Chevrolet Blazer (crossover)

The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors brand Chevrolet. The vehicle went into production in December 2018 and sales began in January 2019 as a 2019 model. In China, it is a larger, 7-seat crossover SUV, which debuted in 2019 and went on sale in April 2020.

See also: Chevrolet Blazer (disambiguation)
Chevrolet Blazer
2019 Chevrolet Blazer (North America)
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
ProductionDecember 2018–present
Model years2019–present
AssemblyMexico: Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila (Ramos Arizpe Assembly)
China: Jinqiao, Shanghai (SAIC-GM)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
Layout
PlatformC1XX
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 143 kW (192 hp; 194 PS) (2.5 L)
  • 172 kW (231 hp; 234 PS) (2.0 L)
  • 230 kW (308 hp; 313 PS) (3.6 L)
Transmission9-speed 9T50 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase112.7 in (2,863 mm)
Length191.4 in (4,862 mm)
196.8 in (4,999 mm) (three-row version)
Width76.7 in (1,948 mm)
76.9 in (1,953 mm) (three-row version)
Height67.0 in (1,702 mm)
68.3 in (1,736 mm) (three-row version)
Curb weight3,810 lb (1,728 kg)
4,145–4,409 lb (1,880–2,000 kg) (three-row version)

Overview

The Blazer nameplate, whose history dates back to 1969 when it was introduced as a two-door large SUV,[1] was introduced to the public in Atlanta on June 21, 2018 as a mid-size crossover SUV that will be slotted in between the compact Equinox and the 3-row full-size Traverse. It will serve as a counterpart to the GMC Acadia in the mid-size crossover SUV segment and will be built on the same platform as the Acadia. The vehicle's design will detail a sporty-style look that takes its cues from the Camaro but will have a crossover SUV feel.[2][3]

Powertrain

The Blazer is powered by a standard 2.5 L I4 engine rated at 144 kW (193 hp; 196 PS) and 255 N⋅m (188 lbf⋅ft) of torque. A 3.6 L V6 engine option will also be available, offering up 227.5 kW (305 hp; 309 PS) and 365 N⋅m (269 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[4] It is paired GM's 9-speed 9T50 automatic transmission.[5][6] The same transmission is also used in the company's Cruze, Malibu, and Equinox models.[7]

Trim levels and pricing

The Blazer feature both FWD and AWD, with a choice of L, LT (1LT, 2LT, and 3LT), RS, and Premier trim levels. It will have a starting MSRP of $29,995 (USD), including destination charge, for the base L model when it officially goes on sale in January 2019.[8]

Standard features on all Blazer models include the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with eight-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi capabilities, keyless entry with keyless access and push-button start, and alloy wheels. Options include remote start, upgraded alloy wheels, a Bose premium audio system, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a power sunroof, heated and ventilated front bucket seats with driver's memory, red interior accents (RS trim only), and a power tailgate.

Chevrolet also announced that ten colors, three exhaust styles, and seven wheel designs will be featured for the Blazer.[9][10][11]

  • 2019 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT AWD (US)
  • 2019 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT AWD (US)
  • 2020 Chevrolet Blazer RS (US)
  • 2020 Chevrolet Blazer RS (US)

Nameplate

The use of the Blazer nameplate on a crossover has sparked mixed reactions, mostly from fans of the K5 Blazer and S-10 Blazer SUVs, as well as the TrailBlazer faithful, who were disappointed of GM's decision to apply it to a crossover instead of importing the international Trailblazer to North America, building it as an SUV on the same platform as the Suburban/Tahoe, or putting it on an SUV platform based on the Colorado, citing the Blazer's history as an adventurous off-road vehicle.[12][13][14] The Trailblazer nameplate returned to North America as a compact crossover that will be slotted below the Equinox in 2020 as a 2021 model.[15]

Markets

North America

Although the Blazer debuted in the United States and Canada in December 2018, the vehicle was not launched in Mexico, where the CUV is built, until mid-February 2019. This gives all three countries a complete crossover and SUV lineup, ranging from the Trax all the way up to the Suburban. The Mexican version differs from the ones built for U.S. and Canada markets, as the levels trims are Tela (replacing L), Piel (replacing Premier), and RS, not the same as the RS sold in Canada and US other than name.[16]

