2019–Present Chevrolet Blazer Base (Crossover Generation)
The revival of the Blazer nameplate in 2019 marked a decisive pivot: from body-on-frame SUV heritage to a road-focused, two-row crossover riding on GM’s C1XX architecture. In base form, the Blazer distilled the concept to its essentials — naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, front-wheel drive, and a 9-speed automatic — wrapped in sharp, Camaro-tinged styling. Built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, the modern Blazer aimed squarely at the heart of the midsize two-row segment while trading on one of Chevrolet’s most storied badges.
Historical Context & Development Background
Corporate Strategy and Platform
GM positioned the 2019+ Blazer between compact family crossovers and three-row machines, targeting buyers who prioritized design, tech, and daily drivability over rock-crawling bravado. Under the skin, it uses the transverse-engine C1XX platform shared across Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac applications, with unique tuning for steering, damping, and NVH in each brand. The Blazer’s wheelbase and track dimensions deliver the stance and cabin volume expected of a modern two-row, while the packaging supports a low load floor and competitive cargo space.
Design Direction
Chevrolet leaned into a muscular, coupe-adjacent aesthetic: a wide grille, split lighting signature, and strong body-side surfacing. The cabin mirrors that assertiveness with circular air vents and a driver-oriented dash layout. Even in base specification, the Blazer’s visual narrative is sportier than much of the segment, a deliberate move to land on shopping lists where Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Venza, and two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee variants typically dominate.
Motorsport and the Blazer Name
While the modern Blazer is not a motorsport staple, its nameplate carries substantial cultural weight thanks to earlier, body-on-frame K5 and full-size iterations that populated off-road trails and the American visual landscape for decades. The 2019 reboot sparked debate among purists but succeeded commercially by meeting where the majority of buyers live: paved roads and suburban commutes.
Engine & Technical Specifications (Base 2.5L)
The base Blazer’s 2.5-liter inline-four (GM’s LCV) is a straightforward, naturally aspirated unit paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It emphasizes smoothness, emissions compliance, and low ownership complexity.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, direct injection, VVT (GM LCV) |
| Displacement | 2.5 liters |
| Horsepower | 193 hp (SAE) @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Induction type | Naturally aspirated |
| Redline | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Fuel system | Direct injection; electronic throttle control |
| Compression ratio | Not officially published by Chevrolet for Blazer application |
| Bore/Stroke | Not specified in Blazer documentation |
| Transmission | Hydra-Matic 9-speed automatic (application-dependent variant) |
| Drive layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (base trim) |
| Towing (base engine) | Up to 1,500 lb (when properly equipped) |
Driving Experience & Handling Dynamics
Even in its most modest guise, the Blazer is set up to feel poised and unflustered. Steering assistance is electric but tuned for quick off-center response, lending the car a more athletic character than its footprint might suggest. The front MacPherson strut and independent multi-link rear geometry deliver predictable roll behavior, aided by carefully selected bushing durometers that filter high-frequency chatter while maintaining body control.
The naturally aspirated 2.5L is tuned for linearity rather than fireworks; torque arrives progressively, and the 9-speed automatic keeps the engine in the meat of its modest powerband without constant hunting. In routine use, the calibration upshifts early to prioritize efficiency and calm. Under deeper throttle, the box drops multiple ratios decisively, though you won’t mistake the 2.5L for Chevrolet’s 3.6L V6 on a highway on-ramp. Brake feel is consistent with class norms, with a firm top-of-pedal bite and straightforward modulation. Noise insulation is competitive, and the chassis resists impact harshness on the 18-inch wheel-and-tire packages typical of base-spec cars.
Performance Specifications (Base 2.5L)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | High-8s to low-9s seconds (independent instrumented tests) |
| Top speed | 118 mph (electronically limited; tire-dependent) |
| Quarter-mile | Approximately mid-16s to ~17.0 sec (independent tests) |
| Curb weight | ~3,782 lb (FWD base equipment) |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine; FWD (base); AWD available on upper trims |
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc (ventilated front), ABS, EBD |
| Suspension | MacPherson strut (front); independent multi-link (rear) |
| Gearbox | 9-speed automatic |
Variants & Trims (Crossover Generation)
Below is a high-level guide to the trims that framed the Blazer lineup around the base model. Public, trim-specific production volumes have not been disclosed by Chevrolet.
