats for flexible loading.

The Trailblazer adds one unique feature: a fold-flat front passenger seat standard on all trims. This lets you slide items up to 2.5 metres long through the cabin, useful for lumber, skis, or other long gear.

Passenger Space: Trax and Trailblazer Match

Front legroom in the Trax and Trailblazer measures 1,039 mm, with rear legroom at 1,001 mm. Headroom is 1,016 mm up front and 975 mm in the rear. These two models provide comparable space for passengers.

Buick Models: Different Priorities

The Envista prioritizes a refined cabin over maximum cargo volume. It offers 1,189 L with seats folded—the smallest in this group. Front legroom measures 1,041 mm with 963 mm in the rear. Headroom is 1,001 mm front and 959 mm rear. The Envista uses 40/60 split-folding rear seats but focuses more on interior materials and quiet tuning than hauling capacity.

The Encore GX sits between the Chevrolet models and the Envista. Maximum cargo measures 1,422 L with seats folded and 665 L behind the second row. Front legroom is 1,039 mm, rear legroom 915 mm. Headroom measures 1,009 mm front and 968 mm rear. The Encore GX includes a flat-folding front passenger seatback and a reconfigurable cargo floor for added flexibility.

Technology and Infotainment

Screen size and audio quality separate these models more than you might expect.

Screen Size: Entry vs. Premium

The Trax 1RS starts with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 3.5-inch driver information centre. Every other Trax trim (LT, 2RS, ACTIV) upgrades to an 11-inch HD touchscreen and 8-inch driver information centre.

The Trailblazer, Envista, and Encore GX all standardize the larger screens across every trim. You get an 11-inch HD touchscreen and 8-inch driver information centre no matter which version you choose.

Connectivity: All Models Include the Basics

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on every model and every trim. Wi-Fi hotspot capability is also standard across the lineup, though you'll need an active data plan to use it.

Wireless charging is available on higher trims for the Trax (LT, 2RS, ACTIV), Trailblazer (RS, ACTIV), and Encore GX (optional). The Envista includes it as standard on the Avenir trim and offers it on Sport Touring.

Audio Systems: Standard vs. Premium

Base audio systems vary. The Trax 1RS uses a 4-speaker setup, while other Trax trims have 6 speakers. The Trailblazer and Envista include 6-speaker systems as standard, and the Encore GX comes with 7 speakers.

Premium audio is available on specific trims. The Trailblazer offers a Bose 7-speaker system on RS and ACTIV. The Encore GX can be equipped with a Bose premium system on Sport Touring and Avenir trims. The Envista does not offer a premium audio upgrade.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

All four models come well-equipped with safety technology, but Buick models include more features as standard.

Standard on Every Model

Every Trax, Trailblazer, Envista, and Encore GX includes the core safety suite: automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and IntelliBeam auto high beams. All models also include an HD rear vision camera.

Chevrolet Models: Features Vary by Trim

The Trax includes rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear park assist on all trims. Adaptive cruise control comes standard on LT, 2RS, and ACTIV, but not on the base 1RS.

The Trailblazer takes a similar approach. The base LS includes the core six safety features. LT, RS, and ACTIV trims add adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and rear park assist as standard. These features can be added to the LS through an optional package.

Buick Models: Comprehensive Standard Equipment

The Envista and Encore GX include more safety technology as standard equipment across all trims. Both models come with Buick Driver Confidence, which bundles the six core features plus adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and rear park assist. You get 10 safety and driver assistance features on every Envista and Encore GX, regardless of trim level.

The Encore GX adds a 10-airbag system (compared to 6 airbags on other models), along with rear seat reminder and buckle-to-drive features.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Each model's trim structure reflects its target buyer.

Chevrolet Trax: Four Trims, One Drivetrain

The Trax offers four trims, all with front-wheel drive:

• 1RS ($29,825): Entry point with 18-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, 4-speaker audio, and Chevrolet Safety Assist. Remote start is standard.
• LT ($30,825): Adds the 11-inch touchscreen, 8-inch driver information centre, 6-speaker audio, adaptive cruise control, and keyless open/start. Roof rails are standard.
• 2RS ($33,025): Sport-focused with 19-inch wheels, 8-way power driver seat, unique RS styling with black accents, and a red interior theme.
• ACTIV ($33,025): Outdoor-oriented with rugged exterior styling, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and unique interior accents. Same price as 2RS but targets a different buyer.

