General Motors has pulled the wraps off its 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, a vehicle that in no way reminds anyone of past vehicles bearing that heritage-steeped nameplate.
Sporting two rows of seating, an edgier profile than either its smaller Equinox sibling or its hulking Traverse big brother, and two engine choices, the Blazer’s main competition seems to be the Ford Edge, rather than its three-row GMC Acadia platform mate.
While the underpinnings and engines are shared with the Acadia (as well as other GM vehicles), the Blazer, which arrives early next year, has a sportier persona in mind. The rear glass is much further from the vertical than its stablemates. Its fenders bulge. Its roof floats, if only by a bit. The flat beltline appears high, the similarly straight roof low. Its stacked headlights, seemingly designed by Hyundai, lend a meaner look to this family hauler’s face.
GM claims those peepers, which place thin LED running lights on top and driving lamps slung below in large, crowded vents, are meant to reduce glare for other drivers. Overall, the impression is of a vehicle that’s lower and wider than its compatriots. Dare we say muscular? Athletic, maybe.
In terms of volume, there’s a whopping seven-tenths of a cubic foot more cargo space with the rear seats folded down than in the compact Equinox. At least there’s more power, as well as towing capacity. When equipped with the familiar 3.6-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque), the Blazer can manage up to 4,500 pounds on a rear hitch, or 1,000 lbs more than the Equinox when outfitted with the 2.0-liter turbo four.
Entry-level Blazers, simply called “Blazer” and not the traditional LS or LT or some variation thereof, come equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four making 193 hp and 188 lb-ft. Both engines put the power down through a nine-speed automatic, and both a feature stop/start system.
All Blazers leave the factory with adjustable Traction Select traction control, with all-wheel drive an option for all. The sportier mid-range RS trim seen here (GM calls it “sinister-looking,” tell us if you agree) and the top-flight Premier model can both be had with a twin-clutch AWD system that’s more suited to diverse road and weather conditions. And driving moods, one assumes.
Looks-wise, you’ll be able to tell a base Blazer apart from the others from its standard 18-inch aluminum wheels. RS and Premier trims can be outfitted with hoops as large as 21 inches. There’s also the matter of the grille. Blacked out and mesh-filled in RS guise, the fancy-pants Premier goes all in on the chrome.
GM says buyers can expect plenty of choice with the interior, with a number of colors and trims to choice from, depending on model. As you see below, there’s more of a horizontal motif going on here than in other GM crossovers. This impression of width, plus circular air vents, is meant to convey an impression of sport. We’re eager to see if the ride comes close to cashing that check.
Elsewhere, a panoramic sunroof is available, as is Chevy’s Cargo Management System, which segments the cargo area via rails and a fence. It’s standard on RS and Premiere.
Among the high-tech niceties are available Hitch View, which gives passengerless drivers a bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s rear, an electronic locking glove box to keep other people’s hands off whatever, and the ability to roll all four windows down en masse via the key fob. No one likes ass-searing leather. A feature seen on other GM models — hands-free power liftgate with logo projection — appears on RS and Premier.
Infotainment comes by way of an 8-inch touchscreen on all Blazers, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard kit.
That’s all GM’s willing to tell us right now, and, depending on your memories of past Blazers, it might be more than you need to hear. Reusing nameplates can be controversial, and we have no doubt many readers already have their shorts in a bunch over GM’s decision to slap a brawny name on a unibody crossover. Regardless, the vehicle fills a hole in the lineup, and the name rings a bell for many. Sad? Too bad.
Further details, including price, will have to wait until closer to the model’s production date.
[Images: General Motors]
Hopefully it’s surprisingly fun to drive, as it has nothing much in this write-up to commend it above the sea of similar vehicles.
Ugly as sin.
I’ll admit that I honestly kind of like the look of the RS version. I wish it had real exhaust pipes instead of trapezoid cut-outs, the floating pillar is super cliche, and the use of gloss black on the lower part of the body is questionable. But still, I think the “Camaro CUV” motif works okay here.
If it was on a RWD platform and shared the Camaro’s engine lineup it would be an interesting vehicle.
However, I’m 99.99% certain that it’s just going to a doughy driving Acadia-clone wearing a Camaro mask. You might say ” well, that’s what the market wants.” But then, why make a version that looks sporty in the first place?
“If it was on a RWD platform and shared the Camaro’s engine lineup it would be an interesting vehicle.”
