The Chevrolet Blazer is a nameplate used by General Motors for the Chevrolet division since 1969 for SUV and crossover models.
Chevrolet Blazer Introduction
Although many SUV fans had high hopes that the new Blazer would follow Ford's lead in reviving an old favorite when the company announced intentions to bring back the Bronco at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the vehicle ultimately failed to live up to those expectations. However, there are still plenty of classic Blazers to reminisce over, so it's not all bad.
History of the Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Blazer K5 Blazer (1969–1995)
Since the 1930s, Chevrolet has manufactured the massive truck-based wagon known as the Carryall/Suburban. Thus, the company was already well-versed in the SUV market. Even though it had the option of four-wheel drive, the Suburban didn't appeal to the same audience as the smaller vehicles that Ford and Jeep offered. However, in 1969, Chevrolet pushed out with the K5 Blazer, one-upping competitors to capture younger shoppers. Chevy provided two significant benefits by modeling the K5 after the popular short-box K10 pickup. First, the cabin provided a vast storage and living area because of its larger-than-average dimensions. Second, it had a more comfortable ride on the pavement thanks to its wider track and longer wheelbase. The Chevrolet K5 Blazer was an immediate hit, quickly dominating the sport utility vehicle market. In 1970, GMC released the Jimmy—their take on the Blazer. Both models were nearly identical, with a few cosmetic differences. Buyers were immediately drawn to the two-sport utility because of its stylish yet functional design. As a result, Ford and Jeep were left playing catch-up as Dodge rushed to market with the Ramcharger in the middle of the decade. The revenue of the original Blazer multiplied by a staggering ten by the end of its first full year on the market. The Blazer hit its "sweet spot" between generations from 1973 to 1975, when it combined the classic full-convertible body style with the advanced mechanicals of the next-generation pickup truck. However, the K5's retractable roof transformed in 1976, becoming a fiberglass shell just above the back passengers that could be unlatched and kept in the garage without compromising protection for the driver and front passenger. The rest of the Blazers manufactured have this updated design. Chevy realized those specific customers wouldn't need all the room afforded by the K5 Blazer, so they released the more compact and manageable S-10 Blazer. Based on the S-10 pickup truck, the Blazer debuted for the 1983 model year with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 83 horsepower. The S-10 Blazer also lacked a retractable roof like its larger sibling. Although exclusively available as a two-door from 1983–1990, Chevrolet finally introduced a four-door, S-10 Blazer in 1991, riding on a wheelbase that was 6.5 inches longer than its predecessor's. Starting with the third-generation K5 Blazer, released in 1992, no longer did any models come with a removable roof but rather a permanently installed steel top. In 1994, the large Blazer's final year of production, a 6.5L turbocharged diesel V8 engine was added to the range, producing 180 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque.
Chevrolet Blazer 5 Doors (1995–2005)
In 1995, Chevrolet released the Blazer as an SUV that could be driven everywhere thanks to its combination of on-road competence and off-road prowess. The 1995 Blazer was designed to be a family vehicle rather than a serious off-roader, thanks to its rounded body and front-independent suspension. GM executives believed that people who enjoyed the K5 when they were younger would also enjoy the new car's comfort and convenience. GM used the same 4.3L V6 engine with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission under the hood. GM offered the SUV with a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive system, acknowledging that the latter was not mandated in all regions. Both high and low gears were available in the transfer case of the latter.
Chevrolet Blazer 3 Doors (1995–2005)
The 1995 Blazer had the unenviable task of carrying on the K5 legacy, which customers admired in the off-roading world. This was not the case with the Blazer three-door. The 1995 Blazer was marketed as a family car rather than a serious off-roader due to its rounded design and independent front suspension. GM created the three-door model for parents who had already outgrown their need for a nursery or lacked time to devote to the project. The design was more sporty and functional. The Blazer's interior was outfitted with standard fabric seats, and velour upholstery was available.
Chevrolet Blazer (2019–2022)
Does the name "Blazer" sound familiar to you? To put it mildly, it really ought to—the reason being that Chevrolet employed its utilization in the 1970s. It wasn't an actual sport utility vehicle, but SUVs were hardly mainstream back then. Still, the classic Blazer served its owners as a reliable mode of transportation. The new Blazer's muscular design won us over; with its slim headlamps, it evokes a Camaro but in SUV form. Despite the common belief that an SUV can drive through light mud without issue, GMC did not build the Blazer for such conditions. The car had a stylish honeycomb grille at the front that you could open for airflow. As an added downside, the vehicle had insufficient ground clearance. However, such elegance did not come cheap, with consumers forking over $40,000.
