The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is set to burst onto the scene next year as yet another choice for crossover-hungry consumers. Judging by the reaction thus far, people are excited about the new Blazer’s bold, athletic exterior and the cabin that draws design cues from the Camaro. Plus, the Blazer name is already familiar, having appeared on Chevy SUVs since the 1980s (with or without the word “Trail” that has permanently hit the trail out of town).
This reborn Chevy Blazer will arrive in dealerships in early 2019, right around the same time we’ll get our first drive of this new five-passenger midsize crossover. Until then, let’s review all the specs, features and pricing details we know so far.
How big is it?
Chevy has not released full dimensions for the 2019 Blazer, but on the outside at least, it will slot in between the Equinox and Traverse. We do know, however, that the Blazer will have 64.2 cubic-feet of cargo space when the rear seats are flattened. That’s only about a cube more than the Equinox, meaning the Blazer is much closer in size to its little brother than its jumbo, three-row one (98.2 cubic feet). We would expect the Blazer to be a bit wider than the Equinox, though, and its sliding rear seat could afford it some extra legroom.
What engines are available?
The 2019 Blazer will come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. We don’t know how much the Blazer will weigh, and although GM has done an admirable job of reducing weight throughout its lineup, we’re guessing that won’t be enough oomph for many consumers — especially when you consider that of those above competitors, only the Santa Fe offers a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
The Blazer’s top four trim levels come with a 3.6-liter V6 good for 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. That would be considerably more horsepower than its competitors. Considering that the much larger Traverse has been clocked from zero to 60 mph in the mid-6-second range, it’s possible that the Blazer could be a bit of a scorcher with this engine.
With either engine, a nine-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard. The V6 can be paired with one of two all-wheel-drive systems (availability depends on trim level). The lesser version can disconnect the rear axle to save fuel, but this disconnection is not automatic — the driver must press a button. RS and Premier models have a “sophisticated twin-clutch AWD” system that we assume is similar (if possibly the same) as the torque-vectoring system found in various Buicks and the Cadillac XT5. It automatically sends power front and rear, and then between the left and right rear wheels that benefits low-traction situations as well as dry-road handling.