Experienced by Kimatni D Rawlins
An icon has returned with a fashionable, refreshing outlook utilizing its mighty moniker and compelling reputation. I was especially devoted to the robust and resolute Blazers of the 1990s since the nostalgic hallmark left my young crew with many fond memories. Today, the latest generation of Chevy’s eminent SUV comes in the form of a crossover utility with grace and updated technologies to meet consumer’s trendy expectations.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer 3LT Leather AWD I was testing for the week rolled in the Automotive Rhythms driveway in a lively Red Hot hue outfitted with standard 18” Bright Silver Aluminum wheels and dual split exhaust tips. For more character and performance, larger 20″ Gloss Black rims are available on the AWD model, and the two-tone black body cladding, roof rails, bumper pieces, A, B, and C pillars, and the chiseled Blazer signature grille add the perfect balance of contrast and flair. The body-colored tailgate spoiler with a streak of black is an excellent design touch as well. Though, I would prefer Chevy’s tamed tones for this SUV such as grey, black, or white because a red of this illumination is characteristic of sports cars and smaller, playful vehicles like Kia Souls and MINIs.
The Blazer is built for five passengers, most likely with close family ties, and is distinctive enough to represent as a conversation piece with neighbors and home guests. In route to practices, my daughters and their teammates were comfortable in the perforated second-row leather seats with enough space for sports duffel bags and equipment. With two sets of USB and USB-c ports in the front, and a set in the rear, there were never any spats over device charging. There is also a 120-volt outlet in the second row and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi for those that would rather surf the Web while commuting. Although, once I took the lightning cables out for an event and forgot to return them, which left me without a charging option. A Qi wireless charging pad for the $41,595 3LT Leather AWD total vehicle price ($40,400 MSRP) would have been a welcoming convenience.
Power is admirable and steady from the 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, giving off a respectable 230-horsepower at 5000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1500-4000 rpm. Paired with Chevy’s 9-speed automatic transmission, the Blazer is not a speedster; nonetheless, owners will be able to get from point A to B in efficient and timely manners. Expect 21 city and 27 highway mpg from this package. The RS and Premier models feature the 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 4,500 lbs of towing capacity. AWD is always helpful in wintry weather states such as my location in MD, and FWD is the next best option for pulling through sleet and snow. Through the Traction Select System rotary dial, Blazer owners can take control of the vehicle’s road mannerisms by switching drive modes including Sport, AWD, FWD, Off-Road, Tour, and Tow/Haul. This feature reminds me of some of the sophisticated traction capabilities of German SUVs.
As I stated, it’s been cold in Silver Spring on most days this winter, so the Remote Vehicle Start was a lifesaver for early, frigid mornings and the dual-zone automatic climate control with its enlarged, circular vents warmed us up quickly. My loaner was also blessed with the $1,400 Sound and Technology package that enhanced the Blazer with a defining Bose Premium Audio System, HD Surround Vision, the USB ports mentioned above, a 4.2″ color cluster, and Chevrolet Infotainment 3 with Navigation. Ergonomically, the 8” touchscreen and its corresponding apps are simple to operate. OnStar Services is also at your disposal for calling a live assistant to help with search options or destination guidance.
Safety is a crucial attribute for America’s cluttered roads, and the Blazer doesn’t fall short in that category. The standard for my vehicle included Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Side Alert, HD Rear Camera Vision, Rear Park Assist, Teen Driver, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 2020 Blazer is attractive, comfortable, and intuitive, and should satisfy the needs of many consumers shopping in this CUV category.
