SUVs have been a license to print money for automakers over the past decade, but not every entry is cashing in. Case in point is the Chevrolet Blazer, which is sliding down the sales chart and shows no sign of leveling off.Sales numbers for 2026's first quarter are in, and the midsize SUV has posted yet another decline, managing just 10,700 sales, or 26.3% less than the same period one year ago. It’s a disappointing trajectory for a nameplate that returned for 2019 after a 14-year hiatus, trading the body-on-frame bones of its predecessors for a car-like unibody platform that, initially at least, seemed to give the vehicle some mainstream relevance. Steady Decline Since 2021 ChevroletAfter peaking at 94,599 units in 2020, its first full year on the market, the rebooted Chevrolet Blazer's sales have fallen every year since, landing at 46,531 units in 2025, with 2026 on pace to dip even lower.Admittedly, some of that slack has been taken up by the Chevrolet Blazer EV, launched for the 2024 model year. But the electric Blazer’s volumes are smaller, and with slower-than-expected EV adoption – compounded by the elimination of the federal EV tax credit last year –it, too, appears headed for a downturn. The Blazer EV peaked in its first full year with 23,115 units in 2024, slipped to 22,637 in 2025, and is tracking well below that pace in 2026.ChevroletWhile the Blazer’s numbers have continued to slide, rivals have surged. The Honda Passport jumped to 55,231 US sales in 2025, an 89.3% increase year over year, while the Nissan Murano climbed to 42,748 units, up 121.3%, admittedly aided by a redesign that suppressed its 2024 total. Both models have carried the momentum into the first quarter of 2026, posting further gains as the Blazer continues to lose ground. It's Not The Price ChevroletWith a sharp starting price of $34,300, the Blazer actually undercuts competitors like the Passport ($46,445) and Murano ($42,965) by a significant margin. And while the Blazer is starting to show its age, its sales decline began surprisingly early in its life cycle, suggesting that cost and age aren't the main issues.Buyers in the midsize SUV segment often prioritize practical aspects like cargo space, rear headroom, and visibility, and the Blazer’s dynamic, sloping roofline limits all of those, especially in the rear seats. Additionally, many shoppers in this class are looking for three-row capability, which the Blazer does not offer, putting it at a disadvantage versus rivals that can serve growing families.The Blazer also faces a branding challenge. The name historically conjures images of rugged, body-on-frame SUVs built for off-road adventures. The current model's disconnect may have muted enthusiasm among both loyalists and new buyers.ChevroletDespite the slowing sales and the headwinds facing the model, Chevy has no plans to kill the Blazer. The brand is actively working on a new generation possibly launching for the 2028 model year, though spy shots suggest it will be more of a heavy refresh than a ground-up redesign.
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