Now *that* would be something. It would probably give it driving dynamics that would top its class by far. But, I understand why they built it the way they did. It probably would have less interior room, and 90% of buyers would not notice or care.
Once Ford gets around to putting an 8,9 or 10 speed tranny into these SUVs, they will be way more competitive than these newer entries.
Yeah, it’s not bad looking.
“You might say ” well, that’s what the market wants.” But then, why make a version that looks sporty in the first place?”
Excellent question. And since I wouldn’t buy this thing, I’m the wrong person to ask.
They’re kidding, right? That thing looks like the bastard love child of a Camaro and a Murano.
Ford’s new Bronco is going to eat this alive.
Since Ford will no longer build cars they might as well suck at building trucks and SUVs as well.
This and the Bronco will be two different animals. This is to compete with Edge.
I think this is designed to compete more with the Explorer even though it only seats 5 vs the Explorer’s 7.
Then what the hell is Traverse for? How would they compete for soccer moms and dads without a 3rd row? That’s the market that Explorer and Traverse target, this is for childless (or perhaps one child) couples who want the perceived sportyness of a utility without the family hauler image.
(Notice I said *perceived* sportyness, lol.)
Also, you’re kinda right, this is a Chevy designed to compete with Murano, so I’m not sure what else were you expecting. It shares a family resemblance to other Chevys, just like the Edge has a resemblance to other Fords, Murano resembles other Nissans, etc etc. I’m quite sure the upcoming Passport from Honda will look similar to other Hondas. Park this next to a Cruze, Malibu, hell even the Spark and the styling blends in, without being an exact copy on each vehicle. So, it borrows some aggressiveness from Camaro, I don’t see the problem.
The problem is don’t call it a Blazer because the original Blazers actually had some off-road chops where this obviously has none.
It has aggressiveness in style only. Underneath it’s just another mediocre GM front wheel drive unibody crossover.
I do get what you’re saying, but the fact is that its a recognized name and this is the segment they needed to be in. Like I said below, I’d rather it be used on a true SUV, but I understand why they chose the name for this.
At least it isn’t a highly-regarded car name like Chevelle or Bel Aire being applied to a utility vehicle. That would be far worse IMO.
“Ford’s new Bronco is going to eat this alive.”
Eh, doubtful. The Bronco isn’t going to be anything special.
Jeep will eat both of these and their children. This Blazer gives no reason to choose it over the far more capable Cherokee.
I think there lies the evidence. The Cherokee begat this and others like it. From a little hunting/fishing machine to a front-drive Fiat-engined school dropoff vehicle. And, as much as those of us who grew up with both the original AND Fiats (I had one that left me walking a bunch, thanks) might hate this, they sell every one they can build. THIS is what matters to them more than purity of original purpose.
The Cherokee doesn’t use any FIAT engines, does it? Just Chrysler-designed 2.4L and 3.2L engines, so far as I know.
I think I’d want mine in all-black, which hopefully would mute the “floating” C-pillar.
This vehicle has a beautiful grill design inspired by the Escala showcar. Probably better than the ageing Explorer in almost every way.
Ford – what a disgrace.
2 posts about Ford in an article about a Chevrolet. Seek professional help.
I’m thinking EcoBoostFlex finally decided to change his screen name. Same baseless ranting about Ford in not-Ford articles (obsession, much?), same poor grasp of the subject matter/facts/market/etc, same honorary disposition as if Ford Motor Company personally and intentionally ran down his beloved cat or something.
Your obsession with me really should be professionally diagnosed…
More than 2 now.
Really? This is to compete with “ageing” Explorer? Not with the Edge that is also two-row only? And the “ageing” Explorer’s replacement has already been announced and teased recently.
Your knowledge- what a disgrace.
Size wise this is closer to the Explorer. I wouldn’t be surprised if a 7 passenger version will follow. The Edge competes with the Equinox.
You’re thinking of the older version, Equinox has been downsized in its latest redesign, it’s now more the size of CRV, etc. Traverse competes with Explorer, not this.
As stated in the article, the rear area in this vehicle is barely larger than Equinox, so how is it closer to Explorer? This is targeting Edge and Murano. I’m sure if there were plans for a third row, the rear window rake would not be so aggressive and the interior room would be far greater than Equinox.
If they did a third row, I bet it would be on a China-only extended version.
