Hello, Chevy Blazer. Nice to Have You Back!
Desiree Landers Miller
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Don’t read this unless you like an SUV with attention-grabbing style and versatile, convenient features.
Imagine an SUV with conveniences like a trailer hitch that allows you a view and guidance when backing up, a cargo management system for all your stuff and a fresh, aggressive new look. That is the all new Chevrolet Blazer in a nutshell: Conveniences and a completely new look that make an ideal addition to Chevy’s crossover lineup.
The company unveiled the rebirth of this iconic model, once the center of the Chevrolet SUV world, at a media event in Atlanta, pulling the covers off Blazer’s RS and sPremier models, too.
Exterior Design Director Mike Pevovar, describes the Blazer’s look as ‘super sexy’ compared to the Trax or Equinox. Those are what Chevy considers ‘we’ vehicles. The new Blazer is what they call a ‘me’ vehicle, demanding your attention and designed with the driver in mind. This crossover is much more about the two people up front than the other passengers along for the ride.
It’s equally as strong and equally as confident as the other crossovers, but the Blazer has clearly evolved. It’s a vehicle that “commands the room and has a presence that says ‘I want you to stare at me. Look at me,’” says Pevovar.
He explains the ideal buyer of the the Blazer RS, the sportier trim that features a black mesh grille and black leather interior, is anyone who appreciates beauty and confidence. The Premier model is the entry level model, carrying the same exterior look but with more traditional materials and finishes inside.
In both cases, the front end, athletic hood with high mounted LED daytime running lamps and low mounted high-intensity headlamps, is distinct.
The Blazer’s proportions are lower, wider, and shorter than the competition. The Premier has a bright chrome trim and the RS utilizes a strong, blacked-out appearance.
All models have a second row that features sliding, reclining, flat-fold seats which move 5 ½ inches from front to back.
The cargo management system is standard on the RS and utilizes an innovative rail system to compartmentalize the cargo area. Anyone who has appreciates organization will enjoy that.
Further Reading: Why the Chevrolet Equinox was the perfect SUV for my family
Other highlights include:
- Five-passenger seating with up to 64.2 cubic feet (1,818 L) of max cargo space with second-row seats folded flat.
- Available panoramic dual-pane power sunroof.
- Suite of available active safety features.
- Standard 2.5L I-4 and available 3.6L V-6 engines, each backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Advanced twin-clutch AWD system available.
- 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) estimated max trailering with the available 3.6L V-61.
- Available Hitch View feature that helps the driver align the hitch with the trailer.
The Blazer also offers a range of stylish wheels, starting with standard 18-inch aluminum rims and expanding to available 21-inch wheels on the RS and Premier.
Read more: Looking for a “We” car that won’t take up too much room in the garage or budget? Take a look at the Chevy Trax
No Shortage of Technology and Connectivity
The 2019 Blazer also offers convenience features that help make the drive more comfortable and simpler for those who need to tow a trailer or boat. Other features include:
- Hitch Guidance — Available on models with the 3.6L engine, it aids in aligning the Blazer’s hitch to a trailer by showing the center line on the rear-vision camera.
- Hitch View — This available feature complements Hitch Guidance by showing a top-down view, making it easier to hitch a trailer without a second person to assist.
- Electronic-locking glove box — A Chevy first, it offers added storage security and is roomy enough to fit a small handbag. The glove box is locked with the vehicle’s Valet Mode, which is accessible through the settings menu.
- Automatic heated steering wheel and automatic heated/ventilated front seats — These available features work with Remote Start and/or automatic climate control to automatically adjust temperature to help maintain comfort.
- Comfort-open windows — Activated by the key fob, this feature allows all windows to roll down to help heat escape before occupants enter the vehicle.
- Heated outboard rear seats are available on RS and standard on Premier.
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Camera Mirror are available on RS and Premier.
- Hands-free power liftgate with Bowtie logo projection is standard on RS and Premier. Find the Bowtie light on the ground and swipe your foot over it to open the lift gate.
- Wireless charging and six USB ports are available. One for every passenger and then some!
An 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3 is standard, along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi (with 1-month/3GB data trial)3 and Apple CarPlay4 and Android Auto compatibility.
Further Reading: Expanding family? Our tips for buying a new car
Power, Performance and Capability
The new Blazer is powered by a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6L V-6 is also available, offering 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
Both direct-injection engines feature intelligent stop/start technology that seamlessly shuts off the engine when power is not needed and have a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Traction Select is standard on all models and allows the driver to make real-time adjustments to the vehicle’s driving mode to account for varying road conditions. On AWD models, it also allows the system to be completely disconnected from the rear axle, meaning drivers can opt to have their vehicle operate in FWD when AWD capability is not necessary.
RS and Premier models offer a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD technology that helps optimize traction for every condition. It is designed to provide excellent performance in wet, snowy and icy conditions while also providing enhanced stability in dry weather.
However, You’ll Have to Wait a Bit for All This Loveliness
Chevrolet hasn’t announced pricing yet and delivery to dealerships is a ways off: Production is expected to start late this year and it will arrive in dealerships in early 2019. But it may be worth the wait for this reimagined and sleek-looking new crossover from Chevrolet.
