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The mild content changes coming to Chevrolet’s midsize Blazer for 2021 were the talk of the town last month, though it’s entirely possible people were talking about Blazer for a very different reason…
Regardless, one of the changes not talked about by either the public or General Motors is something first aired by the EPA.
Noticed by GM Authority, the 2021 Blazer gains upgraded EPA fuel efficiency ratings for 2021, though only when outfitted with the uplevel 2.0-liter four-cylinder. At least, so far as we know. The agency hasn’t gotten around to testing all ’21 Blazers.
The base 2.5-liter FWD model stays put at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, and the jury’s out on the 3.6-liter V6 models. Last year saw V6 Blazers rated at 21 mpg combined for both front-drive and all-wheel drive, with the highway crown going to the FWD model. (The top-rung Premier trim adds a FWD option for ’21).
As for the 2.0L (230 hp, 258 lb-ft), an engine that appeared as a mid-level offering one year after the model’s MY2019 debut, models so equipped can now go further on a gallon of gas. The EPA rates the 2021 FWD 2.0L model at 22 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. AWD 2.0L models earn a rating of 22/27/24.
These figures are both up 1 mpg on the combined cycle when compared to 2020 models. The reason for the MPG upgrade isn’t clear, as the engine and nine-speed automatic carry over for the new year. Perhaps a change of rubber? We don’t know for sure.
Regardless of the cause, Chevrolet’s Blazer isn’t going anywhere. Positioned strategically between the Equinox and Traverse, the two-row midsize donned a name and a manufacturing locale that angered Americans, but that didn’t stop them from buying more than 58,000 of them last year. In the first half of 2020, 41,870 Blazers rolled out of dealers — more units than the popular Chevy Colorado.
[Image: Image: © 2019 Chris Tonn/TTAC]
No wonder the RAV4 Hybrid sells so well. 21 mpg in a small vehicle gets old.
Not so sure I’d consider the Blazer “small”.
Mine with the 2.5 engine and fwd only consistently gets 25/26 in everyday use. And the great ratio spread of the 9 speed gives all the performance I want. This is 8-10 mpg better than the Cadillac SRX v6 awd that it replaced. I’m a happy customer.
My 1997 C1500 Pickup consistently gets 19MPG in everyday use. Your vehicle is 20 years newer, has an engine half the size, has 5 more gears, weighs significantly less, and is much more aerodynamic. Yet it only gets 6MPG better?
This is progress?
19 mpg in a C1500 is laughable.
But taking your claim at face value, 6 mpg is a 32% increase, and a 2020 vehicle is substantially cleaner and safer than anything from 1997, and probably faster. Plus, Bluetooth.
So yes, that’s progress.
I calculate the mileage at every fillup so I’m not sure why you’re saying it’s “laughable”. The new Blazer is likely faster because of the 9 gears I’ll give it that. As for Bluetooth I have a $90 aftermarket radio that offers me that.
You have to admit that a vehicle like this should be offering more than a 32% increase. 20+ years of technology improvements should do better.
“You have to admit that a vehicle like this should be offering more than a 32% increase. 20+ years of technology improvements should do better.”
I think it’s fine.
Shhhhhhh….Estas son cosas de las que no hablamos. Todo está bien.
Doesn’t sound that great but some quick checking.
Ford Edge 2.0L AWD 21/28/23
Honda Passport 3.5L AWD 19/24/21
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L AWD 20/26/22
Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L 4WD 18/25/21
The Blazer is right up there for best in the midsize 5 Seat SUV class.
In C&D test loop the Hemi V8 Grand Cherokee returned better fuel economy than the 6 cyl model.
Stop with that…you’re inserting data into the discussion!
The Grand Cherokee has a real 4wd system and a large V6 engine that can actually do more than drive down a dirt road. These 2.0L engines with a haldex style “awd” system really should be getting better MPG.
Much like some recent engines from VW the GM HT2000 is very much not a performance 2.0T.
The XT5 here weighs about the same as the Blazer and it turns in some below middling times:
caranddriver.com/reviews/a32882797/
2020-cadillac-xt5-2-0l-fwd-by-the-numbers/
A turbo Blazer is likely *at least* a second slower than the V6 version in every metric and will probably compete with the Hyundai for slowest optional engine in the class.
Alas, the Chevy never gets out of fashion. It gets amazing with time.