5 Ways the Blazer Competes Outside Its Class

When you think about it, Chevrolet is a producer of cheap, mass-produced cars. Its cars aren't exactly something we’d call premium, however, some names under the Chevrolet umbrella definitely have that premium feel to them - most notably the Camaro and the Corvette. Have you ever witness someone comparing these two with the likes of BMW M cars or even Ferrari cars (in the case of the ZR1, for example). I am sure you have.

So, yes, these are Chevrolet’s halo cars- those which can, unlike the Trax or the Cruze, compare outside their imaginable segments. What if Chevy plans to do the same with the Blazer? To transform it from a classic cheap crossover to something one may even consider comparable to certain premium cars. The Blazer definitely has the right name and, probably, the right looks on top of that.

In this article, I will explore five ways the Blazer could compete outside its class. Maybe with cars such as the Jaguar F-Pace, the Infiniti QX50, or the Acura RDX. These are all five-seat, luxury, midsize crossovers, just like the Chevy Blazer. So, for the sake of this article, let’s forget about its true competitors - the Ford Edge, the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Nissan Murano, and the Subaru Outback.

1. It Looks Like a Camaro Crossover

After releasing a CUV with such unique looks clearly differentiated from the rest of the Chevy Crossover/SUV lineup, one has to wonder whether the company wants to send some kind of a message? I am fairly certain that Chevy wants to do just that. See, within the Chevy SUV/CUV lineup, the Blazer might become a sort of a standalone vehicle in the same way the Camaro or even the Corvette already have.

The Blazer does look more adamant about its contentious nature compared to any other Chevy SUV. Some even say that its front end looks a bit like that of Lexus SUVs. You and I both know that Lexus is premium. So, that’s that. Trying to turn the Blazer into a particularity, Chevy designers disregarded some of the obvious design habits associated with the company’s other SUVs.

On this one, the headlights and LED running lights are totally separate pieces sitting on the edges of the front end. Another feature clearly infusing traits of nobility and masculinity is the high-standing bonnet. It sits at much the same height as the line the tail-lights create. Then, there’s the floating roof thingy and those obvious creases which resemble muscles and a thin waist at the sides. Actually, we have been waiting for a long time to see something this dominant on the streets.

The rear end, on the other hand, seems to be a bit underwhelming. I’d have to see the car in person to get the real feel. Is it too far-fetched to imagine the 2019 Chevy Camaro’s rear lights somehow integrated onto the rear end of the Blazer?

Just a thought.

Considering such an intricate design, I simply refuse to accept that this will remain a family CUV whose most important traits are connectivity, wireless charging, and all that. Chevy simply has to have something super cool in store for it in the pipeline. Remember, we are talking about a company that is about to put an engine in the middle of the Corvette. Not exactly totally rational guys.

2. It Doesn’t Disappoint When it Comes to the Interior Either

The interior isn’t nearly as dull as other, similarly sized SUVs. It looks like Chevy actually transferred a lot of features from the Camaro, giving the interior of this unibody SUV a truly sporty note. The round vents are the most striking highlight, but I have to say that the 8-inch screen sitting on top of the leather covered cantilever feels as premium as it gets. Not really a trait many Chevrolet cars share, is it?

The top-end trim does evoke a sense of prestige, or, if nothing else, uniqueness. Surfaces covered in leather with prominent stitchings are another decorative element which serves to make the new Blazer a tad more appealing. Chevy noted in its press release that the creation of the cabin was focused on emphasizing space, craftsmanship, and customer personalization options. Craftsmanship isn’t exactly a word that is usually associated with any car, but it is with this car.

Other notable features include the padded knee area, cool grab handles on the doors, and even an electronic locking glove-box. These details tie the Blazer with something more than just a mass-produced CUV. GM certainly has enough experience with expensive stuff to slightly isolate the Blazer from the rest of the Chevy SUV lineup. Just look at the Cadillac XT5, or the GMC Acadia. Both of them are expensive, but both of them based on top of the same C1XX platform.

3. A 3.6-liter, V-6 With Just Enough Power for Brisk Performance

The 3.6-liter, V-6 is GM’s high-feature engine. It was developed in many iterations currently used by a number of GM cars - including the premium Cadillac XT5 and even by the Camaro. The one in the Blazer may be of a slightly different setup and develops 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine isn’t that special, and compared to the supercharged, turbocharged, or hybridized engines of the “premium competition,” it seems a bit underwhelming. However, it is a trusted and well-executed engine with enough torque and enough power for spirited performance and amazing sound, especially when coupled with an aftermarket exhaust system. What am I trying to say is this - if it is good enough for the best selling Cadillac car - the XT5, it is more than good enough for the Blazer.

I do expect GM to develop an even torquier and more powerful version. After all, with a couple of turbochargers, the power could surge well over 400 horsepower.

Looking at the Blazer RS, I’d expect that for sure.

4. Impressive Equipment Options Available

Bearing in mind that it does share its underpinnings with a number of GM SUVs/CUVs, the Chevrolet Blazer takes a lot of stuff for granted. Apart from the standard, eight-inch touchscreen, its buyers can opt for a multitude of different options including the Bose audio system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, up to six USB ports, hitch guidance, hitch view, a panoramic roof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

However, I find it most peculiar that Chevrolet chose the Blazer to introduce its first Cargo Management System. This is a seemingly simple rail system with an aluminum fence (and probably some other additions they failed to mention) which can be moved across the Blazer boot floor. Something like this has been available for Cadillac vehicles for a while now. This is the first time a feature like this has landed on a Chevy.

Apart from these pieces, Chevy will introduce a number of different personalization options, and a few more trim levels in addition to the Base, the RS, and the Premier.

Interestingly enough, Chevy was rather coy when talking about the safety equipment found in the new Blazer. However, if you zoom through the rest of the Chevy SUV offerings, you can be fairly certain that the new Blazer will receive equipment like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, among others.

5. Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

"The Chevrolet Blazer is more than just good looks," said Waqar Hashim, Blazer Chief Engineer. "Both the Ecotec® 2.5L four-cylinder engine and 3.6L V-6 engine are paired to Chevrolet's nine-speed automatic transmission, providing drivers a great balance between performance and efficiency."

This is an advanced transmission system geared towards exceptional efficiency and seamless gearshifts. To achieve such results, GM programmed it with smaller steps between gears which, apparently, contributes to seamless shifts. Plus, this is a transmission conforming with the start/stop systems and other needs such as brisk acceleration (it does have a short first gear.) Interestingly enough, the transmission does have a small accumulator which stores energy for seamless engine restarts.

This is how GM made their start/stop system so smooth.

While all of this does sound impressive, the Cadillac XT5 actually uses the Aisin eight-speed transmission which is one of the differentiating factors between it and the rest of the GM midsize SUVs.