Since its inception, the Chevy Blazer has consistently carved out a distinguished niche within the automotive marketplace, representing a blend of rugged capability and adventurous spirit. Those of a certain age–say, old enough to remember the 80s–have fond memories of both the full-size K5 Blazer with its removable half-roof and the midsize S10 Blazer that was one of the forerunners of today’s immensely popular SUV class. Does the 2024 Chevy Blazer uphold the legacy of its predecessors?
Today’s Blazer aligns more closely with the S10 of bygone days, being a midsize SUV, although, unlike its truck-based progenitor, the current Blazer is a crossover. The Blazer nameplate disappeared in the mid-90s and was resurrected in 2019 after a long absence to do battle in the ultra-competitive midsize crossover segment, bringing Chevy’s storied history of 4×4 prowess to a market that’s dominated by SUVs that are very closely related to the sedans they’re based on.
The Blazer, by comparison, is built on a dedicated SUV platform shared with its GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5 cousins. Its styling is visibly inspired by its Camaro stablemate, and like the Camaro, it prioritizes style and performance. This isn’t the SUV to take rock-crawling, although when equipped with AWD, it’s capable of dealing with slippery surfaces and dirt roads. (Here would be a good place to note that the Blazer is a different vehicle than its Chevy Trailblazer stablemate, which is a subcompact that occupies a substantially cheaper slot in Chevy’s SUV lineup). So, just what does today’s Blazer offer to SUV shoppers? And what’s new for 2024? Let’s take a look.
The Surface and What’s Under It
The Blazer was refreshed for the 2023 model year, so there wasn’t much need for change in 2024. This year does bring a new color called Riptide Blue Metallic, which reflects Chevrolet’s modern palette of eye-catching colors. Striking new colors that were introduced last year, like Radiant Red Tintcoat and Copper Bronze Metallic, continue on into 2024. An available black roof gives the Blazer a very sharp two-tone look as well.
Aside from that, the changes from 2023 that carry over to 2024 include a restyled grille and front fascia, LED headlamps that are now standard across the entire Blazer model range, and restyled taillamps across all trim levels. These complement the Blazer’s sleek sides, bulging fenders and quarter panels, large wheels, and aggressive Camaro-inspired front end.
But an SUV is about “go” as much as “show,” and here, the Blazer also shares DNA with the Camaro. The base engine is a 2.0-liter, 228 hp turbocharged four-banger that’s more than enough to give this truck its oomph. But if that’s not enough, you can step up to a 3.6-liter, 308 hp V6, which is optional in some trim levels and standard in others. Car and Driver magazine once recorded a 6.6-second zero to sixty time with this power plant, which is very respectable for a 4,300-pound SUV. They also found it to offer excellent passing power on the highway.
All trim levels include a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. With some equipment packages, five drive modes can be selected, including Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport, and Tow/Haul modes. On all-wheel drive models, this capability can also be chosen with the selector. Speaking of all-wheel drive, the performance-oriented Blazer RS model features an advanced twin-clutch AWD system. This differs from traditional full-time AWD systems, which use a rear differential to distribute power to the wheels that have the most traction. In a twin-clutch system, a pair of clutches are used in the rear instead, splitting torque to the left or right rear wheels as needed.
SUVs are also about utility as well as sport, so trailering equipment is available across the Blazer range. The four-cylinder offers a modest 1,500 lbs of towing capability, but upgrading to the V6 boosts that to 4,500 lbs. That’s enough to bring along a pair of snowmobiles, jet skis, or a small to medium sailboat. Utility exists in spades under the tailgate, too, where you’ll find 64.2 cu.ft. of maximum cargo volume. To make it easier to use this cargo space, the Blazer features standard 60/40 split folding rear seats and standard sliding rear seats. An optional hands-free tailgate makes it easier to access this space, too. Roof rails offer carrying capacity for whatever won’t fit inside.
Technology for Safety and Comfort
The Blazer positively bristles with modern technology, as befitting a vehicle reborn in the modern era. Standard safety features include seven airbags, an HD Rear Vision Camera, a Rear Seat Reminder, and Teen Driver Technology for parents’ peace of mind. Also standard is Chevy Safety Assist, which includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, a Following Distance Indicator, and Intellibeam Auto High Beam Assist. And with OnStar, advisors are on standby 24/7 to help in the event of a crash, stolen vehicle, or other emergency.
Chevy’s engineers also gave equal consideration to your comfort as a driver or passenger. Its two-row interior draws more inspiration from the Camaro, with a modern, driver-focused cockpit with swoopy lines and round ventilation duct nacelles. An available panoramic sunroof lets in the glorious summer days, while a standard 10.2-inch HD color touchscreen provides access to all of the Blazer’s technology features. Dual-Zone Climate Control is standard, as well.
An optional wireless charging pad provides ultra-convenient charging for phones and other devices. An available Wi-Fi hotspot allows you and your passengers to use up to seven wireless devices. You can control certain features with your voice or use the HD touchscreen to access in-vehicle apps and entertainment features. The MyChevrolet mobile app even lets you access some features remotely.
Trim Levels and Special Editions
The 2024 Blazer offers four trim levels and two special editions, so you can tailor your Blazer to your taste. The 2LT trim level starts at $35,400 and provides the essential Blazer experience. It comes with only the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with either two-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive. Chevy Safety Assist comes standard, as it does across the model range. The 3LT trim level starts at $39,300 and comes standard with the 2.0-liter but offers the 3.6-liter V6 as an upgrade. The 3LT adds some standard features, including advanced safety tools like rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, and the power programmable liftgate.
The RS starts at $42,800 and features sporty design elements such as black exterior accents and fittingly comes with only the 3.6-liter V6 paired with the Advanced Twin-Clutch All-Wheel Drive system. The sporty look extends to 20 or 21-inch uniquely styled wheels. Inside, perforated leather seating comes with either red or Nightshift Blue accents. The Premier trim level carries many of the RS’s standard features and has the same base price but offers a chrome-trimmed appearance package with a more traditional luxury look. It offers both engine choices, although without the Twin-Clutch AWD system.
What Does the Future Hold for the Blazer?
What’s next for this storied nameplate? Well, 2024 should also see the release of an all-electric edition of the Blazer. With a rumored 557 hp drivetrain, a 0 to 60 time of under 4 seconds, and a starting price of $56,715, it aims to take on the Mustang Mach-E and Tesla’s high-performance models and win. While it will carry the Blazer nameplate, it will feature a different body style and its own range of trim levels. It will expand the Blazer lineup into a family, just like back in the 80s–a fitting legacy for one of the most storied names in SUV history.
