Consumer reviews are usually far more indicative of the high and low points of a new vehicle, so I think this will play to our advantage. Its styling is certainly a focal point and I think its a breath of fresh air in the sea of mundane crossovers.
I'm more interested in what guys like Matt from the smoking tire would say which of all the journo's i've seen, resonates with owners like us the best.Consumer reviews are usually far more indicative of the high and low points of a new vehicle, so I think this will play to our advantage. Its styling is certainly a focal point and I think its a breath of fresh air in the sea of mundane crossovers.
5/5 Stars"This SUV had a very smooth drive with all the capabilities you would want. I wish that you could get it with more horse power but the 305 dose just fine. its good for towing, trips, or just driving around. Also with a all around mean look you get a lot of compliments."
3/5 StarsThe new Blazer is amazing! The look, comfort, speed, and much more is what you look for in an SUV! Very impressive coming from Chevy!
Lack of power, sluggish off the grip. Design was what really hurt it. I loved the old Blazers but the new design is so ordinary and I exciting. Was really hoping for more out of Chevy. Oh well, Iâll wait and see what new ford bronco has in store when it hits the road.
Chevrolet vehicles have their fair share of problems but I hope it'll be minimal here.IMO as a owner of the new Blazer, I would have never looked at a Chevy if I didn't see the Blazer. The design gives a double look appeal. I really like the design with an aggressive look. The Blazer also rides smooth, it's quiet inside, solid when going over bumps. I do not ear any rattling. The steering is very good for normal and sport. The engine shifts smoothly for a V6. The Blazer is rich in features which are new for me and probably old for others. I came from a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi V8 0-60mph between 5-7 sec. And the Blazer is right in bunch with 6.32 sec. In addition, I can say that shifting to Sport Mode does make a difference and is noticeably faster while driving, but not a huge difference. It isn't meant to mashing the gas all the time from start, but it will pass others and move when called upon no matter what mode you are in. The take off from the traffic light isn't as fast as my old Jeep, but adequate enough to definitely go. I give Chevy credit for making this nice vehicle packed with features and the ability for over-the-air software updates. The price can be high like all other vehicles due to the latest technology added to them. My question was....are Chevy vehicles reliable?
2019 Chevy Blazer RS Review
Quebec City, QC â Donât get me started on car companies slapping the âsportyâ moniker to their products, including SUVs and crossovers, when about 90% of the time thereâs absolutely nothing sporty going on aside from a badge and some vanity upgrades.
(Similar to the new, confusing trend of âadventure-ready!!â sport utilities shot in the mountains with sexy roof racks up top and gutless engines under the hood).
Itâs cheesy, inaccurate, and above all, a bit misleading for consumers truly expecting sport-tuned suspensions and performance upgrades to go along with low slung hoods and âsporty LED headlamps.â
The new 2019 Chevy Blazer, which made its world debut almost a year ago, is making that same claim â âa sporty mid-size SUV.â But unlike the others, this 5-passenger, 2-row hauler actually gets a sport-tuned suspension, a respectable 3.6L V6 powerplant, and optional 21-inch wheels to go with its athletic look.
That warrants a proper check in the sporty SUV column, in our books. Only thing missing? A badass Blazer SS with say the new Camaroâs 455-hp V8. But thatâs another story.
Up Close With The Blazer RS: Part 1 And Part 2
We reviewed the new 2019 Chevy Blazer in San Diego back in February, before it officially hit the market. So definitely check out that full review here.
Here, however, weâre taking a closer look at the sportier RS trim.
Three trims, three distinct Blazer personalities
The new Blazer comes in three trims: the entry-level LT (though you wonât see the âLTâ badging on the SUV, just âBlazerâ), the top-level Blazer Premier with a touch of luxury including generous chrome treatment on the outside and quality accented leather interior treatment.
Right in the middle, weâve got the bolder, Camaro-inspired RS. Chevy tells me the volume seller will be the LT with upgrades and options. But for consumers seeking something spicier, itâs the Blazer RS thatâll fit the bill.
Sometimes less is more, and Chevy has nailed it with just 3 trim levels, which they accurately state offers âthree distinct personalities.â Youâve got the good old base model, the upscale model, and a sporty model thatâs actually sporty.
That pretty much covers it for most consumers, without throwing a bunch of other unnecessary trims into the mix.
Inside The New Blazer
Across the board, Chevy gave its new Blazer a more driver-centric interior which works well for the new SUV entry.
