Chevy Blazer Set for a 2018 Return?
Rumor suggests that the Chevy Blazer will return as an all-new CUV next year.
The SUV market is absolutely on fire at the moment, and automakers seemingly can’t build enough of them to satisfy consumer demand. And as Chevrolet rolls out a pair of redesigned ‘utes in 2018, it might also be looking to supplement them with the return of a familiar model. Yes, it appears that the iconic Chevy Blazer might be making a comeback.
The thought comes from WardsAuto and its partner AutoForecastSolutions, who report that the Blazer name will be affixed to a new, mid-size Chevrolet CUV. The Blazer would slot below the Traverse, yet use the same platform. It would offer five passenger, 2-row seating in lieu of the Traverse’s 3-row layout, however. And at least externally, the Blazer would be closer in size to GMC’s Arcadia.
The idea is to offer customers a larger SUV without third row seating at a lower price. Many shoppers don’t want or need the extra passenger space, yet don’t want to drive a tiny crossover, either. A new Blazer could fill that void and join Ford’s Bronco as another iconic nameplate making a return to the market.
For the record, Steve Majoros, director-marketing for cars and crossovers at Chevrolet, refused to comment on the possibility of the Blazer’s return. But he didn’t really deny it either. “We have a pretty good lineup right now,” Majoros told WardsAuto. “But never say never. We are looking at other opportunities and (Blazer) would make some sense.”
A mid-size crossover might not exactly be what Blazer fans are hoping for, but it does make some sense. Of course, we’d rather see a rugged off road ‘ute in the form of the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. But Chevy hasn’t dipped its toe into the lifestyle utility market just yet. Whether or not it decides to expand its current crossover lineup remains uncertain as well.
