REBORN CROSSOVER SMART, STYLISH
Newest incarnation slotting between the Equinox and Traverse
ATLANTA Keen on leaving almost no stone unturned in the world of compact crossovers, Chevrolet has added yet another to its lineup — and dusted off an old nameplate in the process.
Yes, the Blazer is back. The new one isn’t as tough and butchedup as its forefather — sorry, K5 fans — but it’s a simple answer to a simple question. People simply can’t get enough of SUVs and crossovers. So, what does GM do? Why, introduce a new SUV or crossover, of course.
Slotting between the Equinox and the Traverse, the 2019 Blazer is based on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and comes standard with a direct-injected, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine pumping out 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque.
For those wanting more kick, GM’s familiar 3.6-L V6 is available, good for 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. An automatic stop/start system is standard across the lineup, ensuring solid fuel economy numbers. As for additional powertrains — be it the Equinox’s 2.0T, the sweet Duramax diesel from the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, or even some sort of electrification — it’s simply too early to tell. GM is tight-lipped on the details. For now, we’ll just have to keep dreaming on how awesome a Duramax-powered Blazer would be.
Both engines are hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission. By default, the Blazer is front-wheel drive, but if two-wheel traction is a no go, a new, twin-clutch AWD system is available with either engine. It’s essentially a slip-and-grip system, but working with the Blazer’s various drive modes, the Blazer can operate full-time in front- or all-wheel-drive modes.
Towing ought to be a walk in the park for the Blazer. V6 and AWD models can tug up to 2,041 kilograms, although ratings for the four-cylinder and FWD models are unavailable. The Blazer even has a few tricks aimed at not making a fool of yourself when towing. Hitch Guidance projects a line on the rear-view camera screen so you can perfectly line up the Blazer’s hitch with your trailer, and Hitch View is a topdown camera system that lets you line up a trailer solo.
On the outside, the Blazer is quite the looker. It borrows more than a few design cues from the Camaro, especially the split daytime running light treatment. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on base Blazers, while the RS and Premier models roll on 21s. RS models also wear a handful of gloss black trim bits. This being the 21st century, the Blazer also comes with the active safety features you’d expect, including adaptive cruise control and GM’s nifty rear-view camera mirror gadget.
Inside, the Blazer is fairly spacious. The rear seat can slide up to five inches and folds flat, leading to 1,818 L of cargo space. It’s a little more spacious than the Equinox, but falls short of the Traverse — understandable, since the Traverse is a three-row SUV. It’s not a bad space to spend time, either; there’s a bit of hardtouch plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap, and the entire design is quite Camaro-like, particularly the round air vents and centre stack. In case you aren’t a fan of having your stuff roll around, the RS and Premier trims feature a nifty cargo rail and fence-style storage setup.
An eight-inch touch screen is standard. Available options include a handful of USB ports plus wireless charging, an electronic-locking glove box, heated rear seats and a handsfree power liftgate. Also available are a couple of smart tricks: The heated steering wheel and seat heating (or cooling) switch on automatically when you use the remote starter, depending on the climate control settings, and there are windows that roll down automatically when you push and hold a certain button on the key fob. You’d think that last one isn’t a big deal since it’s not exactly new technology, but surprisingly it hasn’t caught on.
The 2019 Blazer is a promising addition to Chevy’s crossover lineup. It’s smart, stylish, and with the V6, it should boogie quite well.
The Blazer will hit Canadian dealers early next year.