Chevrolet has brought back its Blazer nameplate and it’s in the form of a midsize SUV! The 2019 Blazer slots between the Equinox and Traverse. The all-new midsize SUV has a bold design and offers a number of customer-focused technologies. General Motors says it is the, “boldest, most progressive expression of the Chevrolet crossover design theme.”
The Blazer is actually a name that was once used by Chevrolet for a former boxy looking truck. This new Blazer is completely different as it is an urban crossover, offering much more style!
“The Blazer has attitude,” said John Cafaro, executive director of global design for Chevrolet. “It looks commanding on the road, while fulfilling the promise of versatility at the heart of every crossover and SUV.”
The vehicle will arrive at dealerships in the United States in early 2019.
Exterior
The 2019 Blazer’s wide stance, tight proportions, high beltline, and dramatic sculpting help give it a toned and athletic appearance. What’s also great about this midsize SUV is that there are a number of different trims for you to choose from and that gives you more choice as each model in the lineup offers a unique look with distinct styling. On the Premier trim, for example, there’s additional bright chrome. The Blazer RS has a more unique blacked-out look.
What all Blazer models feature, however, is a powerful front end with a strong grille and low-placed HID headlamps. 18-inch aluminum rims come standard for the wheels, but larger wheels are available with certain trims. The new Blazer also offers a unique cargo management system. It comes standard on RS and Premier models. It features a rail system and cargo fence that divides the cargo area, helping you secure your smaller items.
Interior
Chevy’s reenvisioned Blazer seats five passengers. The interior is sporty and, similar to the exterior, is styled in unique ways based on which model you choose. Specific sporty details that you will find in all models include a padded knee area, round air vents, and grab handles on the doors. The company says the design also emphasizes space and craftsmanship. As for cargo room, there’s up to 64.2 cubic feet of max space with the second-row seats folded flat.
There are plenty of features you can tack on to help you further enjoy the time you spend in your new Blazer. For example, to help soak in the sun you can opt for the available dual-pane power sunroof. You could also select the available automatic heated steering wheel and automatic heated/ventilated front seats. They work with Remote Start and/or automatic climate control to automatically adjust temperature to help maintain comfort.
As for technology, the 2019 Blazer offers plenty of connectivity. An 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3 comes standard on all models, along with a free trial of 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility. Wireless charging and six USB ports are also available to help keeps devices charged and ready to go.
Performance
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer has two engine offerings. There’s the standard 2.5L I-4 engine that’s estimated to produce 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 3.6L V-6 available. That more powerful option is estimated to churn out 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
Both options features intelligent stop/start technology that helps you save fuel by seamlessly shutting off the engine when power is not needed, like when you’re at a stoplight. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
“The Chevrolet Blazer is more than just good looks,” said Waqar Hashim, chief engineer of the vehicle. “Both the Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder engine and 3.6L V-6 engine are paired to Chevrolet’s nine-speed automatic transmission, providing drivers a great balance between performance and efficiency.”
Traction Select is standard on all models and it helps the driver make real-time adjustments to the vehicle’s driving mode based on the road conditions. On AWD models, drivers can opt to have their vehicle operate in FWD when AWD capability is not needed. We should also note that RS and Premier models offer a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD technology. It’s said to help optimize traction for every condition, providing excellent performance in even snowy and icy conditions.
Safety
While the initial press release on the 2019 Blazer’s unveiling did not elaborate too much on safety, it did say that there is a suite of available active safety features. Those available features might include low-speed forward automatic braking, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, rear parking assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear vision camera. Strategically placed air bags could also be featured in this 2019 Blazer.
If you’re planning on towing a large item behind your Blazer, hitch guidance is 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. There’s also hitch view, which shows the driver an additional top-down view, making it even easier to hitch a trailer.
One other feature to point out when it comes to safety is the electronic-locking glove box. It’s a Chevy first, and it offers added storage security. It’s roomy enough to fit a small handbag.
Our Take
Chevrolet wants to make sure it’s getting its piece of the SUV market pie. With the release of the new 2019 Blazer midsize SUV, the company is expanding its SUV lineup and by doing so, it will undoubtedly attract more customers.
“Chevrolet has been at the forefront of each of the major automotive industry trends by anticipating consumer demand and delivering innovative products like Bolt EV, Colorado and Trax,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and head of Global Chevrolet. “The introduction of the all-new Blazer builds on that momentum and further strengthens the most comprehensive lineup of crossovers and SUVs on the market today.”
Additional details and pricing will be announced closer to the start of production. Again, the new Blazer will slot between the Equinox and Traverse and it will arrive in dealerships in early 2019.