Almost definitely. The XT5 uses the same platform as the Acadia, and the same wheelbase-variant of it (112.5”). Unlike the Acadia, the XT5 forgoes a third row, but is just a few inches shorter than the Acadia. Some of that could be down to bumper length.
Over at Toyota, we see a similar phenomenon. The Highlander and RX (not the RX-L) are exactly the same length. Yet, the RX gets a sleeker backlight and just two rows, while the boxier Highlander manages to stuff in a third row.
But it is funny how a raked rear roofline and lack of a third-row will trick the eye into thinking a vehicle is smaller than it is, especially if it has a counterpart that’s boxier with a third row.
Me, I would skip all of the midsize three-row crossovers, and go straight for the largest ones (Atlas, Traverse, Pilot…)
Could they put a reversed third row?
So, are we going to hear how ugly the grille is a la Lexus, or does it get a pass because its ohmahgawd a chevy? More ugly GM garbage, but oh look its a SUV so itll sell!!
There is a reason GM stock is 38.usd and Ford’s is languishing just under 12.
Comparing stock prices alone means nothing. I could issue stock at $100 per share but if it’s only ten shares, that’s not very impressive.
My comment was going to be a Camry-esque grill, given the upper bar and center emblem…what in hell has made that design so popular? It’s ugly on any car, including the new Buick…
“a Camry-esque grill, given the upper bar and center emblem”
Because no other Chevy has used this look recently? As in, all of them that aren’t BOF (and some that are, as in Colorado)?
I’m a fan. Looks like a butch RDX without the weirdo infotainment interface. What is the base engine, the 2.0T? Hoping in vain for a hybrid version.
I also think it looks pretty good. At a minimum, it is more interesting to look at than a number of other crossovers. With a 3.6 it may actually be pretty quick too. I assume they use the same 9 speed as the Traverse. The Traverse can reach 0-60 surprisingly quickly, with less mass than a Traverse, this could be fairly sprightly.
Though I do like the looks, I feel it borrows fairly heavily from the Murano, the grill too is definitely derivative. Still, nice overall design.
The kicker though is that it is in fact no bigger inside than the Equinox. Seems like a missed opportunity and will likely be cross shopped pretty heavily with it’s sibling.
A hybrid/electric or even diesel version would make this more appealing.
Oh my God, this is it!! *yawn* Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The segment is boring. The standard equipment and trim levels are boring. The chassis is boring. The powertrains are boring. The interior is boring. The suburbs where the Blazer will be driven exclusively are boring. The people who buy it will be boring. The Chevy marketing propaganda will be boring.
The exterior is not boring, but it’s also not desirable. The pricing will probably be offensive to anyone with a finance/accounting background.
Chances this gets my money: 0 out of 10
And yet, here you are, as you will be in every other new crossover announcement article. Can’t be that boring.
Right? If I’m not interested in the subject matter, I skip the article. Doesn’t seem to take a whole lot of effort to scroll past it and move on.
Not that I’m in the market for this or its competitors, but I don’t hate it and I do believe its important to the brand, so I’m interested.
@ sportyaccordy
Normally I look for an interesting angle, but Chevrolet baited me into considering the vehicle itself by tweeting pics of a Madmen extra in a pastel nutsedge jacket, gazing longingly at his own reflection in the window of the new Blazer (probably).
I’ve tried to reciprocate with a few data points of equal irrelevance and mediocrity for the marketing AI at Chevrolet.
Let us not become the sort of heartless curmudgeons that ignore the helpless, heavily-caffeinated shrieks of marketing interns who are struggling nobly, just 4 hours before the 8am social media blitz, to manufacture enough cool to make an overpriced, undifferentiated durable good go viral.
What interesting angle could there have been with a mainstream midsize crossover? You are just another wannabe Paul DeLorenzo who likes the sight of their own keystrokes.
And there are surprises here. This thing looks good. It has a good top end engine. It has the right equipment. What were you hoping for?
What we were hoping for: body-on-frame, off-road chops.
Follows the design cues of everyone else. Seems to have a fair amount of Nissan/Infiniti look to it.
Will I own one? Probably not.
Will the sell well? Most likely.
We can all hate them here, but this is what the market wants, and buys. I applaud the name though. Chevy needs to reuse the names of old more.
Some the names that are ripe (!) for re-use are Celebrity, Chevette, Vega, Biscayne… how about a new-for-2019 Beauville or Greenbrier van? A V8 Kingswood wagon would be a head-turner, with a base model Lakewood for the credit-challenged. And who could say “no” to an Apache pickup?
