At Least One Chevrolet Blazer Ekes Out Better Mileage for 2021

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems
at least one chevrolet blazer ekes out better mileage for 2021

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]

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  • Ajla Ajla on Aug 13, 2020

    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.

  • Jarred Fitzgerald Jarred Fitzgerald on Aug 14, 2020

    Alas, the Chevy never gets out of fashion. It gets amazing with time.

  • Abrar Very easy and understanding explanation about brake paint
  • MaintenanceCosts We need cheaper batteries. This is a difficult proposition at $50k base/$60k as tested but would be pretty compelling at $40k base/$50k as tested.
  • Scott ?Wonder what Toyota will be using when they enter the market?
  • Fred The bigger issue is what happens to the other systems as demand dwindles? Will thet convert or will they just just shut down?
  • Roger hopkins Why do they all have to be 4 door??? Why not a "cab & a half" and a bit longer box. This is just another station wagon of the 21st century. Maybe they should put fake woodgrain on the side lol...
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