Some of the key features include an impressive 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded; a rail-based system allowing the space to be configured and blocked off as needed to secure items; a hands-free power liftgate with a light that shines a Chevy emblem on the ground to show you where to swing your foot; rear seats that slide forward to allow more cargo space and tilts back to allow extra headroom; plus, all the latest in tech including Chevroletâs updated Infotainment 3 system with 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
RS Interior Difference
This trim steps it up with red accents throughout, including perforated leather seats with subtle red stitching. Expect more RS badging as well. The huge, round air vents which appear to be ripped out of a Camaro (in a good way) get a red trim which really stands out, sitting front and centre below the touchscreen on the centre stack.
Exterior: Blazer RS Black On Black Styling
Sure, the Camaro SUV moniker is played out by now, but really, Chevyâs new 5-passenger hauler does indeed look like the sport utility twin of the popular muscle car, flossing a sportier, black on black design paired to those sharp edges and massive, menacing front grille treatment.
While the RS certainly looks bolder, all models look sleek with the wider stance, strong grille, athletic hood and body lines. However, up front, the first thing youâll notice is the Chevrolet-first separate headlamps and LED daytime running lights.
We spent time with the 2019 Blazer RS in red which looks super sharp in contrast to all that black. But we got a glimpse of totally blacked-out RS as well â from the black Chevy bowtie logos and black wheels to the dark paint â lending it a more diabolical attitude which suits it just fine.
Performance: The Sport-Tuned RS
Itâs hard not to imagine a burly V8 powering this mid-size hauler â say the 455-hp V8 under the hood of new 2020 Camaro SS. Buy hey, maybe a Blazer SS is in the works. Make it happen Chevy, make it happen.
Instead, the 2019 Blazer RS gets an updated 3.6L V6 putting down a respectable 308-hp. A step up from the EcoTec 2.5L inline-four engine making only 193-hp at 6300 rpm and 188 lb.ft of torque at 4400 rpm, to go with a 1,500 pound maximum towing capacity.
All-wheel drive Blazer
We didnât drive the 2.5L-powered Blazer but can confidently say youâll want to stick with the 3.6L, mating appropriate power with the SUVâs beefy look. Add the advanced twin-clutch AWD system for increased dynamics and safety.
Handling
Best part: unlike some competitors, Chevy isnât just slapping the âsportyâ moniker to the Blazer RS, theyâve actually tuned it appropriately to back up the claim. Donât expect a track beast with insane handling; do expect enough upgrades to please the average Joe seeking a more planted driving experience without compromising everyday comfort.
While all Blazers see a wider track suspension for improved stability for cornering, the RS steps it up with sport-tuned dampers: the front struts get 40% more compression control, while rear shocks a 15% bump.
As we said in our original Blazer review, âThe sporty RS also has high rate suspension springs, heavy stabilizer bars, sport-turned dampers and oversized shock absorbers. Although a relatively tall vehicle, the clever engineers have made this SUV feel very sportscar-like.â
Takeaway: is the new Blazer worth it?
As the SUV and crossover market continues to get flooded with new entries every year, the new Blazer RS does a great job differentiating itself for consumers seeking a truly sportier, bolder sport utility.
With just over 300-hp, this isnât a beast, nor should it be, but the RSâ sport-tuned suspension offers improved driving dynamics to go with the already widened track suspension. So for everyday driving, itâs just enough.
The styling is onpoint, too, and you canât go wrong with a black on black look especially in red. The frontend looks bold and sleek, especially with the slim headlamp and daylight running light split design.
Of course, as completely new mid-size SUV model youâre getting the latest tech and connectivity as well, including the optional rear view camera which turned out to be more useful and less gimmicky than expected.
Overall, Chevy has done a great job with the new Blazer, offering it only 3 trims that pretty much cover all the bases, with the RS ramping it up just enough to be sporty without going too far.
âŚa Chevy Blazer SS, on the other hand, would definitely be going too far, but weâre ok with that.
Hi,Just took delivery of blue RS. Appreciate the interactions of the 9 speed auto with the 3.6. Fairly aggressive, ie quick downshifts, no bogging for fuel economy. Suspension firm without being harsh. Stay tuned, will detail more as time and miles accumulate.
The 3LT will still be available, and I think it's a good compromise. I drive a 2019 3LT with a couple additional packages. The only two things I don't like about it are the cheap plastic and artificial leather in the interior. My understanding is that in the RS trim you will have real leather, but the plastic will be the same.Hi,
Can you tell me how satisfied you are with the RS version? Iâm thinking of buying a new Chevy Blazer, however, Iâve been looking at the L basic versions of the model. Now, according to suvs2022.com, the L-trim will no longer be available in new versions. The RS version looks great, but it's over my budget. However, I would like to know from your experience more about RS.