Agreed on all your points. I think it looks great, and I like the re-use of the name.
Are there Pedestrian Safety laws in North America that govern the ridiculous height of the cowl on current domestic cars or is every manufacturer hoping to keep cracking the EU market with imports? That was a hard sell last week – now it’s impossible. The above abomination looks like the ‘Jeep’ a friend owns that throws itself in Park when one of its many cameras detects several blades of grass.
Pretty sure GM has given up on Europe.
Glad they didn’t see fit to stuff a useless third row back there. Hopefully this will do for Chevy what the Edge has done for Ford and Murano has done for Nissan, ie attract buyers who would otherwise buy from a premium marque, and who wouldn’t be caught dead in something with a third row (because it screams “family truckster” like something from Wagon Queen).
Its not bad looking, I think it pulls off this headlight set-up better than Hyundai products, the thankfully departed Juke, or the pre-refresh Cherokee. I like the interior, hopefully it feels as good as it looks.
I wish them well with it. I predict it’ll do better than Toyota’s attempt at this segment, the ugly Venza.
Considering the last Blazer, I don’t think they had much to lose by going with the name. Better than “Traverse Sport”. Sure, I’d rather see it used on a Wrangler fighter, but this is the world we live in.
No love for the Venza? I liked the exterior. Where it fell apart was the interior. They should have grafted the Avalon’s dash in.
I too think this is a good effort. GM deserves a win here, and I’m a big fan of the midsize 2 row crossover. Spare me the vestigial 3rd rows.
Well, if they had called it the Camry wagon, it woulda been okay in my book, but then it likely would have been an even worse sales disaster, lol. It just didn’t project the sporty image the Murano and Edge did/do.
I too would be more interested in a two row utility, unless its very big like Suburban or Expedition EL.
However, if I was to get a utility, it would need to have some off-road ability, at least more so than a lifted car (like this) does. I have high hopes for the Bronco and the smaller off-road focused (albeit unibody) utility that will slot below it.
Since I don’t live in the snow belt, I wouldn’t need AWD on something like this or an Edge, yet a utility vehicle with two wheel drive seems pointless. With better off-road chops, I could use it for camping and what we call “mud riding”, which is exactly what it sounds like, usually taking place on unmaintained logging roads after, or during, a storm. I could also use it to travel up to the PNW during winter, as there is no way to get there except over a mountain pass, some of which require AWD/4WD or chains. Picture me *not* struggling with chains in the freezing cold, lol.
If I did get a crossover that is on sale today, it would probably be a Renegade. However, I’ve never driven one, so that isn’t set in stone.
Finally Chevy has a chance to outsell it’s Ford competition – makes the edge look old and dowdy. As far as current styling on cuvs go, this one is one of the more attractive options -which I guess doesn’t say much. But why does Chevy introduce vehicles that are supposed to be one size up, but offer less than 1 additional cubic foot of storage than the smaller size? I guess this is supposed to be the sporty version so practicality doesn’t matter?
Glad to see they have the all windows down feature on the key fob- only took 10 years to bring that from Opel.
Well, a 1987 Chevy Cavalier wagon makes the lower case e edge look old and dowdy, amirite? Its that damn blue oval.
The Ford Edge is a giant sh!t sandwich, John.
You really need to break free of your absolute, complete and farcical adulation of anything Ford, or, if you want to use such incredible, mindless cheerleading to your advantage financially, send in a trove of your posts on TTAC regarding anything Ford related, and see if they have some job opportunity for you in a promotional job.
Are there ANY cars in existence that you don’t think are “giant sh!t sandwiches” DW?
When everything is awful, nothing is awful. You are just complaining to complain.
“The Ford Edge is a giant sh!t sandwich, John.
You really need to break free of your absolute, complete and farcical adulation of anything Ford, or, if you want to use such incredible, mindless cheerleading to your advantage financially, send in a trove of your posts on TTAC regarding anything Ford related, and see if they have some job opportunity for you in a promotional job.”
I think little Johnny will need a trauma center after being so handily destroyed.
A car that screams that its owner has a prostate problem.
“OH MY GOD, I NEED TO TAKE A LEAK RIGHT NOW. RIGHT NOW. HERE. ON THE HIGHWAY. PEOPLE ARE WATCHING? FINE. LET THEM. I *WANT* THEM TO WATCH! Superbeta prostate. Just dial in and saaaay the key word: Bathroom!”
