We haven’t seen the Chevrolet Blazer for quite some time. Not to be confused with the Trailblazer, the 2021 Blazer is back on the scene with a new, refreshed look. It brings a whole lot of luxury and sport appeal too.
Not sure if finding your new road includes a 2021 Blazer? Keep reading, because we’ve got all the information necessary to determine if this vehicle is the right fit for you. Chevy offers a wide range of powertrains, creature comforts, and price ranges on the new Blazer. So you can probably fine a model that fits your style and your budget. Ready to explore the 2021 Blazer? Let’s get going.
Performance Specifications
Chevrolet powers the 2021 Blazer with one of three powertrains. Each is fitted to a nine-speed automatic transmission that can be purchased with either front- or all-wheel drive.
The base Ecotec 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine achieves 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Compare that to the 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque found within the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Finally, there’s a 3.6-liter V6 puts out 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Blazer can tow anywhere from 1,500 to 4,500 pounds, when properly equipped.
Trimlines and Pricing
Chevrolet offers the 2021 Blazer in six total trims. Each has plenty of creature comforts and handy technology. Here’s a breakdown of your options when it comes to the new Blazer.
L
Starting at $28,800, the base Blazer seats up to five people. Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, an eight-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE Wifi, and OnStar. This model rides on 18-inch wheels. Since it’s such a basic model, this trim is typically dedicated to fleets.
1LT
For a bit more than stock, choose the 1LT trim. You’ll get satellite radio, tinted windows in the rear, and a power driver’s seat. This model starts at $32,300. However, to really get any sort of good upgrades on the 2021 Blazer, you’ll have to start with the next trim level. Or move upwards as your desires (and pocketbook) allow.
2LT
This is the first trim where all-wheel drive becomes optional. Every trim priced higher includes all-wheel drive as an option as well. Chevy also installs a drive mode selector, which includes tour, tow/haul, off-road, available all-wheel drive (if equipped), and sport mode. A bunch of extra driver assist safety features are added at this trim level too, which runs at least $33,100. Yes, that’s less than $1,000 more than the 1LT, making this an easy buy.
3LT
If you’re looking for leather, this is the trim you’ll want to go with. Additionally, you’ll also enjoy powered and heated front seats, a power liftgate, and heated outside mirrors for cold weather. The extra luxuries send the starting price up to $37,300.
RS
There’s plenty of goodies to be had on this trim level. First and foremost is a Bose audio system with eight speakers. Add Active Noise Cancellation to that and you’ve got the party started. Additional upgrades include 20-inch black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, a programmable liftgate, navigation, and a heated steering wheel. As is the case with many things that include “RS” in the name, this is typically considered the sporty model. This Blazer starts at $41,295.
Premier
This top-of-the-line trim features 20-inch wheels as well, but they’re slightly different from those found on the RS model. Other goodies include a cargo management system, memory settings for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power-adjustable steering column. There’s a bunch of extra chrome accents too. You’ll spend a minimum of $43,000 on this high-end Blazer.
Available Colors
If you’re interested in learning more about what gadgets and gizmos you can add to your new 2021 Blazer, check with your local Chevy dealership. While you’re there, you can also ask about the following color choices.
- Pewter Metallic
- Iron Gray
- Cayenne Orange
- Cherry Red
- Silver Ice Metallic
- Black
- Midnight Blue Metallic
- Summit White
- Red Hot
- Iridescent Pearl
Safety
The 2021 Blazer has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It’s simply too new for any testing and results to have happened.
However, that doesn’t mean Chevy leaves you high-and-dry when it comes to safety systems. In fact, standard safety equipment comes in the form of the Chevy Safety Assist package. Included within is automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and IntelliBeam headlights.
Adaptive cruise control is available as well, but only as an option on higher trim levels. The popular Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates to alert you, also accompanies an enhanced automatic emergency braking system on the top-tier trims.
Fuel Efficiency
Autoblog reports the following fuel efficiency numbers for the 2021 Blazer. First up is the 2.5-liter base engine, which can only be purchased with a front-wheel drive configuration. Official numbers aren’t in yet, but they shouldn’t differ much from last year’s 21 city and 27 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG).
Choosing the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will leave you with both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. The FWD Blazer should get you 21 city and 28 highway MPG. You’ll only lose a point on the highway by going with the AWD setup. Finally, the 3.6-liter V6 engine barely makes it to the high teens with 19 city and 26 highway MPG in FWD. Those numbers predictably shrink down to 18 and 25 MPG with all-wheel drive.
Competitors
As a CUV, or a crossover utility vehicle, the 2021 Blazer faces stiff competition across the segment. There are a variety of both two- and three-row SUVs/CUVs vying for your attention. Each of them have each their own list of pros, cons, and considerations.
Defining the segment means including such heavy-hitters as the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Honda Passport. The Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Nissan Murano, Buick Envision, and GMC Acadia make the list, too. That’s not to say the Dodge Durango, Lexus RX 350, or the Cadillac XT5 didn’t make the list either. There’s just so many similar vehicles to contend with!
So what sets the 2021 Blazer apart? Well, would you believe the Blazer’s “styling and driving experience were inspired by the Camaro”? It’s true, says Autoblog.
This “car-based crossover” once took the Ford Bronco on head-to-head (And it may get that chance once again.) In order to prepare the Blazer for the Bronco, and so many other competitors, Chevrolet mixed together a potent blend “of style and substance that will make your next drive anything but everyday.” That’s according to their own marketing, though. But how did the experts receive the newest Blazer?
What They Are Saying
Edmunds found the 2021 Blazer to exhibit “agile handling for an SUV.” They truly appreciated the optional V6. However, rear headroom and cargo capacity aren’t the Blazer’s strong points. These are sentiments expressed by a number of reviewers who aren’t sure the sacrifice of interior space was worth the sporty exterior.
However, Autoblog pointed out that the 2021 Blazer is “distinctly attractive for the midsize crossover segment, which is generally bereft of driving pleasure and eye-catching style.” Speaking of the driving experience, most experts settled with what Chevrolet put together. That said, the RS model was subject to higher expectations, but fell short according to Autoblog. “It just doesn’t provide the sort of soundtrack or amped up exhaust note that’s expected,” they said.
The Last Word
Clothed in a sporty look meant to jump out at customers on the lot, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offers a sporty and sleek answer to the otherwise ho-hum question: which SUV should you buy? While it may be a jack-of-most-trades and not-quite-master of any, the 2021 Blazer is a model you should definitely check out when you get the chance. Check with your local Chevy dealer for arrival estimates and more information.
Source: Chevrolet.com
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