2019 Chevy Blazer is a Great Two-row Crossover, Says Driving
All-new Blazer succeeds on many fronts but is a little pricey with added options, says review.
The 2019 Chevy Blazer is a modern, mid-size two-row crossover designed to compete with the likes of the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. That’s a bit of a disappointment for enthusiasts who wanted the name applied to a true off-road SUV. But something that just isn’t in the cards right now. Fortunately, the new model is plenty spirited enough for on-road adventures.
That’s the conclusion reached by Driving, which reecently reviewed an extensively optioned 2019 Blazer RS and finds it to be an extremely competent crossover slightly impacted by minor issues like interior quality and pricing. Overall, Driving‘s impression of the new Chevy is very favorable.
Let’s start with what Driving didn’t like about the Blazer. Most notably, the reviewer, Jil McIntosh, felt that the Blazer’s price could use a downward adjustment.
“What’s likely to be the biggest hurdle for buyers is that impressive doesn’t come cheap,” notes Driving. “The lineup starts at $35,100 and finishes at $48,700, and that’s before any options. My $46,300 RS was beefed up with a panoramic sunroof, 21-inch wheels, a block heater and wheel locks that took it to a hefty $49,320 before freight and taxes.”
Sure, the Blazer can certainly be loaded to the gills. Driving‘s as-tested Blazer can’t be configured similarly in America, so to get all the features of this test model, an American consumer would have to opt for an RS with $6,000 in extras thrown in. That brings the price to $50,940 dollars before incentives.
A similarly equipped 2019 all-wheel drive Traverse RS boasts an MSRP of about $47,290. That’s a pretty significant difference between the two vehicles. It’s important to understand that until recently, Chevy buyers in need of something larger than an Equinox were forced to step up to a Traverse. A large three-row crossover like the Traverse is naturally less fuel efficient and harder to park than something like a Blazer. It’s not always about price. And as always, the price paid at the dealership could be significantly lower than what the MSRP suggests buyers pay.
As for the interior, Driving likes the HVAC vents and the overall presentation, but dislikes the turn signal stalk and shift lever. The review mentions that these two items run counter to the Blazer’s price point. The lack of a switch to disable the automatic start-stop system also bothers the reviewer. Fortunately, Driving didn’t have a problem with how the system operated on the road. The reviewer just felt that buyers deserved a choice in the matter. That’s a perfectly reasonable criticism. Customers unfamiliar with the technology might eventually grow tired of the way the system operates. Unfortunately, if they’ve already purchased a Blazer, their only recourse would be to trade it in. Hopefully Chevy rectifies the situation in future models.
For Driving, the Blazer backs up its sexy exterior with a spirited ride. The 305 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 paired with GM’s nine-speed automatic wowed Driving with its ample performance and well-calibrated shift points. The reviewer also came away impressed with the Blazer’s driving dynamics. “It also handles remarkably well for a sport-ute: the steering is well-weighted, and it takes corners with sharp precision and very little body roll,” says McIntosh in the review. “The ride is smooth and well-controlled, and it proved to be a great choice as a comfy highway cruiser.”
Chevy’s latest Blazer might not be the Wrangler competitor many hoped for, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, the two-row mid-size crossover succeeds on its merits. Its attractive appearance melds well with its ride and handling, and Chevy was wise to offer the formidable V6 as an option on higher trims. Driving‘s review reflects well on Chevy’s ability to adapt to a market increasingly hungry for crossovers of all shapes and sizes.
Photos: Driving