What a disgusting vehicle.
Wow.
Modern Toyota grille- had to mention that. It looks OK,l not horrid, so that’s a plus. Shows you how far styling has fallen. Now we get to play ‘Where did GM hide the CHEAPNESS’. Next- SportyAccordian is an oxymoron, even for ricers. @Fordson and ZipTie- oxymoron is not a comment about his intelligence, it denotes two words used together that have opposite meanings.
There is nothing about this that I find appealing. That probably means it is perfect for the typical GM customer.
@ToddAtlasF1
No such thing as a typical GM customer. Buyers come from all demographics and incomes.
I actually like the looks of this one on display. But the name? Why not bring the Trail Blazer name back as it would be a much more fitting name plate for this particular vehicle. They could even have a Trail Blazer SS and put in a twin turbo v6 with 390-420hp…
And with Ford bringing the Bronco back, (which I hope will be something to compete with the Jeep Wrangler) I see GM losing sales in this arena since they could easily build something to compete with those two vehicles.
TrailBlazer is being used on a BOF SUV sold elsewhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised if GM didn’t market this in some of the same places.
I would not be surprised if they *did* market this in some of those places. Sorry that I typed that wrong, lol.
It’s not my thing, but for what it is I actually have to say I think GM nailed the style.
They’ll sell a ton of these.
I’m a little sorry to see the name reused on a FWD crossover, but so is the world today.
U-G-L-Y. Worse yet, one would have to frequent the GM dealership for upkeep on this “thing”. The worst! I still have to complain about the dealership screwing my car up, I decided I won’t quietly forgive them—do I write the dealership or GM corporate? I want them to know they turned off a life-long GM buyer by their scummy service tactics!
GM does not own that dealership, and you do realize it isn’t the only GM dealer in the country, right? If one bad dealer ruined a car company for life, well, we would have no car companies left.
John, this isn’t a Ford, so butt out. Plus, your first sentence is just stupid!
Did I hurt your feelings by popping your pity party balloon? Awww.
Its stupid because its true? Or because you didn’t know or think of it?
GM dealers are independently owned, and there are plenty of them around, so you have a choice to not do business with one that treats you unfairly.
John, you clearly suffer from a low IQ. Where did I remotely insinuate that GM OWNS the dealership? Lol. Get in that Tempo, BTFU, and GTFO.
LEAVE~ME~ALONE!
Totally uncalled for, nomore99_. We don’t allow ad hominem attacks about people’s IQs. Also, if you post a comment, you should expect that people may disagree and respond as such.
Why don’t you go and peruse the guidelines for commenting here?
Many, but not all, people that purchase Guangzhou Motors vehicles deserve what they get, including a full lube by their scumbag dealerships. If they did even a moderate amount of research before purchasing a vehicle, they’d avoid going anywhere near a Guangzhou Motors vehicle, and avoid their pain & suffering.
Can you go be an idiot somewhere else?
@DeadWeight — I’ve had good luck with a 2016 Cruze Premier w/RS Package, although the non-defeatable start/stop is annoying. Still, I may get rid of it soon because (a) it’s bright blue, and therefore not as demure as I would like it to be, and (b) I want something RWD-based.
A CPO 5 Series, GS, E-Class, or G80 is on my list. I wouldn’t buy these new because of depreciation, and can’t lease. I will also consider a new 300S.
KYRIE
The 300 is a great car. I love the way it drives. 30 + MPG highway. Proper road stance. Rear Drive. Good for you.
Corey, even when GM gets something correct, which is rare in my experience and those I know, they somehow manage to screw it up. GM is genuinely an incredibly poorly run automaker.
Did you have any experience with the 1st gen Cruze, and if so, how do you compare/contrast it with your 2nd gen?
I advocated for the 1st Gen Cruze often (one of the few GM vehicles I preferred to competitors), because it had a solidity of style and chassis and driving dynamics that was more robust than many of its segment competitors lacked – it reminded me of a 1996 Toyota Corolla that way, which felt like a mini-Lexus in terms of that same solidity.
But the 2nd gen Cruze became flinty and hollowed out, IMO.
Do you agree?
Take a look at the Elantra Sport and the VW Golf (now with Anglos, long comprehensive warranty standard – 7 uears /70,000 miles) for your next vehicle if you stay in compact territory. Both are solid, well-priced offerings, and have well sorted chassis and very good interior styling and quality, IMO.