| Trim | Model years (approx.) | Drivetrain | Engine(s) | Key differences | Production numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L (Base) | 2019–2021 | FWD | 2.5L I4 (193 hp) | Entry equipment; cloth seating; 18-inch wheels; straightforward exterior trim; value-focused feature set | Not disclosed |
| 1LT | 2019–201— early | FWD | 2.5L I4 | Adds convenience features over L; modest appearance upgrades | Not disclosed |
| 2LT | 2020–onward | FWD or AWD | 2.0L turbo I4; select availability of 3.6L V6 depending on year | Expanded safety/tech; AWD availability; broader options | Not disclosed |
| 3LT | 2019–onward | FWD or AWD | 2.0L turbo I4; 3.6L V6 available on various years | Leather-appointed interior; driver-assistance bundles; power tailgate availability | Not disclosed |
| RS | 2019–onward | FWD or AWD (with available twin-clutch system) | 3.6L V6 offered during much of the run; 2.0L turbo availability varies by year | Sport appearance; darker trim; unique wheels/tires; performance-leaning chassis and steering calibration feel | Not disclosed |
| Premier | 2019–onward | FWD or AWD | 2.0L turbo I4; 3.6L V6 offered on multiple years | Range-topping appointments; chrome accents; most tech and comfort content | Not disclosed |
Note: Availability of AWD and specific engines varied by trim and model year; the base L trim was FWD-only. The 3.6L V6 was a significant part of the lineup for years and was later phased out.
Ownership Notes: Maintenance, Parts, and Practicality
Service Intervals and Common Care
- Engine oil: Follow GM’s Oil Life Monitoring system with dexos1-approved oil; many owners see change intervals around 7,500 miles under normal service.
- Engine air filter and cabin filter: Common GM schedules are approximately 45,000 miles (engine) and 22,500 miles (cabin), subject to dust/pollen conditions.
- Coolant: Dex-Cool long-life coolant typically specified at 5 years/150,000 miles.
- Spark plugs: Long-life iridium plugs are commonly serviced near 100,000 miles.
- Transmission fluid: Inspections are routine; fluid service is often called for under severe duty. Follow the owner’s manual for duty-cycle specifics.
Reliability and Known Issues
- 9-speed automatic calibration: Shift-quality software updates and TSB-driven reprogramming have been applied in the field; confirm the latest calibrations during purchase or service.
- Electrical/infotainment: Occasional reports of system resets or connectivity hiccups are typical for the segment; module updates often address them.
- 2.5L engine: The naturally aspirated, direct-injected LCV is broadly used across GM and has a straightforward service profile. As with any DI engine, periodic attention to intake-valve cleanliness (via quality fuels and maintenance discipline) is prudent.
Parts Availability & Restoration Difficulty
Mechanicals are shared across high-volume GM programs, so consumables and hard parts are widely available through dealer and aftermarket channels. Body and trim remain mainstream-sourced. The platform’s ubiquity keeps the Blazer simple to keep on the road compared to low-volume or premium imports.
Cultural Relevance & Market Position
Chevrolet revived the Blazer at precisely the moment the market rewarded expressive, road-biased crossovers. The name itself does heavy lifting in American automotive memory, and the 2019 redesign’s extroverted aesthetic ensured showroom pull. While enthusiasts still debate badge lineage, the sales reality is that the Blazer brought Camaro design cues and tidy handling to a practical format, with the base trim serving as an accessible on-ramp.
Collector desirability today skews toward high-spec RS and rare configurations rather than base cars. As a mass-market crossover, the Blazer Base is more likely to appear in dealer lanes and mainstream retail than at enthusiast auctions. Values generally follow segment norms; trim, mileage, maintenance history, and options (driver-assistance suites, wheel/tire spec) drive variation more than color or build rarity.
FAQs
What engine does the base Chevrolet Blazer use?
The base trim uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four (GM LCV) rated at 193 hp and 188 lb-ft, paired to a 9-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
Is AWD available on the base Blazer?
The base L trim was FWD-only. AWD availability starts on upper trims, depending on model year and package.
How quick is the base 2.5L Blazer?
Independent testing of 2.5L FWD models typically shows 0–60 mph in the high-8 to low-9-second range, with a quarter-mile in the mid-to-high 16s. The top speed is governed near 118 mph, tire-dependent.
What is the towing capacity of the base model?
With the 2.5L, the Blazer is rated up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Higher ratings require the V6 and an appropriate trailering package on applicable years.
What are common issues to look for?
Ensure the latest transmission software calibrations are installed (for shift quality). Verify infotainment software is current. As with any direct-injected engine, stick to quality fuel and regular service; the 2.5L LCV itself has a solid reputation in mainstream GM duty.
How does the Blazer Base compare to rivals?
It prioritizes style and reasonably crisp handling. Against competitors like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Venza, and two-row Grand Cherokee variants, the base Blazer trades outright thrust for a communicative chassis and straightforward ownership costs.
Where is the modern Blazer built?
Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico.
