The 2021 Chevy Blazer is the latest incarnation of a rather storied name. First debuting in 1969, the Chevy Blazer was created with the goal of offering competition to popular off-road vehicles of the era, such as the Ford Bronco and International Harvester Scout. Larger than either competitor, the Blazer combined off-road performance with luxury features. The full-size K5 Blazer was later joined by a smaller S-10 Blazer. However, over time the automotive market evolved, with off-road performance becoming overshadowed by comfort and efficiency. The trend toward luxury that the Blazer itself had started proved to be its own downfall and the Blazer name disappeared from the Chevy lineup after 2005.
The larger Blazer model was replaced by the more luxurious Chevy Tahoe, while the smaller Blazer was phased out in favor of efficient crossovers such as the Equinox and Traverse. However, 14 years later, Chevy decided to bring back the Blazer name with an all-new SUV designed for the modern market. Combining comfort, performance, and good looks in a midsize package, the new Blazer was an instant hit. The return of the Blazer in 2019 brought back a classic and well-loved vehicle for a new generation and gave Chevy fans another option in its already expansive SUV lineup.
Blaze Ahead with Three Powerful Engines
The base model Chevrolet Blazer has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, providing a solid but not particularly noteworthy driving experience. However, that is just the beginning of what the Blazer has to offer. The mid trims come standard with a 2.0-liter engine generating 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving the Blazer decent acceleration and improving fuel economy to a remarkable 25 MPG combined. But the best engine is the 3.6-liter V6 that is optional on the mid trims and standard on the top trims. With 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, this engine supplies plenty of power for passing on the highway or launching from a stoplight. In fact, it is over 50% more powerful than the 5.7-liter V8 engine offered in the last generation of the full-size Blazer.
To get the most performance out of the 2021 Blazer, opt for the sporty RS trim. This version comes standard with the V6 engine and offers an advanced twin-clutch all-wheel drive system. Not only does this setup provide you with more traction when off-road or in bad weather, but the twin-clutch system can shift power laterally between the rear wheels in a similar manner to the electronic limited-slip differentials you will find in the high-performance packages for the Camaro or Corvette. The RS trim also comes standard with 20″ wheels and has the option for even larger 21″ wheels, further enhancing handling.
But the advantage of the V6 engine isn’t limited to sporty high-speed driving – selecting it also unlocks the towing package. For the 2019 and 2020 model years, the towing package was only available on Blazers with both the V6 engine and all-wheel drive. But for the 2021 Blazer, the tow package can now be fitted on all V6 vehicles, including those with front-wheel drive. If you aren’t planning on venturing off-road and live in an area with nice weather, then this change can save you some money upfront and at the pump. With the package equipped, the 2021 Chevy Blazer can tow up to 4,500 lbs, which is quite an impressive figure for a midsize SUV.
Sharp, Modern Looks
Look closely at a 2021 Chevy Blazer, and you will see more than a passing resemblance to the latest Camaro models. Gone are the smooth curves of older Chevy designs, replaced by a sharp and modern look. These looks can be further enhanced with a variety of exterior color options, including Bright Blue, Cayenne Orange, Red Hot, and other flashy colors more commonly found on sports cars than SUVs. The RS trim and Redline Edition even offer blacked out trim and emblems for an even sportier look. But don’t worry – there are also plenty of subdued hues and bright chrome if you prefer a more traditional look.
Interior Features
The interior design of the 2021 Chevy Blazer is also inspired by the Chevy Camaro. Soft-touch plastics and a two-tone color scheme are offered in the basic model with mostly grayscale features on the interior. The fancier, more expensive models offer leather interiors as well as plenty of luxury features from seat position memory settings to a heated steering wheel. Heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats, are also available for greater comfort in cold weather.
Plenty of cargo space may well be one of the better features provided by the 2021 Chevy Blazer. With door pockets, a cubby between the front seats, and a bin for the back seats, you will never run out of room for all your small items. When it comes to moving larger cargo, there are 31 cubic feet of space offered behind the back seats. This available storage space expands to 64 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down. The back seats fold down with a 60/40 split, and there is also a flexible cargo partition as well as a horizontal cargo net.
The standard technology package offered on the 2021 Chevy Blazer includes many of the most common features a buyer might expect. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system comes with connected navigation and offers an 8″ diagonal touch screen, while an 8-speaker Bose premium system ensures clear sound anywhere in the vehicle. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the vehicle even has an available wireless charging pad. There are also USB plugs available for the front and back seats. Alexa is even an option, allowing your vehicle to sync with your smart home technology.
Safety and Technology
New for the 2021 model year, the Chevy Safety Assist Package has been expanded to even more trims. This package includes lane keep assist with an audible lane departure warning. It also has automatic emergency braking, meaning the vehicle will brake on its own in an emergency situation. A forward collision alert and following distance indicator further reduce the risk of frontal collisions. IntelliBeam headlights offer better visibility and round out the vehicle’s safety features from the front.
There is also an improved Driver Confidence II package. This adds a number of valuable tech features from HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control to wireless phone charging LED headlights. However, this package is mainly for convenience rather than safety. Even with just the basic features, the 2021 Chevy Blazer is an incredibly safe vehicle that you can count on to protect you and your passengers when you are out on the roads.
While it may not be an off-road machine like its namesake, every aspect of the new Blazer was designed to meet all the requirements of a modern driver. A new era requires a new way of thinking, and the engineers at Chevy did a remarkable job reimagining what the Blazer could be. With excellent safety, luxurious comfort, and exceptional performance, the current midsize SUV fully lives up to the legendary Blazer name. If you are in the market for a new SUV, it is difficult to go wrong with a 2021 Chevy Blazer.
