Photo: Chevrolet
Once a body-on-frame sport utility vehicle that used to sell better than Ford’s mighty Bronco, the Blazer was revived in the guise of unibody for the 2019 model year. A refresh was introduced for the 2023 model year, but unfortunately for some of us, the Blazer still is an uninspiring crossover.
The sticker price of $34,800 for the front-driven 2LT with the 2.0-liter turbo and nine-speed automatic isn’t particularly tantalizing either. The Subaru Outback is much better value at $28,395 sans destination freight charge, although some peeps may not consider it because it’s a lifted wagon. In terms of SUV-bodied rivals, the Toyota Highlander is a very smart pick.
Those intent on the Blazer will be glad to hear that Chevrolet has them covered with plenty of trim levels, all-wheel drive, and V6 oomph. The all-wheel-drive system adds $2,700 to the base trim as per the configurator.
Customers in the market for the naturally-aspirated V6 are required to step up to 3LT or higher trim levels. The 3LT with the six-cylinder option costs $500 more than the four-cylinder turbo. Codenamed LSY, the smaller engine cranks out a very respectable 228 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 247 pound-foot (335 Nm) at 1,500 revolutions per minute.
The V6 is good for 308 hp at 6,700 rpm and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) at 5,000 rpm, and it’s also paired with a nine-speed automatic. Internally referred to as 9Txx, the GM-developed gearbox is notorious for all the wrong reasons.
Higher than the 3LT sits the RS, whose all-wheel-drive system is a twin-clutch affair that optimizes traction regardless of conditions. If specified with AWD, the Premier also flaunts the twin-clutch rear drive unit. A grand total of nine paint options are offered for MY23 as per the order guide.
No-cost hues include Black, Summit White, Red Hot, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Copper Bronze Metallic. Extra-cost hues include Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Nitro Yellow Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat. As ever, the Blazer is produced in Mexico at the Ramos Arizpe Assembly Plant.
Those intent on the Blazer will be glad to hear that Chevrolet has them covered with plenty of trim levels, all-wheel drive, and V6 oomph. The all-wheel-drive system adds $2,700 to the base trim as per the configurator.
Customers in the market for the naturally-aspirated V6 are required to step up to 3LT or higher trim levels. The 3LT with the six-cylinder option costs $500 more than the four-cylinder turbo. Codenamed LSY, the smaller engine cranks out a very respectable 228 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 247 pound-foot (335 Nm) at 1,500 revolutions per minute.
The V6 is good for 308 hp at 6,700 rpm and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) at 5,000 rpm, and it’s also paired with a nine-speed automatic. Internally referred to as 9Txx, the GM-developed gearbox is notorious for all the wrong reasons.
Higher than the 3LT sits the RS, whose all-wheel-drive system is a twin-clutch affair that optimizes traction regardless of conditions. If specified with AWD, the Premier also flaunts the twin-clutch rear drive unit. A grand total of nine paint options are offered for MY23 as per the order guide.
No-cost hues include Black, Summit White, Red Hot, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Copper Bronze Metallic. Extra-cost hues include Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Nitro Yellow Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat. As ever, the Blazer is produced in Mexico at the Ramos Arizpe Assembly Plant.
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