Kyree, not Corey – sorry, Kyree.
If you go to a larger car, put the 300s, MB E350 (last gen with low miles and 6 cylinder and factory warranty, a low mile Lexus LS 430 (really solid vehicles), or, stay with me here, at least try out the 2005/2006 MY Acura RL, which got ripped on, but which I found very solid and composed and good in terms of NVH (fit and finish was exceptional), but then which Acura proceeded to ruin completely in the next iteration.
I do agree that there was something more solid about the previous Cruze. My buddy’s ’17 Volt feels quite a bit more solid than my car, and not just because of the giant battery.
I would definitely consider another Golf SportWagen or a Golf Alltrack, and that’s the exception to my longitude-engined rule.
DeadWeight…What do you suggest? I’m currently looking at a Regal Sportback.
1. Camry – No Android auto
2. Accord – not enough legroom
3. Mazda 6 – No Android Auto
4. Altima – ain’t happening
5. Legacy – CVT
6. Sonata – seats were uncomfortable, center stack was confusing as hell
Only option left is an Optima, which I’m test driving this weekend. The Regal is at the top of my list.
The Regal is a great driving vehicle, and I and krhodes and some others who appreciate solid chassis and good, European driving dynamics were/are advocates for it (it’s an Opel in drag, as you prob are aware).
However, they are hated by many owners who bought new, and among the most quickly depreciating vehicles for some reason, and dealers offer incredibly low trade-in offers for them.
Of all the vehicles you mentioned, the Regal is the best driving, most solid, with a more upscale interior, even if rear seat space is more at a premium. Opel actually gets suspension tuning spot on, in my experience.
So, 1) I’d rather drive the Regal by a wide margin of vehicles you listed, but 2) get a gently used one from a private owner if you are able to (you might score one for a grand more than the incrediblynlow trading offers people get hit with by dealers, and 3) consider an extended, B2B warranty on it if you’re owning long term, because parts/labor are relatively expensive for it given that it’s basically a European vehicle.
I’m going to state for the record that I think this is one of the better styled CUVs in this segment.
With that said, the verdict regarding reliability/durability should be rightfully in serious question until proven otherwise, given the manufacturer.
Also, this seems like a highly duplicative move, where GM risks CUV saturation, especially since the Blazer name denotes some actual, capable off-road utility, and GM seems to have all the bases covered in terms of CUVs in this 5 or even 7 person (if they go with a 3rd row option, which will be inevitably a tight arrangement unless they seriously extend the length of this platform).
@DeadWeight
2 years and 43,000 miles of Chicago all weather driving with my Buick Regal. The car has been perfect. Only been in for fluid changes & tire rotations. Still with the original breaks and tires.
nomore99 – Guangzhou Motors Blazer TO BE MADE IN MEXICO
AND BOOM – GM TO BUILD NEW BLAZER IN MEXICO
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-mexico/gm-to-build-chevrolet-blazer-in-mexico-idUSKBN1JI069
“GM to build Chevrolet Blazer in Mexico
Reuters Staff
(Reuters) – General Motors Co (GM.N) is going ahead with its plan to manufacture the new Chevrolet Blazer SUV in Mexico, a spokesman for the automaker said on Thursday, despite criticism by U.S. President Donald Trump over making vehicles abroad.
FILE PHOTO: A logo of General Motors is pictured at its plant in Silao, in Guanajuato state, Mexico, November 9, 2017. Picture taken November 9, 2017. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido
Trump has been pressing automakers to build more vehicles in the United States under efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“We remain committed to working with the administration on a modernized NAFTA,” GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said, adding the decision was made years ago.
Trump has previously criticized GM for building vehicles in Mexico for sale in the United States….”
So, guys, why’d ya delete my comment? John called me (or DW) an idiot (please look up the definition of “idiot”, it means extreme mental retardation, extremely low on the IQ scale). I responded that his rebuttals were clearly indicative of a low IQ himself (for some reason he told me GM doesn’t own dealerships, lol, duh). I was called out for this by Kyree, John was not. I explained my comment was a response to his name-calling—and you deleted my response (and not his name-calling!). Wtf? You all need to attend a debate class and/or increase those IQs!
Children, play nice.
