2020 Chevrolet Blazer Road Trip Review
Quiet, comfortable and spacious, Chevy Blazer is more than ready for the weekend getaway to Yosemite.
There is no better way to quickly get acquainted with a vehicle than by hitting the open road with it, finding new roads, in search of new destinations. Or, at least, that’s what my girlfriend and I told ourselves as we hurtled across California’s unending interstate. Our destination was Yosemite and our chariot was the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer.
A well-equipped 3LT model, this Blazer features a 2.0-liter turbo four, a new addition to the Blazer line-up for 2020, that is good for 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. A lesser, non-turbocharged four-cylinder is also available in the base L and LT trims, but only being available with front-wheel drive means most buyers will skip right over it.
Even with AWD, the Blazer is rated by the EPA as getting 21 MPG city and 27 MPG freeway, which compares favorably to rivals like the Honda Passport. Though, the speedier drivers in the crowd will no doubt prefer the Honda’s silky smooth standard V6 engine, to this turbo four. Fortunately, Chevrolet also offers their venerable 3.6L V6 engine in higher trim levels, which is one of the most powerful motors in the segment, with 308 horsepower.
Visually, Blazer is a handsome rig, with a chiseled front fascia, that looks clean and modern. An available Blazer RS trim further kicks up the visual flair, with a Camaro ZL1-inspired fascia, blacked out trim, slick 21-inch wheels and a bespoke black and red interior motif.
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The Camaro-inspired face isn’t the only thing linking the Blazer to its sports car brother. As the views switched from endless interstate to winding rural back roads, the Blazer proved to be a competent handling machine, able to take the twisty stuff with enough enthusiasm to let the tires howl in protest. The aforementioned RS package further ramps up the agility with recalibrated steering and a sportier suspension tune.
Unfortunately, the solid driving dynamics are experienced in an interior that feels a bit low rent compared to the $41,595 asking price of this 3LT Blazer. The materials simply don’t stack up compared to competitors like Honda, Mazda or Hyundai. Though, an optional $1,400 Sound & Technology Package does offer some goodies like Bose audio, the fabulous HD Surround Vision camera system and an upgraded version of the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 touchscreen system, which is very good.
Cruising along from trail head to trail head, the Blazer also proved to be a very relaxed ride, not at all fussed about pavement broken apart by the sprawling tree roots lurking just beneath the surface. Nor did it seem particularly flustered about being slung around the occasional dirt and gravel road at speed, as the all-wheel drive system kept everything under control.
And as the views switched back from rural winding roads to endless interstate, the Blazer showcased a relaxed personality, cruising along at 80 mph with ease, returning a real world figure of 25 mpg overall, in the process.
Chevrolet’s Blazer has curb appeal, and works as a comfortable, quiet family hauler, but comes at a notable price premium compared to its competition and is really best experienced with the $44,595 Blazer RS model, and many buyers at this price point will likely be swayed by larger, equally priced three-row SUV models, like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, or thee more luxury-oriented Mazda CX-9. However, fans of the bowtie brand will enjoy Blazer’s sharp drive and attractive entry-level price point.
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