2020 Chevrolet Blazer LT AWD: A Midsize Crossover With Cutting Edge Styling

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

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $41,595 (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 (LT): 18-inch wheels; 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine; a 9-speed transmission; a dual zone a/c; an 8-inch infotainment screen; remote vehicle start; in-vehicle Wi-Fi; heated front seats; an automatic rearview mirror; a power programmable liftgate; a keyless entry system; a keyless ignition starter system; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel;  a rear parking assist system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a lane change alert; blind zone alert system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a remote vehicle start system; leather seats; power front seats; heated front seats; and SiriusXM

Options On Test Vehicle: sound and technology package; rear camera mirror; HD surround vision; two USB data ports; and infotainment premium with navigation center with a Bose audio system

Other Trim Levels:

LS
Premium 
RS

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM 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, 4-cylinder/193-hp

Towing: 1,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard 4-Cylinder Fuel Mileage: 25-city/30-hwy

What’s New: The Blazer, which was a popular vehicle in the Chevy line up during the eighties, was reintroduced into the family during the 2019 model year. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine has been added to the powertrain options. Also an on-and-off switch has been added to fuel saving stop-start gas saving feature.

Why: The popular midsize five passenger Blazer looks like it was designed in an Asian or Korean studio. The stylish, cutting edge exterior design looks more fitting at a Toyota or Nissan dealership, as opposed to a Chevy store. Up until the arrival of the Blazer, Chevy’s styling has been relatively conservative, lacking the risk-taking appeal exuding from this eye-appealing vehicle.

The Blazer, with its car-like ride, is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The midsize vehicle, which is available in a variety of trims, is slotted between the Equinox and the Trailblazer. 

New this year, Chevy adds a peppy 4-cylinder turbo, bringing the total number of powertrains available in this vehicle to three. Now consumers will be able to select from a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine, a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and the newest addition for the 2020 model year, a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder turbo.

Our test vehicle was outfitted with the new 2.0-liter turbo engine, which produced 230-horsepower. The standard 4-cylinder only produces 190-horsepower.  

Depending on the trim, the vehicle is also available with all of the latest high tech features. Some of those features available range from a panoramic sunroof to a radar activated cruise control system to 21-inch wheels.

Moreover, the Blazer has a number of thoughtful interior touches too. One can find extra storage built into the doors, dual-use circular vents that can also adjust the fan speed and sliding rear seats.

Lastly, as it relates to quality, the 2019 model scored an 89 out of 100 in the first 90 days of ownership in J.D. Power IQS (Initial Quality Study). This made the Blazer number one in its segment. Its not often that a first year model takes the top spot in segment.

But: While a panaromic roof is available on the Blazer, our test vehicle was not equipped with one.

Verdict: GM has a winner on its hands with the all-new Blazer. Pricing for the vehicle starts at $29,000 and can easily rise to $50,000. In this day and age, when the average price of a compact crossover can steer north of $40,000, we were surprised that our midsize Blazer, which lacked a sunroof, had a MSRP of $41,595. This seemed like a steal, when compared to other vehicles these days.

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.  

Its worth checking out the new Blazer for those seeking an expressive crossover.

Competition: Ford Edge; Hyundai Santa Fe; Kia Sorento; Mazda CX-5; and Nissan Murano 

Near Competitor: Jeep Grand Cherokee