2019 Chevrolet Blazer Debuts, And It’s Not What You May Have Expected [News]

Chevrolet is taking a new direction with the Blazer name.

Those who were expecting the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer to hark back to the rugged K5 or even the more compact model based on the S-10 may be in for a shock. This new model takes the revived Blazer name in a whole new direction, with Chevrolet pitching this model as their boldest crossover yet. It’s a complete departure from what Ford seems to be doing with the new Bronco. Instead, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer focuses on being a contemporary mid-size SUV, capable of delivering on distinctive looks and cutting edge functionality.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer debut
2019 Chevrolet Blazer. [Photo: Chevrolet Blazer]
Big, boxy SUV this is not. The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer has a more athletic profile, with a distinctive front fascia and floating roof design. In this new model, Chevy also adopted the practice of placing the Blazer’s LED running lights up high, while the HID projector headlamps are mounted lower. The side profile, distinguished by wheels ranging from 18- to 21 inches continue the athletic design language.

On the size front, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer slots in between the smaller Equinox and larger Traverse in the lineup. It seats five passengers and stores up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded. And there are only two rows – in keeping with the original Blazer’s layout. The Blazer also has a Cargo Management System on RS and Premier models to divide the cargo area to secure small items. For even more security, the Blazer also features an electronic-locking glove box that looks through the settings in the infotainment menu.

Two powertrain options

In today’s modern SUVs, expecting a huge V8 engine or anything close to it is pure fantasy. Instead, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer comes with two engine options. The smallest option is a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated I-4 making 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough oomph, you can get a blazer with the same 3.6-liter V-6 found in the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. However, it produces less power, but more torque in the Blazer. Official figures stand at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, to the 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque in the Traverse and Enclave.

Both engines send power to the front or rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and an available twin-clutch all-wheel drive system. Traction Select – a standard feature across the range – lets drivers pick a driving mode depending on prevailing conditions. With the 3.6-liter V-6, owners can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. Chevy also equipped the car with Hitch Guidance, which runs a center line down the rear-view camera to help align the hitch to a trailer. There’s also Hitch View, which shows a top-down view of the car to hook up to a trailer without a spotter.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer debuts
[Photo: Chevrolet]

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Technology

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is available with a heated steering wheel, for a start. On top of that, you can also get heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats. The Premier trim comes standard with that equipment, while the heated outboard rear seats are an option on the RS. The remote start system also activates the heated steering wheel and seats depending on your preferences.

An 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support comes standard, along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. The new Blazer is also available with wireless charging for your smartphone and up to six USB ports. As with its contemporaries, the car also features a standard hands-free power liftgate on RS and Premier models.

Chevrolet will put the 2019 Blazer on sale in early 2019. Pricing information, fuel economy and safety data is not available just yet. However, all that information should emerge closer to launch. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world reviews.