2021 Chevrolet Blazer

Blog Dec 18th, 2020

It’s blazing hot!

When Chevrolet decided to re-introduce the iconic Blazer nameplate in 2018, they knew they had to create something special and not just another run-of-the-mill generic SUV. Designed as a mid-size crossover, the new Blazer slots in between the Equinox and the full-size Traverse. It shares its platform with the GMC Acadia, and it’s being built in Mexico, at the Ramos Arizpe assembly plant.

What separates the new Blazer from most other crossovers on the market is the way it looks. When designing it, Chevy took inspiration from its sixth-gen facelifted Camaro, so it’s no surprise that the Blazer looks like a slightly taller Camaro on steroids.

Aggressive styling

The front end is remarkably similar to the Camaro’s for instance. It shares the same grille design, albeit it’s slightly larger on the Blazer, and the same thing headlight design, giving it an extremely aggressive design. It even has similar-shaped shroud inserts for the fog lights on either side of the bumper.

I don’t think many if any, mid-size crossover SUVs look like this one does. It’s worth buying a Blazer for its looks alone if you ask me, but luckily, that’s not the only reason why you should pick it over any of its competitors.

An abundance of choice

The Blazer is available in 5 different trim levels (L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier) with 3 different engine options. The standard car comes with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making 192 horsepower. Next up in the range is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 231 horsepower. Finally, there’s the flagship 3.6-liter V6 with a whopping 308 horsepower on tap.
All engines send power to the ground through a modern 9-speed 9T50 automatic transmission, but base trim levels are front-wheel-drive, whereas models higher up come with all-wheel-drive. Despite being such a large, practical crossover, the Blazer is really lightweight compared to most of its competitors. Depending on engine choice and interior features, it can weigh anywhere between 4,100 and 4,400 lbs.

What’s not to love?

To say the Blazer is economic for such a sporty SUV would be an understatement. This vehicle gets really good economy and is extremely efficient, especially on the highway. The most efficient engine, the turbocharged 2-liter, is good for 9 km/l in the city and 11.5 km/l on the highway, which is something not many crossovers in its class can say the same.

The Blazer has also been praised for its excellent handling by motoring journalists. Since crossovers are usually top-heavy, they’ll often understeer or have a tendency to exhibit extreme body roll when pushed hard, but not the Blazer. Chevy designed the suspension to be soft and absorb bumps and road imperfections, but also stiff enough to deal with body movement and comfortably control it.

If you want a mid-size crossover that looks great and drives brilliantly, I can honestly say the Blazer is one of the best options at the moment. For 2021 it also gets a host of safety assist features as standard, such as automatic emergency braking, making it one of the safest in its class too. It’s the ideal family car and daily driver.