Same grill on a Toyota or Lexus. THAT’S SO HIDEOUS OMG I’M LITERALLY BEING RAPED. Same grill on a junk Chevy OMG THATS NOT BAD. GM TOTALLY NAILED IT THEY’LL SELL A TON.
Hmm, finally a solid, modern CUV offering by GM. They must have done their market research. It should sell OK, but they are starting to blur the lines of CUV?SUV class/size (as are the others). Sub-compact, compact, smaller mid-sized two row, bigger mid-sized two row, mid-sized three row, full sized three row.
Maybe GM will stick around a bit longer, just need to get rid of Buick, their mid/full sized family sedans and they are on their way.
your wrong, this new blazer is a total mess, it bears no resemblance to the originals from the 70’s to the 2000’s, everything about this new one is just pathetic, absolutely one of the year’s worst automobiles, shame on GM and chevy for this.
They mailed this in. A stale, day old design. They could have taken their competitor’s offerings and slapped a Chevy badge on them and nobody would be the wiser. The Bronco should crush this pos by default, but the blue oval is certainly capable of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
This competes with the Bronco like a Yukon competes with the Pathfinder. If anything the Bronco is going to lose this battle. Ford already has 2 4 passenger Raptors and there’s also this thing called the Jeep Wrangler. The market for “real off roaders” is probably about as big as the market for sports cars. Most people are just going to work or taking their kids to/from school…
You can’t call a vehicle a Blazer if the seat adjustment lever doesn’t break within the first four months of ownership. Or if the heater core doesn’t dump antifreeze on your feet. Or if you don’t have to crawl underneath it and hit the starter with a wrench to get the bastard to start. Nameplate legacy, please.
hahaha, spot on. as an owner of two prior S-10 Blazers (1993 and 1998), I can attest to broken seat adjustment levers and heater cores.
I never had to hit the starter with a wrench, however. My Blazers would start every time no matter what. They were a true testament to “a GM vehicle will run bad longer than most vehicles will run”
Also, I loved them, they were real trucks, despite their awful assembly and parts quality. They were still “durable” and capable off road
Look! Another “Me too” sh*tbox CUV!
Look! Another “me too” CUV hate post! Very valuable contribution.
Look! Another “Me too” sh*tbox CUV!…this car is what happens when people use auto design CliffsNotes. The crew that came up with this should have masks and guns when they pick up their paychecks. Slab design, check. Gun turret windows, check. Front end maw, check. Insipid.
The old man had a GMC Jimmy and, later, a Chevy Trailblazer. They were working SUVs, crawling up wooded Michigan hills and going down ancient logging roads while hauling a trailer full of firewood. The paint was scratched up, there was always some rust forming somewhere on the body, but they got the job done.
I wouldn’t dare give this Blazer the same kind of abuse it’s BoF forefathers saw.
Does anybody know how many MPG are saved with start/stop?
I F ing hate it.
My sister has a 10 month old XT5. Still HATES start/stop. Says she wouldnt have bought if she know she could not turn it off.
And thats from a non car girl – non techie person. I can only imagine how much I would DESPISE start/stop.
For all intents and purposes the savings are zero, the tiny fours that go in to almost everything now will idle for about six hours per gallon. So realistically you’re talking in the order of a few gallons per year.
Now consider that you paid in the order of 100 gallons of gas up front to have this idiotic feature included in your car in the first place.
Lack of specific data regarding the fuel savings from start-stop devices is the reason (ironically) why many new vehicles are equipped with the system.
The benefits of start-stop are not accurately measured by the testing drive cycles, but the EPA assumes they exist; therefore, manufacturers are given off cycle credits for equipping cars with start-stop. Pretty sure it must be non-defeatable as well.
The same sort of credits exist for high efficiency lighting and collision avoidance systems. In the future we should all be prepared for our vehicles to serenade us with a chorus of warning noises.
looks good, hot spot in market. glad to see classic name restored. now for once, let’s keep the inept marketers away. reasonable price with margin, have brochures distributed to dealers by announcement and well before any incentives. no 20% off sales, stair step incentives, flex cash, or other nonsense. get out of the way and let the dealers do their job. the results will be positively different.
History is Cyclical and it is officially 1975 again in the automotive world. Yes this thing is ugly, but it is ugly in the same way 90 percent of everything sold today is ugly so it’ll probably be a hit.
Nobody will be seeking one of these out in 20 years though. Sad.
