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Chevy Blazer line comes back to life

Like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, the Chevrolet Blazer line is back. This time around, the nameplate is a midsize SUV lineup that is bold, athletic, and filled with options and features -- and it comes ready to do some real work. Chevy last stopped building a Blazer line in 2005.

"The (new) Blazer has attitude," said John Cafaro, executive director, Global Chevrolet Design. "It looks commanding on the road, while fulfilling the promise of versatility at the heart of every Chevy crossover and SUV."

Fitting in between the Equinox and Traverse, each model in the 2019 Blazer lineup offers a unique look with distinct styling to suit different customers' tastes, including unique grille appearances, additional bright chrome on the Premier trim, and a more sinister-looking, blacked-out appearance for the Blazer RS.

A powerful front end featuring a strong grille, sporty hood lines, and low-placed HID headlamps are distinguishing characteristics on all models. The design also features a distinctive lighting execution that separates the headlamps and LED daytime running lamps.

Long, lean, and sculpted body sides lead to a rear end highlighted by LED-illuminated Chevy-signature dual-element taillamps, dual exhaust outlets, and an integrated tailgate spoiler. The Blazer also offers a range of stylish wheels, starting with standard 18-in. aluminum rims and expanding to 21-in. wheels available on the RS and Premier.

The new Blazer is powered by a standard 2.5L I-4 engine rated at 193 hp (143 kW) and 188 lb-ft of torque (255 Nm). A 3.6L V-6 is also available, offering 305 hp (227 kW) and 269 lb-ft of torque (365 Nm).

Both direct-injected engines feature intelligent stop/start technology that seamlessly shuts off the engine when power is not needed, based on a variety of driving factors, and both are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

"The Chevrolet Blazer is more than just good looks," said Waqar Hashim, Blazer chief engineer. "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 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 provides excellent performance in wet, snowy, and icy conditions, while also providing enhanced stability in dry weather.

The Blazer's cabin echoes the exterior theme with sporty good looks. The design emphasizes space, craftsmanship, and customer personalization, with a wide range of interior styling choices for the different models achieved through several color and trim choices. Sporty details include a padded knee area, round air vents, and grab handles on the doors.

The new Blazer also offers a Chevrolet-first Cargo Management System, standard on RS and Premier models. It features a rail system and cargo fence to help secure smaller items by dividing the cargo area.

The 2019 Blazer is also designed to offer occupants seamless connectivity, intuitive controls, and a host of convenience features that help make the drive more comfortable.

For those interested in hauling, the line offers 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), and Hitch View (complements Hitch Guidance by showing a top-down view, making it easier to hitch a trailer without a second person to assist).

The line also offers:

• 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 (available on RS and standard on Premier).
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Camera Mirror (available on RS and Premier).
• Hands-free power liftgate with Bowtie logo projection (standard on RS and Premier).
• 8-in.-diagonal color touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3.
• Wireless charging and six USB ports are available.

The Chevrolet Blazer will arrive at U.S. dealerships in early 2019. The line starts at $28,800. See the Chevy page for more details. Additional details and pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.

Source: Chevrolet

Published October 2018

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