The Chevrolet Blazer is a relatively new midsize crossover SUV added to the Chevy lineup. The classic car has a long history with Chevrolet, first debuting in 1969.
After the 2009 model year, the Blazer was taken off the market only to make a triumphant return in 2019. The SUV reemerged with an all-new look and unibody construction. As the iconic Blazer continues to evolve, changes are already underway for the 2023 model year, and an electric variant of the Blazer is expected for 2024.
Meanwhile, the auto experts at Car and Driver and Consumer Reports are divided on their reviews for the current 2022 model year.
The 2023 Chevy Blazer drops to 19th in its segment according to Car and Driver
2022 Chevy Blazer | Getty Images
The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer received a 6.5 out of 10 rating from the reviewers at Car and Driver. They said that while the mid-size crossover is “stylish and enjoyable to drive,” it is “besmirched by some cheap bits and pricey top trims.”
Inspired by the iconic Chevy Camaro muscle car, the two-row SUV comes with a 228 hp turbo 2.0 four-cylinder engine in the base model, with an optional 308 hp 3.6-liter V6 for plenty of power. Unfortunately, neither variant offers excellent fuel efficiency. The V6 version gets a gas-guzzling 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The new you has arrived. Introducing the 2023 #ChevyBlazer. pic.twitter.com/Ky9p5ljU39
— Chevrolet (@chevrolet) February 8, 2022
Car and Driver paints the 2022 Chevy Blazer as relatively average and not a great value, saying, “the Blazer is more expensive than most competitors, especially when optioned with the most desirable features, which are only available on the RS and Premier.”
The 2023 Blazer didn’t rate much better, coming in at number 19 in a crowded SUV crossover class, with Car and Driver saying, “The Blazer has sporty driving and styling traits, but it falls short of rivals in terms of quality and value.”
Consumer Reports has a more positive outlook
Consumer Reports offered a more favorable review of the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, giving the five-passenger SUV an 82 out of 100 overall score. They found the Blazer to be “a modern SUV that focuses on styling, tech, and convenience features more than on ruggedness.” While the auto experts felt the Blazer was “comfortable, quiet, and roomy,” they agreed with Car and Driver that it is “overpriced and underequipped.”
The 2022 Chevy Blazer excelled in handling, receiving an 83 out of 100 on the road test. Consumer Reports said the Chevy had “outstanding performance for a midsize SUV,” expressing, “It puts many cars to shame.”
The assigned predicted reliability score for the 2022 Chevy Blazer was an impressive 4 out of 5, and the predicted owner satisfaction ranking was 3 out of 5.
The Chevy Blazer has some serious rivals
The Chevy Blazer competes directly with the Honda Passport, Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Kia Sorento, and other comparable vehicles.
The Kia Telluride leads the crossover segment, receiving the Best 3-row SUV of the Year award from Consumer Reports. Car and Driver gave the 2022 Ford Bronco a stellar 9.5 out of 10 overall rating. The iconic SUV “rocks a nostalgia-inducing design along with both civil on-road driving manners and big-time trail-tackling ability.”
The Chevy Blazer is still holding its own in a crowded and fiercely competitive segment. As MotorBiscuit previously reported, the 2023 Blazer smashes the 2022 model year. Expect to see exterior design changes, new color choices, an upgraded interior cabin, and plenty of new driver assistance features.
Keyword: Car and Driver and Consumer Reports Disagree on the 2022 Chevy Blazer