Im off to test drive a Fiesta ST. Yeah, its ugly too but you have to look at it…at least its fun from the drivers seat. This is uglier than my wife’s Santa Fe Sport, which I hate.
It’s a nissan with a camaro dashboard.
I must be getting old, I’m not at all thrilled with the way the automotive landscape is moving. I still can’t put SUV/CUV and “sporty” together in a sentence. I can only imagine that this lunacy will continue and we’ll either have a new racing series devoted to CUV’s, or racing will die altogether.
Having said that, I’m sure this new Blazer will hit the sweet spot in the market and Chevy will sell boatloads of them. The base engine is surprising to me, and I’m guessing will be utterly disappointing. The only positive thing I have to say about the engines is at least they aren’t turbo’d like everything else on the market and you can still get a six cylinder. I’ll be in the market for a new vehicle soon, and despite having thousands of dollars on a GM card, I’m not seeing anything current at GM that I want to be stuck in for a number of years. Also, get off my lawn…
“a vehicle that in no way reminds anyone of past vehicles bearing that heritage-steeped nameplate.”
Eh, a lot of those past vehicles were hot garbage. Besides, it’s still two-box! That reminds me of past two-box Blazers…ya know, ALL of them!
All in all not bad looking. It’s as if the designers were allowed to design something without it getting watered down as usual.
I daresay it borrows a lot from the newly facelifted Camaro, only that model’s butcher looks just work better on a crossover.
As an owner of two prior Blazers (93 & 98), this is no Blazer, and I won’t be buying one.
That said, this looks like a FANTASTIC Toyota or Hyundai (without the Toyota reliability of course). they’ll sell a ton anyways and it will print money for GM.
This should actually be the new Malibu. That’s probably what GM is thinking…this is what people who would buy Malibu’s will now buy, since no one wants a sedan anymore.
Can’t wait for the “real people” commercials for this one.
“That’s a Blazer?”
Oooh, a Camaro-inspired interior backed by a standard 2.5L four cylinder. The styling will make it feel fast and the name will make it feel tough and these illusions are all that’s needed because as a CUV it is guaranteed to sell.
Chevy can do with the Blazer name what it wants, but placing it on this vehicle is similar to naming a Camry coupe the Supra. The ironic thing for this Chevy is that Ford and Nissan blazed this trail before them with the Explorer and Pathfinder.
Well, I suppose it has some style. There’s that.
Sorry Chevrolet, but that is NOT a Blazer.
What’s next? Slap SS396 emblems on a Sonic?
And, another lame Camaro-like instrument panel. Who was their consultant? Joe Dirt?
I don’t hate it, but they should’ve called it Cheyenne or something.
I dont like this one, but neither do I hate it. The roofline and windows are all a nice square shape with an AMC Gremlin back pillar.
My biggest complaint is the styling, it has the all too common oversized black grille up front mixed in with the typical tiny squinty headlights. Heck the close-upshot of the corner could be a Dodge Charger!
I hope GM resurrects the “XTREME”badge from the old Blazer just for the humor of it.
“I hope GM resurrects the ‘XTREME’ badge from the old Blazer just for the humor of it.”
Yes, this, a thousand times over. And I HATE the “EXTREME” label, and “XTREME” ever more.
Definitely the Comment Of The Day.
Forget our really crappy past from 1970 to 2017, this is our crappy future!
Its a Camaro SUV.. complete with Camaro’s GM value-engineered quality and reliability!!
Would it kill General Motors to make this in America?
Eh, it doesn’t offend me but who cares what I think? I’d never buy a CUV so they don’t have to market it to me. They’ll sell 10k/month, everyone from graduating seniors to senior citizens will be driving them. But not me, the 50yo dad with 2 kids under 10 and plenty of disposable income.
My question is though, how come I never heard a peep about this new offering until I got the email from Chevy yesterday morning? I’ve been hearing about the Bronco for years and I get the major auto mags and read about cars online every day. I have an SS in my garage so I get the promo emails from GM.
Anyway, I came up with a winning tag line for this one, JUST BLAZE. The kids’ll love it.
Interesting that they went for the Jeep Cherokee or Nissan Juke headlight position. Looks pretty good. Caprice would have been an interesting heritage name choice. Probably another nail in the coffin for the Impala as this will likely crush that model in sales.
These two-row cross overs are this era’s personal luxury coupe. Edge, Murano, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Infiniti Qx50 and Qx70, and the CUV “coupes” from BMW and M-B are all in this niche.