South America

Chevrolet sells the North American Blazer in South American markets, with Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia (where they expect to modify their roster) receiving the vehicle in 2019 as part of its lineup expansion in the region.[17][18]

Oceania

GM was looking at expanding the Blazer to Australia and New Zealand as a Holden, up until GM’s decision to eliminate the Holden brand in 2020. It would have been slotted as a mid size entry between the Acadia and Equinox (both vehicles whose future in this region is cloudy due to Holden’s demise) as part of its expansion of its North American vehicles into this region; with Chevrolet planning to export vehicles to this region, it is not known at this point if the Blazer will be among the CUVs joining the lineup.[19]

Asia/Middle East

GM began selling the Blazer in the Middle East and Persian Gulf countries (excluding Iran) in June 2019. The features are the same as the North American version.[20]

Changes

2020

The 2020 model year Blazer saw a 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder LSY engine added as an option on 2LT and 3LT level trims.[21]

2021

The 2021 model year Blazer offers a new towing package called the VR2 Trailering Package, only on models equipped with front-wheel-drive and the 3.6L V6 LGX engine. The optional package will include the same robust cooling system as the aforementioned similar V92 package available on AWD models and is expected to increase the maximum towing capacity of front-drive models to 4500 pounds, the same as on the AWD model.[22]

Three-row version

In November 2018 at Auto Guangzhou, Chevrolet unveiled the FNR-CarryAll concept, a larger 3-row crossover SUV counterpart of the Blazer. It had a length of 5,000 mm (196 inches) on a wheelbase of 2,867 mm (112.87 inches), a width of 2,258 mm (88.9 inches) including mirrors and height of 1,693 mm (66.65 inches). It previewed a production version, to be sold in countries where it could fill the same full-size crossover SUV slot reserved for the Traverse due to the latter's length and width. The FNR-CarryAll will not see production as the concept was meant to be used as a prototype for Chevrolet’s next generation models.[23][24]

On November 8, 2019, Chevrolet officially introduced the 3-row, 7-seat Blazer during 2019 Chevrolet Gala Night, a special event held in the Chinese city of Hefei. The Blazer, using the same model name as the 2-row version available in other markets, will serve as its flagship SUV in China albeit marketed as a full size vehicle. There will be three trim levels available: standard, RS, and Redline.[25][26] Pre-sales began in March 2020, with deliveries starting by mid-year.[27] The full size Blazer went on sale at dealerships in China and began production at its Jinqiao Assembly in April 2020.[28] In addition to the three-row Blazer, Chevrolet is also offering the two-row version in the same size as the former that is also built at the Jingiao Assembly.[29]

So far, in addition to China, Chevrolet has looked at Brazil and South Korea as key markets, but they have yet to be confirmed for production.[30] Contrary to rumors that it would be called the "Blazer XL" in North America, Chevrolet will not make the 3-row Blazer available there.[31]

  • Front view
  • Rear view

Production and assembly

Intended to be built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, or possibly Lordstown, Ohio, GM chose the Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico instead due to its capabilities to assemble midsize vehicles and to allow the Spring Hill facilities to focus more on producing the Acadia and Cadillac XT5 because of shift hour issues.[32]

On November 27, 2018, Chevrolet began production on the Blazer in Ramos Arizpe, phasing out production of the discontinued Chevrolet Cruze altogether. The latter ended its North American production in March 2019.[33][34]

Sales

The first 27 units of the Blazer were sold in the US in December 2018.[35]

Calendar year United States China[36]
2019 58,115[37] N/A
2020 94,599[37] 7,144

Reception

In a side-by-side comparison with the Ford Edge, Car and Driver declared the Blazer the best, for its "responsive and stable handling, aggressive styling, and stout V-6 engine."[38]

