Chevrolet has resurrected the Blazer name for its five-passenger SUV, which slots in between its compact Equinox and three-row Traverse SUVs. This Blazer is a modern SUV that focuses on styling, tech, and convenience features more than on ruggedness. It competes most directly with the Ford Edge, Honda Passport, and Nissan Murano.
We found our tested all-wheel drive, V6-powered Blazer to be comfortable, quiet, and roomy.
This powertrain accelerates the Chevy swiftly, with immediate thrust and responsive shifts, but the engine sounds raspy when pushed. Fuel economy is just 19 mpg overall, 1 mpg less than the larger Traverse. Most Blazers now come with a 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder that's more frugal.
The ride is very civilized; the suspension soaks up bumps well and body motions are limited, helping the SUV feel steady and planted. We were impressed by how it handled on twisty roads and at our test track. Although the handling is taut and competent, it is not as agile as the Edge.
Getting in is easy, both front and rear. The distinctive styling has a downside: The sloping roofline and tiny third side window have a big impact on rear visibility and the large rear roof pillars severely limit rear three-quarter visibility. Thankfully, the optional surround-view camera somewhat helps mitigate the problem when reversing.
The interior looks modern and functional, but there are many hard plastic surfaces and flimsy-feeling trim. Plus, the low-mounted, Camaro-inspired vents for the climate-control system blow more air on the driver's elbows and knees than they do on the torso.
The front seats offer decent comfort and support. A flat floor facilitates passengers’ leg room in the rear seats. The cargo area offers space to haul lots of stuff.
Straightforward controls and the easy-to-use infotainment system make everyday living a breeze. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard.
Important safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard. Blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross traffic warning are available on all but the base trim.