Chevrolet Trailblazer: Flexible Configurations

The Trailblazer lets you choose your drivetrain on base trims:

• LS (from $31,625 FWD): Base content with 17-inch wheels, 11-inch touchscreen, and 6-speaker audio. AWD adds $2,000.
• LT ($32,825 FWD / $34,825 AWD): Enhanced driver assistance features, signature LED lighting, and available wireless charging.
• RS ($38,525 AWD only): Sport styling with 19-inch wheels, unique mesh grille, dual exhaust outlets, and Bose audio available.
• ACTIV ($38,525 AWD only): Off-road focus with sport terrain tires, unique suspension tuning, and functional skid plates.

Buick Envista: Three Trims, Upscale Focus

The Envista emphasizes refinement over drivetrain options:

• Preferred ($32,525): Strong baseline with 11-inch screen, heated seats and steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, Buick Driver Confidence (10 safety features), and 17-inch bright silver wheels.
• Sport Touring ($33,725): Adds distinctive black styling, 18-inch gloss black wheels, ST-embroidered seats, and available wireless charging.
• Avenir ($37,325): Premium content including 19-inch wheels, leather-appointed seats, power liftgate, wireless charging, moonroof, and Watts Link rear suspension.

Buick Encore GX: Power and Flexibility

The Encore GX offers the strongest engine and flexible configurations:

• Preferred (from $34,125 FWD / $36,125 AWD): Choice of FWD or AWD. Includes 11-inch screen, heated seats, 7-speaker audio, and Buick Driver Confidence (10 safety features).
• Sport Touring ($37,825 AWD only): AWD becomes standard. Adds black styling elements, LED taillamps, power liftgate, and available Bose audio.
• Avenir ($41,125 AWD only): Top trim with leather seats, dual-zone climate control, 19-inch Pearl Nickel wheels, hands-free power liftgate, and memory driver seat.

Which Model is Right for You?

Your priorities determine which model makes the most sense.

If You Want Maximum Value and Cargo Space

The Trax delivers the lowest entry price at $29,825 and the most cargo capacity at 1,531 L. It works well for drivers who primarily stay on paved roads and don't need all-wheel drive. The fuel economy is reasonable at 8.5 L/100 km city and 7.6 L/100 km highway. You'll want to step up to the LT trim ($30,825) to get the larger 11-inch screen and adaptive cruise control.

If You Need All-Wheel Drive Flexibility

The Trailblazer lets you choose FWD or AWD depending on your budget and winter driving needs. The base LS starts at $31,625 with FWD, and AWD adds $2,000. The unique fold-flat front passenger seat is useful if you regularly haul longer items. The 1.3L turbo engine with AWD produces more power (155 hp vs. 137 hp) and handles Quebec winters confidently.

If You Prefer Refinement Over Utility

The Envista emphasizes interior quality and a quieter cabin over maximum cargo space. The starting price of $32,525 gets you comprehensive safety features (10 standard systems vs. 6–9 on Chevrolet models), heated seats, an 8-way power driver seat, and the 11-inch screen. The QuietTuning technology with active noise cancellation makes a noticeable difference on highway drives. FWD-only means you'll rely on good winter tires in Quebec winters.

If You Want Power and Upscale Features

The Encore GX offers the most powerful engine in this group (155 hp, 174 lb-ft) and the choice of FWD or AWD. The Preferred trim starts at $34,125 for FWD or $36,125 for AWD. You get Buick's comprehensive safety suite, a 7-speaker audio system, and the 11-inch screen as standard. The Avenir trim ($41,125) adds leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Encore GX balances power, refinement, and available AWD better than any other model in this comparison.

Experience These Small SUVs at Vision Chevrolet Buick GMC

Choosing between the 2026 Trax, Trailblazer, Envista, and Encore GX is easier when you can compare them in person. Our team at Vision Chevrolet Buick GMC in Delson helps drivers throughout Quebec find the small SUV that matches their specific needs and budget. Book your test drive today to experience the differences firsthand and discover which model feels right for your driving style.