2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD: A Return Of An Old Favorite

Highlight: The vehicle is available with adjustable sliding rear seats.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $50,765 (Base Model: $29,995)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; traction control system; a back up camera; LED daytime running lights; a stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a tire inflator kit.

Standard Equipment (LS): 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed transmission; dual zone automatic ventilation system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a leather shift knob; a built Wi-Fi system; cloth seats; manually adjustable front seats;  a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a lockable electronic glovebox

Standard Equipment (RS): 20-inch wheels; 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine; 305-horsepower; AWD; an automatic heated steering wheel; heated front seats; an automatic rearview mirror; a power programmable liftgate; a keyless entry system; a keyless ignition starter system; a rear parking assist system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a lane change blind zone alert system; black roof rails; a remote vehicle start system; leather seats; heated front seats; and SiriusXM                                                                                     
Options On Test Vehicle: memory setting; a rear camera mirror; a safety alert system; a premium BOSE audio system; wireless charging; heated rear seats; a radar activated cruise control system; ventilated front seats; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; automatic headlights; a forward collision alert system; a forward automatic braking system; a lane departure warning system; a front pedestrian braking system; 360-degree camera; a power sunroof; and 21-inch gloss wheels

Other Trim Levels:

L
LT
Premium 

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM a satellite radio

Apple CarPlay & Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter turbo, 4-cylinder/193-hp

Towing: 1,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/30-hwy

What’s New: While the name may have been revived, this is not the Blazer we last remembered in 2005. Chevy’s new cutting edge crossover is all new both inside and out. As opposed to being based on a truck platform, this time around the midsize vehicle is based on a car platform, providing improved ride and handling capabilities.

Why: What’s not to like about GM’s non soccer-like mom crossover! Its stylish. Its available in an array of trims. It’s the newest addition to the competitive crossover craze, where it seems automakers have resorted to many of these vehicles in this segment being disguised as station wagons on steroids.

GM’s design team differentiated this Chevy from the entry-level Trax, the popular Equinox and the truck-like designed Traverse. The Blazer doesn't look like it was created to wear the brand's signature bow tie. That's what make this midsize vehicle so appealing. Time and time again, those are the words that spewed out of the mouths from many who came in contact with the vehicle.

Never before has Chevy designed a crossover that was so expressive. In fact, it seemed out of step from a brand known for conservatives designs with its latest round of crossovers. Besides the Corvette and the Impala, its been a while since stylish has been associated with a brand known for building reliable family-oriented cars, trucks and SUVs.

With consumers no longer placing coupes and sedans at the top of their shopping list and automakers revamping their portfolio, Chevy has given customers a reason to strongly consider this athletically muscular vehicle.

The five passenger vehicle is roomy and accommodating. There is ample cargo room too.

The all-new Blazer is available with all of the latest high-tech features. Some of those features include a much welcome panoramic sunroof, a color rotary dial fan speed knobs, a driver’s safety seat, a radar-activated cruise control system, a push button ignition starter, 21-inch blacked-out wheels, heated rear seats, six USB ports, a wireless smartphone charger and a choice of two powertrains. The overall color coordinated interior layout was well executed.

By the way, rumor has it that the engineering team is considering stuffing in a third row in this vehicle somewhere in the near future. 

But: Honestly, besides the front center armrest that rattled periodically, the audio system wasn’t quite up to the crystal clear concert sound we’ve experienced in a number of competitors. We wouldn’t mind if the audio engineering team works with the supplier of the sound system to replicate the perfect pitch and balance, creating a world class sound experience. We know they’re capable of such, since this is definitely the most cutting edge design of any of the Detroit automakers.

Verdict: GM has a winner on its hands with the all-new Blazer. In the RS trim we reviewed, there was nothing lacking. In our opinion, the Blazer and the Nissan Murano are two of the most stylish mainstream crossovers available. 

Overall the fit and finish, with the extra storage built into the front doors, adds to the small touches that makes this a worthy pick on our list. Moreover, the ride and handling capabilities exceeded our expectations. In fact, we found the RS trim to be quite engaging. 

Competition: Ford Edge; Hyundai Santa Fe; and Nissan Murano

Nearest Competitor: Jeep Grand Cherokee