It turned out to be just as we’ve announced earlier this year. The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer came back but the SUV isn’t as we used to be. Instead of a true off-roader and Bronco’s biggest rival, the automaker decided to make, well, just one more crossover.
No More Body-On-Frame
The 2019 Blazer made its debut in Atlanta a few days ago, but it’s not going to become available before early next year. The high-riding vehicle looks really good, so we are pretty sure that the nameplate is going to survive this time. Still, we would lie if we say that we are glad to see the Blazer again. The crossover is nice, tech-loaded, and everything, but it lacks the essence. The carmaker deiced to switch from body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platform to a unibody architecture and front-wheel-drive. Though, the potential customers will be able to pick an optional all-wheel-drive system.
So what’s the idea? What’s the purpose of the 2019 Chevy Blazer?
Well, this is one more mid-size crossover. It’s here to offer more room than the Equinox, but just two rows of seating in contrast to the three-row Traverse. Most of the reports claim that the five-seat SUV has been influenced by the new Camaro, but we don’t see it that way. Instead, the profile reveals some resemblance with the Acura RDX. Up front, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer hosts a massive, perhaps oversized grille and a pair of slim headlights which are coupled with daytime LED running lights. The RDX-based profile gets floating rooflines with blacked-out pillars, while the rear hatch hosts quite interesting LED taillights. The crossover rides on standard 18-inch wheels, but higher trims like the RS and Premier get 21-inch rims.
Cabin and Features
It’s pretty hard to explain what’s happening inside. Each trim has a unique treatment and different color options. Still, each of them hosts Camaro-based round vents a range of standard features such as an electronically locking glovebox, six USB ports, wireless charging, 4G LTE wireless WiFi and power windows. The last option can be activated from the key fob which is a quite interesting detail. All Blazers are going to use an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The topping RS and Premiere trims gets a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and a trailer-hitch assist for the V6 model, as well as an available adaptive cruise control. These two are also equipped with a new cargo management system that prevents cargo moving too much. With the second row folded down, the vehicle offers 64.2 cubic-feet, so it outmatches the Equinox that’s limited to 63.5 cubic feet.
Engines and Transmission
Under the hood, the 2019 Chevy Blazer offers two options. The base model gets motivation from a 2.5-liter inline-four unit that develops 93 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The V6 model, on the other hand, uses a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated mill that makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of twist. Both engines come mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and direct-injection system. Plus, start/stop feature is standard for all trims.
Towing and AWD
Like we’ve said earlier, the crossover will offer both front- and all-wheel-drive. However, we haven’t mentioned that the RS and Premiere trims are not going to be paired with the regular AWD. Instead, they will use a more advanced twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system that is able to vary power to the rear wheels to help with handling and traction. According to the carmaker, the Blazer is able to tow up to 4,500 pounds, which is not too bad at all.
Price
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned for updates.
