The new 2020 Chevy Blazer is ready for whatever you’re looking to throw at it, from cruising around town to heading out on an adventure over a long weekend. With seating for up to five, maximum available towing of 4,500 lbs, and plenty of power with the available 3.6L V6 engine – this midsize SUV is more than versatile enough for every occasion. But how does it stand out from the crowd? With dozens of SUVs to choose from between different manufacturers, it can be challenging to put a vehicle out there that checks all the boxes and hits the right notes. With the new Blazer, you might be pleasantly surprised at how appealing it really is.
Where it Stands
The 2020 Blazer is Chevrolet’s largest 2-row midsize offering and comes packed with features. Not to mention, it also comes with a rich history behind it. You may already be familiar with the Chevy Trailblazer, which has also seen a recent revival and revamp, but the Chevy Blazer dates back to the 1960s with the K5 Blazer and then the S-10 Blazer that was last seen in 2005. The Trailblazer was actually a trim on the S-10 Blazer until it became its own vehicle.
Now, we have the new and updated Chevy Blazer, which sits comfortably in the Chevy lineup between the Chevy Traverse and Chevy Equinox. The Chevy Traverse is the actual largest midsize SUV that Chevy offers, but since it has three rows, it’s a bit of a different category.
Trims and Engine Options
With six different trim levels available, there’s a lot to choose from on the 2020 Chevy Blazer. You have the L ($28,800), 1LT ($33,495), 2LT ($32,800), 3LT ($37,000), RS ($40,600), and Premier ($42,700). As far as pricing goes, the new Blazer offers a wide range of price points to decide between, ranging from just under the $30,000 mark to barely over $40,000. As you advance through the trim levels, you’ll see a lot of added features, especially among the engine options and drivetrains.
There are three different engines available on the 2020 Chevy Blazer, but they won’t all be options on each trim level. In general, you can expect to see the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine as the standard option on the lower trim levels. This engine has an output of 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque—enough power to get you going and keep things comfortable.
As you move up in trims, you’ll find the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine as the standard option. This engine has a GM-estimated output of 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, so it’s a sizeable increase over the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. However, the highest trim levels come standard with a 3.6L V6 engine with an output of 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Now, this is where you’ll find the performance you would want to be associated with your midsize SUV. All engines are paired with an appropriate 9-speed automatic transmission.
While both the Blazer 2LT and 3LT models come with the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine, they do also have the available option for the 3.6L V6 engine. The availability of AWD capabilities starts at the Blazer 2LT and goes all the way through to the Blazer Premier. So if you’re interested in a Blazer L or Blazer 1LT, keep in mind, they won’t have any AWD capabilities. And if you’re looking for towing capabilities, the maximum 4,500 lbs limit is established only when you have the 3.6L V6 engine equipped along with AWD and the available Trailering Package. Along with the maximum cargo capacity of 64.2 cu.ft., that’s plenty of space for all of the gear and luggage you might need to pack for your next trip. Adjustable and flat-folding second-row seats make it easy to adjust your cargo area as needed.
Interior and Safety Features
All 2020 Chevy Blazers come with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, which makes it easy for you and your passengers to stay connected when you’re away from home. With the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, you also have Bluetooth connectivity and streaming, voice command pass-through to phone, and both Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities.
The Blazer RS and Premier trim levels will, of course, have some additional luxury and convenience features. Count on having a sizable 8-inch driver information center display, ambient interior lighting, heated steering wheel, and an 8-inch HD color touchscreen. Both the driver and front passenger seats also come with heating capabilities.
For safety features, all models have an HD Rear Vision Camera, LED daytime running lamps, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services capabilities, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Blazer RS and Premier models also come with advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. More features are available as add-ons, like forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning.
Exterior Features
A big part of the appeal of the 2020 Chevy Blazer is its looks. With narrow headlights and a large black front grille, the Blazer looks like the ideal vehicle to cruise around in style. One might say the ever-popular Chevy Camaro has inspired the looks – and one would probably be correct in that assumption.
Although the Blazer RS model isn’t the most expensive trim available, it may be arguably the best looking. On the RS, you get a very sporty looking SUV that becomes even sportier. The custom black mesh grille and black bowtie emblem make this model seem even more aggressive than the others. Dark Android 20-inch aluminum wheels and all-season blackwall tires help to set the mood even more. If you opt for an exterior color like Red Hot, it can go well with all the black accents. Plus, the Blazer RS has red trim throughout the interior, so it’s a perfect pairing.
The Blazer Premier is more about a chromed-out look to go with the Blazer aggressiveness, while other Blazer models come with a horizontal black grille and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Is There Substance Along With Style?
Looks are one thing, but there has to be something beyond the outward appearance to be a complete vehicle. When you consider the standard technology and safety features available, you get headed on the right track. With AWD and a 3.6L V6 engine, you’re definitely in the right place. The advanced safety features may not be as widely available as on some other manufacturers, but they are there, you’ll just have to head to the upper trims for them.
Overall, it looks like Chevy has put out a very widely appealing midsize 2-row SUV that should go down well with its customer base. The looks will draw in new fans, and the features and options will set them down the path of lifelong Chevy enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile midsize SUV with plenty of style, then look no further – the 2020 Chevy Blazer is here and ready to hit the road or trail, it’s your preference.
