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2020 Chevy Blazer RS is well-balanced and roomy but also pricey

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2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS (Image courtesy of Chevrolet)

With a sharp design, roomy interior and well-balanced powertrain, the 2020 Chevy Blazer RS is slowly making people forget about the big, body-on-frame SUV from years ago.

This is the new Blazer, and it’s pretty good — except for a few things.

The good

One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2020 Chevy Blazer is the exterior design — it’s still fresh after being revealed in 2019. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the design is the vehicle gives the appearance of being in constant motion, even while sitting still.

Plus, though the front-end design is identical to the Silverado Trail Boss, the execution on the smaller Blazer seems to be less polarizing to fans, and it certainly grabs your attention.

This was really apparent when we noticed not one, but two new Blazers on our block. Watching them drive by, it seemed like the Blazer was moving much faster than it actually was.

2021 Chevy Blazer

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS interior features a driver-centric interior along with red accents and trim. (Image courtesy of Chevrolet)

On the inside, Chevy designers went all out by using a unique mix of traditional design elements mixed with unique aspects like the large aeronautical-looking air vents. These vents are massive at first glance and not only control open/close air flow but also adjust the temperature.

Besides the unique interior design elements, the cabin is roomy and we had little issues getting into and out of the vehicle, and talking with our neighbor who’s stature is larger than ours, they shared no issues riding in or getting into/out of the SUV.

2021 Chevy Blazer RS

A Chevrolet-first Cargo Management System helps drivers secure smaller items by dividing the cargo area. (Image courtesy of Chevrolet)

With only two rows and just 10 inches shorter than the 3-row Chevy Traverse (191.40 vs 204.30 inches respectively), the Blazer’s rear storage area is massive. In fact, it’s so large it seems out of place.

On the road, the optional 3.6-liter V-6 mated to the 9-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive to throttle and steering wheel inputs, plus it can tow up to 4,500 pounds. Putting out 308 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, this optional powertrain feels rather sporty in normal driving mode while returning 18/25/21 city/highway/combined fuel economy.

Note: The 2.5-liter engine is standard, and a 2.0-liter turbo is also available.

2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS

A sharp design no matter how you look at it. (Image courtesy of Chevrolet)

Overall there was a lot to like with the 2020 Chevy Blazer RS.

The bad

There is certainly a lot to like with the 2020 Chevy Blazer RS — except for few little things.

For starters, our test model came in at a whopping $51,360. This is quite the jump from the $43,500 base price with nearly $7K in options. These options include safety equipment such as forward collision alert and front pedestrian braking, which should be standard.

Also, the power tilt, telescope steering wheel is part of a nearly $4K package along with safety alert seat, adaptive cruise control and ventilated front seats. At this trim, those should be also standard.

2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS

Black lettering adorns the front doors on the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS. (Photo Courtesy Chevrolet)

Another item bothering critics is the where the Blazer is built — Mexico. This caused quite a stir in Michigan where the United Auto Workers union tried unsuccessfully to keep production in the U.S.

It is such a touchy subject, a planned publicity stunt to place a Blazer on display at Tiger’s Stadium lasted only a few days before Chevy smartly took it down after the backlash.

The bottom line on the 2020 Chevy Blazer RS

Overall, we were big fans of the Chevy Blazer. Sure, it isn’t the tank from years ago, but it is precisely what consumers have been shopping for and hits the mark in nearly all aspects.

Related posts:

2019 Chevy Blazer Unveiled – Feature-Filled Crossover

2021 Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV Offers Generous Cargo Room, Fun Exterior

 

2020 Toyota Highlander: Does next-gen SUV keep Highlander’s winning ways?

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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