In segment mostly filled with anonymous kid haulers, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer stands apart with eye-catching styling inspired by the Camaro. Its driving experience also evokes Chevy’s modern muscle car, demonstrating a degree of handling precision not expected for this segment. Certainly, if you’re looking for something zestier and more memorable than the segment norm, the Blazer is definitely worth a look.
However, its sub-par interior quality and unremarkable space make for questionable value. Some could argue that it also doesn’t go far enough to achieve the Camaro-inspired, performance-oriented SUV its styling promises and that Chevy is most definitely capable of. Basically, we think it should be even zestier or just nicer given its price tag.
What’s the Blazer’s interior and in-car technology like?
On the one hand, the Blazer interior impresses with its Camaro-inspired design elements — note the rotary air vents/climate controls in particular — that make it look as special inside as it does on the outside.
At least the Blazer’s infotainment offerings are better and more abundant than most. Every version gets an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE in-car WiFi, OnStar and four USB ports, including a new USB-C port (the small one). That standard touchscreen is GM’s latest, which is pretty easy to use with big, clear icons and a sensible menu structure.
The Blazer RS ($41,795) gets special styling and 20-inch wheels plus integrated navigation, a cargo management system, an upgraded instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.
The Blazer Premier ($43,895) loses the RS’ various gloss black trim pieces in favor of chromed pieces and different 20-inch wheels. It also adds a Bose sound system upgrade, driver memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. These extras are available on the RS within its Enhanced Convenience and Driver Confidence II Package.
Also included in that package, along with the Premier’s Driver Confidence II Package, are various active safety features described below in the safety section. Wireless smartphone charging is also included in those packages.
What’s Blazer’s safety equipment and crash ratings?
While many other SUVs come standard with accident avoidance technologies, the Blazer keeps them exclusive to the top trim levels, and even then, only as options. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning are included starting with the 3LT trim, but forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and GM’s Safety Alert Seat can only be had as part of the Driver Confidence II package.