If you’ve been shopping for a new vehicle and have paid any attention to the Chevrolet lineup in the process, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve noticed a certain trim level called RS. The RS trim level is available on several vehicles and can be noticed from afar thanks to its exterior badging, but what exactly is the RS trim? What exactly does Chevy RS mean? That’s what we’re here to dive into today, as we take a closer look at the Chevy RS trim levels and what exactly its name means.
Meaning Behind RS
While not all trim level names that are collections of letters actually stand for something, in the case of the Chevy RS there is a meaning behind it. RS actually stands for “Rally Sport,” which is a trim designation rooted in the performance heritage of the Chevrolet brand. The nameplate actually dates all the way back to the late 1960s, when it was originally introduced as a package on the iconic Camaro muscle car. It was designed to give that vehicle an even sportier and more aggressive appearance, and spread to other models on the lineup as a result of its popularity.
Over time, it has evolved to represent a unique blend of enhanced design cues and, in some cases, even performance upgrades. In today’s Chevy lineup, the RS badge is available on five different crossover utility vehicles, including the Blazer, Equinox, Trailblazer, Traverse and Trax. Specific add ons may vary between models, but they have one very clear commonality — a bold, sporty design.
RS Design Cues: What to Expect
As we mentioned, the exact features and design cues added in a given RS trim level will vary based on the model that you’re looking at, but we can at least help establish your expectations by speaking in general about the kinds of design cues that RS usually brings with it.
- Black exterior accents
- One of the signature additions on an RS trim level, this includes everything from blacked-out grilles, mirrors and moldings to dark bowtie emblems and badging.
- Unique wheels
- Each RS trim level has its own set of unique wheel designs, sometimes available in more than one size and often having a darker finish than other available trim levels.
- Interior touches
- The interior also often gets some sporty design cues, such as red stitching and accents, sporty seating surfaces, steering wheel and pedals, as well as upgraded materials.
Performance: More Than Just Looks?
While the majority of things touched by the RS trim level revolve around sporty aesthetic upgrades, there are occasionally added features or options that enhance performance as well. For instance, the Chevy Blazer RS comes standard with its more powerful 3.6L V6 engine option, which is only available in other trim levels. Performance upgrades are few and far between in the RS trim level, so you should expect big improvements. For the most part, the RS trim level is more about appearance than outright performance.
Why Choose an RS?
So, why should you choose an RS? If you’re looking for big performance upgrades, the RS trim level might not be what you’re looking for. But if you want a vehicle that looks much sportier than any of its counterparts, you should definitely consider the RS trim level. Plus, the RS trim level is typically – though not always – positioned in the middle of the range of trim levels, meaning it’s often an affordable choice.
If you have any further questions about the Chevy RS nameplate, or would like to hear some specifics about one of the models in particular, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at the sales desk. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the right vehicle to suit your needs.