Fancy the look of the Camaro but are more of an SUV person? In that case, the new Chevrolet Blazer might be just the ride for you.
Besides resurrecting an iconic moniker after more than a decade, the new Blazer has nothing in common with its predecessors. Instead, it focuses on modern tech and convenience features, wrapping everything up under a bold new design and targeting those who are in the market for a mid-size SUV.
Camaro-style influences can be seen inside, too, yet the overall vibe is a stylish one. It features the company’s most recent infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is easy to use according to ConsumerReports. Space on the rear bench is somewhat tight for a mid-size SUV, but cargo area is good. Also, picky users will notice some cheap plastics, but nothing that cannot be ignored in the end.
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On the go, the new Blazer feels just the way it looks: modern. The handling is good and the suspension does a fairly good job at absorbing most bumps, yet the ride is bound to get bouncier on irregular surfaces.
The 3.6-liter V6 provides sufficient pulling power. It pushes out 305 hp (309 PS / 228 kW) and 269 lb-ft (365 Nm) of torque, and the 9-speed automatic transmission that comes with it provides smooth gear shifts. Base models are, however, offered with a 193 hp (196 PS / 144 kW) and 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque 2.5-liter inline-four.
The 2019 Blazer starts at just under $29,000. This makes it about $1,000 cheaper than the entry-level Ford Edge and $4,500 more expensive than the Hyundai Santa Fe. Go for the V6 and all-wheel drive system, though, and add a few options, and the price exceeds the $40k mark – which puts it into Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC territory.