CHEVROLET Blazer 2019

Body and cabin

The Chevrolet Blazer is one of the widest and lowest SUVs of the segment. The relatively long wheelbase pushes the wheels out to the four corners. Combined with sharply defined styling lines, the result is dynamic and distinctive. The RS’s wheels, badging and blacked-out trim reinforce the sporty look sought by specific buyers.

On paper, the Blazer’s interior dimensions seem entirely competitive. While there is ample room for four adults, they won’t get the same impression of space found in a Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe. The fault lies with the relatively low ceiling and restricted glass surface that contribute to the dynamic styling.

In reality, passenger space and, especially, cargo volume barely surpass that of a Chevrolet Equinox. Most of the Blazer’s rivals can accommodate more luggage, even with the rear bench folded. To obtain more in the GM family, you would have to go to the GMC Acadia or, better yet, the Chevrolet Traverse. On the other hand, you likely won’t be hauling a sofa or six passengers on an everyday basis…

The front seats provide a good level of comfort and support, but some competing vehicles offer more seat adjustments. The driving position is satisfactory all the same, apart from the slightly prominent footrest. The rear bench is low, so as to create a flat load floor when folded; the downside is poor thigh support for tall people.

The stylish yet functional dash displays real buttons for the most-used functions—aside from the tuner, as in several GM products. All trims include GM’s latest multimedia system, first launched in the 2018 GMC Terrain. The 20.3 cm/8 inch touchscreen is clear and well organized.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, Type-A and Type-C USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot and the OnStar telematics system are all included. The latter two, and satellite radio, require a monthly subscription that can easily set you back $30-$50 if you’re not careful.

Safety

Once again, GM misses the boat in terms of driver assistance. All the latest features are available, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian alert, lane keep assist and automatic high-beams. However, all are confined to options packages offered only on the two most expensive trims. It is a questionable practice, with Honda, Nissan and Toyota delivering these features cost-free on nearly all their models.

On a more positive note, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert is standard or optional on all V6 Blazers. It is almost a necessity in order to compensate for the small side windows and mirrors. A surround camera system and smart rearview mirror are optional on True North, RS and Premier models. The mirror in question relays the image sent by a panoramic camera, which significantly enlarges the rearward field of view. First introduced on certain Cadillac models, it improves safety, after a period of adaptation. It is possible to return to a classic mirror view at all times.

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: 5 / 5
Frontal impact: 5 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact:
- driver side: 4 / 4
- passenger side: 4 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

Mechanical overview

Mechanically speaking, the new-generation Chevrolet Blazer is not inventing anything new; most of its components were already used on the Chevrolet Traverse or GMC Acadia. That includes the multilink rear suspension and the electric power steering, which has a quicker ratio on the RS than the other Blazers.

The 3.6‑litre V6 engine is another old acquaintance. Equipped with direct injection, it develops 308 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. GM also added a cylinder deactivation system and an automatic stop-start system to promote better fuel economy.

The AWD V6 Blazer is rated at 11.3 L/100 km by Natural Resources Canada, the same as the V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Passport. Only the Nissan Murano does better among competing six-cylinder models, with a city-highway average of 10.2 L/100 km.

The two-wheel-drive Blazer comes standard with a 2.5‑litre 4‑cylinder with power limited to 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is rated at 680 kg/1,500 lb, whereas the V6 can haul 2,041 kg/4,500 lb. While no doubt adequate for a compact SUV, this engine will probably be hard pressed to motivate a vehicle weighing more than 1,700 kg.

The Chevrolet Blazer gets the excellent nine-speed transmission used on a host of other GM models for several years now. Designed in house, it includes a manual mode especially appreciated for towing or driving in hilly terrain.

Chevrolet expects most buyers will opt for all-wheel drive, as is customary for SUVs in this segment. GM’s system directs power to the rear wheels only when the front wheels lose grip. RS and Premier models can also vary the torque split between the two rear wheels, which is useful in curves. Traction Mode Select lets you choose two-wheel drive operation for better fuel economy, or to switch between sport mode, off-road or tow/haul.

Driving impressions

Let’s make one thing clear: the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer does not have the off-road capabilities of its ancestor, which had a two-speed transfer case and a truck chassis—and Chevrolet is making no claims to the contrary.

On the road, however, the new generation relegates the former model to the dustbin of history. The balance between comfort and handling seems optimal, especially as concerns the True North model we drove from Baie-Saint-Paul to Quebec City last spring.

Stable, adept and precise, the Chevrolet Blazer controls rebound and body movements better than the Passport tested a few days earlier. Of the new Chevrolet’s close rivals, only the Grand Cherokee displays as much composure, despite its advanced age.

If comfort is your ultimate goal, the RS model may not be quite as enjoyable. In the backcountry of the Charlevoix region, its firmer shocks did not dampen bumps and cracks as well as the other Blazers. Our test model was equipped with very wide 21‑inch tires with an unnecessarily low profile for an SUV; 18‑ or 20‑inch tires are no doubt less damaging in terms of both comfort and price.

On the other hand, the V6 engine will probably cost more to operate than the four-cylinder, but don’t pass it up. Energetic, it accelerates with a refined and satisfying exhaust note. With nine perfectly spaced gear ratios, the transmission effectively masks the lack of low-rpm torque for which this engine was criticised in the past.

If the Chevrolet Blazer proves so enjoyable to drive, it is largely due to this efficient powertrain, along with well-weighted steering and a commendably quiet ride at highway speed.