Chevrolet Blazer (Present)
In 2022, Chevrolet released a facelifted version of the Blazer SUV, a significant improvement over its predecessor. While the 2022 Blazer cannot be opposed to the earlier K5 Blazer in terms of off-road capabilities, there is still more to discuss regarding comfort and safety. The old trail warrior fell short of what the new Blazer excelled at. GM still used the same engine and transmission combinations under the hood. The entry-level model was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4, while the top-of-the-line variant featured a 3.6-L V6 with direct fuel injection.
Price
For the 2022 model year, Chevrolet retails the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $34,795 for the 2LT (base model), rising to higher prices at more luxurious trims: 2LT - $34,795, 3LT - $38,795, RS - $42,370 and Premier - $42,370
Features of the Chevrolet Blazer
Exterior Features
Chevy nailed it with the Blazer's design, so it's hardly surprising that the carmaker isn't tinkering with what works. Its huge grille is divided in the middle by a bar that displays the Chevrolet golden bowtie, a design cue taken directly from the iconic Camaro. HID headlights come standard on all models, but LED units are available as an upgrade on the RS and Premier. Other than the base 2LT model, all other trims come standard with a power panoramic sunroof. This year, the Premier also has dark rocker panels, front and back fascias, wheel-arch moldings, and its lighter characteristic grille with silver roof rails. LED taillights and LED daytime running lights to complement the steeply slanted headlights, which converge at the center of the chrome horizontal grille bar. Standard 18-inch alloys fit the large wheel wells, while larger 20- and 21-inch wheels are available in different options. The upper trims feature a hands-free, gesture-controlled power liftgate, while the base model, the 3LT, has a programmable power liftgate.
Interior Features
The Chevy Camaro influenced the Blazer's interior design, including a simple temperature control system with round vents below the center stack. You may fine-tune the climate control by twisting these vents. The two-tone color scheme and flexible plastics are aesthetically pleasing touches. While higher-end models get leather upholstery and other upscale touches, the middle tier includes some inexpensive accent pieces and a monotone color scheme. Ambient lighting, front, and rear heated seats, and rear air conditioning are just a few of the attractive features of the Blazer. While the front seats' thin cushions offer little support, the back seats provide plenty of room to spread out, making even long trips more bearable. Several options exist for stowing away small items, such as the ledges on the door panels up front that are just right for a smartphone. There's also a large, unstructured container in the front of the center console for your convenience. The backseat is modest, with only a bin at the end of the console and some meager storage in the doors.
Standard Features
2LT Trim
- Rearview Camera
- Keyless Entry
- Push-Button Start
- Cruise Control
- Manually Tilting/Telescoping Steering Column
- Eight-Way Electrically Adjustable Driver's Seat
- Power Accessories
- Color 4.2-Inch Driver-Information Display
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Rear-Seat Air Vents
- Forward-Collision Avoidance
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Lane-Departure Warning
3LT Trim
- 2LT Features
- Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror
- Heated Front Seats
- Leather Upholstery
- Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- Universal Home Remote
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Lane Change Alert
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
RS Trim
- Above Features
- Eight-Inch Driver-Information Center
- 120-Volt Power Outlet
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Ventilated Front Seats (Standard on Premier)
- Heated Rear Outboard Seats (Standard on Premier)
Optional Features
Driver Confidence II
- Washer
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- LED Headlights
- HD Surround Vision
- Upgraded Automatic Emergency Braking
Infotainment Features
- Eight-Inch Touchscreen
- Bluetooth
- Wireless Apple Carplay
- Android Auto
- SiriusXM
- Amazon Alexa
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Six-Speaker Sound System
RS and Higher Trims
- 3 Plus Systems
- Navigation
- Voice Recognition
- In-Vehicle App Capability
- HD Color Touchscreen
- Two USB Data Ports
- Two Charging Ports
- SD Card Reader
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Eight-Speaker Premium Bose Audio System
Safety Features
- ABS
- Stability and Traction Control
- Dual Front Airbags
- Driver Knee Airbag
- Front Side Airbags
- Side Curtain Airbags
- Rearview Camera
- Teen Driver System
- Forward-Collision Alert
- Pedestrian Detection
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Lane-Departure Warning
Top Trims
- Blind-Spot Alert
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Change Alert
- Rear Parking Assist
- Surround-View Camera
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Safety Alert Seat