References
  1. “History of the Chevy Blazer” from CNET (June 20, 2018)
  2. “The 2019 Chevy Blazer looks like the Camaro of crossovers” from Autoblog (June 21, 2018)
  3. “2019 CHEVROLET BLAZER FIRST LOOK: REINVENTING THE SUV FOR A CUV WORLD” from Motor Trend (June 21, 2018)
  4. “BOLD DESIGN DEFINES 2019 CHEVROLET BLAZER” from Chevrolet (June 21, 2018)
  5. Mircea Panait (2018-06-22). "2019 Chevrolet Blazer Gets Detailed on Camera". autoevolution. Retrieved 2018-07-11.
  6. Safet Satara (2018-07-08). "5 Ways The Blazer Competes Outside Its Class". TopSpeed. Retrieved 2018-07-11.
  7. Mircea Panait (2016-12-06). "GM Hydra-Matic 9T50 Transmission Confirmed for Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu, Equinox". autoevolution. Retrieved 2018-07-11.
  8. "2019 Blazer Price Starting at $29,995" from GM Authority (September 25, 2018)
  9. “2019 Blazer Colors: Exterior and Interior Hues Uncovered” from GM Authority (October 3, 2018)
  10. “Chevy’s 2019 Blazer Offers Three Different Exhaust Outlet Styles” from GM Authority (October 17, 2018)
  11. “Blazer Wheels: New Chevy SUV Offers Seven Rim Choices” from GM Authority (November 7, 2018)
  12. “First Look: Chevrolet confirms the return of the Blazer, but it’s a crossover and not a Bronco-busting SUV” from New York Daily News (June 21, 2018)
  13. “2019 Blazer: Why Chevy, Why!?” from Gear Junkies (June 21, 2018)
  14. “2019 Chevrolet Blazer: This Is Not the Blazer We're Looking For” from The Drive (June 21, 2018)
  15. "2021 Chevy Trailblazer is revealed as the Blazer's little sibling" from Autoblog (May 29, 2019)
  16. "Chevrolet Launches 2019 Blazer In Mexico" from GM Authority (February 14, 2019)
  17. "2019 Blazer Announced For Colombia, Goes On Sale Next Year" from GM Authority (November 18, 2018)
  18. "Seven New Chevrolet Models To Launch In South America In 2019" from GM Authority (January 22, 2019)
  19. "New Chevrolet Blazer could become a Holden" from Motoring (June 25, 2018)
  20. "2019 Blazer Launches Next Month (June 2019) In The Middle East" from GM Authority (May 6, 2019)
  21. “2020 Chevrolet Blazer: The Complete Engine Lineup” from GM Authority (from GM Authority (June 28, 2019)
  22. “New Package Increases 2021 Blazer Towing Capacity On Some Models: Exclusive“ from GM Authority (June 11, 2020)
  23. “No, The Chevrolet FNR-X Will Not Go Into Production” from GM Authority (May 1, 2020)
  24. "Chevrolet FNR-CarryAll Concept Gives The Blazer A Third Row" from GM Authority (November 15, 2018)
  25. "GM Teases All-New Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer XL In China" from GM Authority (November 3, 2019)
  26. “GM Reveals The Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer’s Interior” from GM Authority (March 9, 2020)
  27. Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer Pre-Orders Start In China
  28. “Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer Officially Launches In China” from GM Authority (April 17, 2020)
  29. “New Two-Row Chevrolet Blazer Officially Launches In China“ from GM Authority (August 10, 2020)
  30. "GM To Debut Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer XL in 2020: Exclusive" from GM Authority (February 25, 2019)
  31. “5 Key Differences Between The Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer And The Two-Row Blazer” from GM Authority (April 24, 2020)
  32. “2019 Blazer To Be Built In Mexico” from GM Authority (June 21, 2018)
  33. Bomey, Nathan (November 26, 2018). "GM to kill Chevrolet Volt, Cruze, Impala as Americans ditch passenger cars". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  34. Centeno, Deivis (November 28, 2018). "GM To Also End Chevy Cruze Production In Mexico". GM Authority. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  35. "Chevrolet Blazer Sales Kick Off Right On Schedule" from GM Authority (January 3, 2019)
  36. https://carsalesbase.com/china-chevrolet-blazer/
  37. "GM U.S. Deliveries for December 2020" (PDF). General Motors. January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  38. "2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS and 2019 Ford Edge Titanium Face Off: Which Is Detroit's Best Two-Row Mid-Size SUV?" from Car and Driver (April 10, 2019)
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.