GM has been the leader in large truck sales for the last 40 years with the venerable Tahoe and Suburban, and it's now poised to capture the mid-size market.
Atlanta, Georgia: Missing in action from the Chevrolet lineup since 2005, the Blazer is back and it looks better than ever.
GM has been the leader in large truck sales for the last 40 years with the venerable Tahoe and Suburban, and it’s now poised to capture the mid-size market.
Previous iterations of the Blazer were based on the Chevy S-10 body-on-frame truck platform giving it a tough and rugged demeanor, but this new one is based on a modified Acadia platform and is a thoroughly modern example of this popular nameplate.
Following Chevrolet’s current design language, the large and bold grille similar to the new Silverado and Camaro is used to full effect on this new SUV; coupled with the slim LED headlamps the look is sinister and dripping with attitude. The last generation Blazer appeared almost sedate in comparison.
A high beltline that swoops upwards over the rear fender brings to mind the new Volvo XC40 and Nissan Kicks, both good looking vehicles in their own right and the twin-element taillamps, a Chevy signature, round out the design at the rear.
The look is muscular and aggressive especially in the Blazer RS version, one of two different trim lines shown to media in Atlanta.
The RS has the sort of semi blacked out look that is oh-so-popular these days with a fully blacked out grille, gloss black rocker panels and bumper treatment complete with optional 21-inch wheels (18-inchers come standard) dipped in, you guessed it, black. Contrasted with the bright red paint on the display vehicle, this is an attention-grabbing SUV that looks much sportier than the more luxurious “premier” trim which features tasteful applications of chrome and body-coloured trim pieces instead of all that sporty black.
Similar to what Cadillac has done with the upcoming XT4, this distinction between sport and luxury trims will give customers the choice to tailor the vehicle to suit their personal styles.
Two familiar engine choices will be available: a 2.5 litre inline 4 that puts out 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6 litre V-6 producing 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both, used across the GM line feature direct-injection and auto stop/start and will come bolted to a standard 9-speed automatic that should slice up the torque into nice chunky pieces offering decent performance regardless of engine choice.
GM’s innovative twin clutch AWD system will be optional but the Traction Select controller is standard across the line. This gives the driver the ability to customize the driving experience with the twist of a small rotary controller right by the gear selector. Choosing between different modes like sport, off-road, and trailer/tow will configure the vehicle to suit the driving conditions. On AWD models the rear axle can be fully decoupled allowing for more fuel-efficient FWD motoring.
The Camaro-like interior boasts tons of space for 5, with ample leg room in the back for my 6-foot frame to lounge and a generous cargo area with an avaialable cargo management system that comes with sort of a metal scaffolding on tracks that can contain your shopping and other bits and bobs during transport. With the 2nd row of seats folded flat, the new Blazer offers a large 1818 litres of cargo space.
Huge circular vents that can adjust cabin temperature by rotating the bezels are a neat touch and the 8-inch Chevrolet infotainment 3 system boasts super-sharp graphics, quick transitions between screens, standard 4G LTE hotspot, and a simple easy to use menu. Featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto this system will be standard across all model lines.
An available dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats in the outboard positions and a full suite of driver assistance features will also be available when the Blazer launches.
If equipped with the 3.6L engine the Blazer is capable of towing a fairly significant 4500 lbs and the available hitch view feature makes aligning a trailer and hitch super simple.
Slotting in between the Equinox and three-row Traverse, this new 5-passenger Blazer rounds out the Chevrolet SUV lineup quite nicely with the compact Trax being the entry into the Chevy SUV world.
The sporty looks and famous nameplate should make this a successful new product for the General and will help it take the fight directly to the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, not to mention beating the much ballyhooed Bronco to the punch with the revival of a famous nameplate.
No word on specific pricing but it would be safe to assume low 30’s based on the competition.
Look for the new Blazer to hit shelves early next year.
Keyword: Chevrolet Brings the Blazer Back for 2019