Chevrolet resurrects the Blazer for 2019...as a crossover?

After having seen the last light of day in Chevrolet showrooms across America in 2005, an all new Chevrolet Blazer will be making a return in 2019. Gone is the body on frame construction in favor of a unibody design, filling in the gap that Chevrolet had in the North American market between the three row Traverse and the Equinox. While Chevrolet’s new crossover is touted as the boldest and newest member to the GM SUV/Crossover family since 2015, will the resurrection of the Blazer nameplate satisfy new and old customers alike?

Let’s take a step back and talk about the origins of the Blazer name. In 1969, Chevrolet rolled out the K5 Blazer to go head to head with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Cherokee. The full-size pickup truck frame that was the foundation for the Blazer was larger than the competition, and it was easily configured to hold one to five passengers. There was also a fiberglass top that could be removed for an open-air experience. It was an authentic work truck with the a practical size and cabin for daily needs.

Now, the 2019 Blazer features much design cues from the Camaro. There’s that big grille, tall hood, slim headlights, and a high beltline. It’s a muscular look, and the wide track projects that extremely well. Even the interior shares some parts from the Camaro - look at the vents and switches. There’s automated heated and cooling seats and a heated steering wheel for convenience, as is a power tailgate. Since this is a five-seater modern crossover, I guess we can forget about the removable top? There is a panoramic sunroof option, however. There will be three trim levels, base, RS, and Premier, each with distinct trim pieces and bigger wheels that go up to 21-inches on the RS and Premier, while the base gets 18-inches.

Chevy's latest MyLink system will handle infotainment with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, Apple CarPlay ,and Android Auto and offer up to six USB ports. Available safety technologies include adaptive cruise control and rear camera mirror.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer will also be the first Blazer to be offered in front-wheel drive (FWD), with an all-wheel drive option also available. On AWD models, the system to be completely disconnected from the rear axle, meaning drivers can opt to have their vehicle operate in FWD when AWD capability is not necessary. RS and Premier models offer a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD technology that helps optimize traction for every condition. There are two engine options, both mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. There’s the 2.5-liter four cylinder that’s good for 193 hp and 255 Nm of torque, and the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 that features 305 hp and 365 Nm of torque.

The challenge now is for Chevy to market this new Blazer, as is the trouble with bringing back any recognizable and successful name from the dead. The purists may scoff at a truck becoming a crossover; watered down to provide comfort and style instead of creating a vehicle that could be essentially a throwback to the greatness of the original Blazer. It is true that times are changing, and so do the buyers; more and more people will take practicality and ease of use over novelty and heritage. The jury’s still out on the new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, but, with any luck, we’re hoping it reaches the Philippines in one way or another.

The revived Blazer will be on sale in early 2019 with no indications of pricing as of this writing. We’ll keep you posted for more.