General Motors is reviving the Chevrolet Blazer nameplate that dates to 1969. The 2019 version, with a two-row, five seat layout, will slot between the compact Equinox and the large Traverse in Chevrolet's crossover lineup. The Blazer is expected to go on sale in early 2019. Here's a look at how journalists and analysts are sizing up the newest Blazer.
"Okay, the Blazer is what it is: a mainstream crossover. Here's what to know about it. It is good-looking, with the nose capped by a grille that seems as if it migrated over from the Camaro ZL1, the wheels pushed out to the corners so there are barely any overhangs, and every body panel featuring some interesting sculptural element. Of the now six Chevrolet crossovers and SUVs, this one is the most daring, if such a word can even be uttered in reference to an SUV.
"Of all the other crossovers out there, perhaps the one the new 'Blazer' resembles most is the Lamborghini Urus. You decide which of the two is flattered by that comparison."
-- John Pearley Huffman, Car and Driver
"Most of what you need to know about the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer midsize SUV, you'll know at first glance: It's gorgeous, and it looks way more expensive than a five-passenger Chevy SUV is likely to be.
"The Blazer will go on sale early in 2019. It'll be priced to compete with models like the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano and Toyota 4Runner, but with a design that looks like it competes with the Land Rover Range Rover Velar, which can approach $100,000."
-- Mark Phelan,
"The Chevy Blazer's return has been rumored for years. Some people expected a more rugged SUV, perhaps based on the Colorado pickup truck platform, maybe even offering a diesel engine. Y'know, the perfect bowtie-badged foil to the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco.
"Well, the new Blazer isn't that.
"What it is, though, is exactly what lots of people want to buy today, in this case a Malibu station wagon that sits up nice and high and offers AWD for when the snow flies or adventure beckons.
"Not that there's anything wrong with that."
-- Christian Wardlaw, New York Daily News
"In addition to its unique face, the Blazer is the first Chevy SUV to showcase a 'floating roof' -- a design touch popularized by Japanese makes like the Murano and also seen on the new Lexus RX. Chevy hopes these style points will attract empty-nesters who no longer need three-row SUVs for their children but still crave the utility of a midsize ute."
-- Henry Payne, The Detroit News
"At first glance, the new five-passenger Blazer is unique among other crossovers for its sharp aggressive styling. There's no mistaking some Camaro DNA in the design, making it a big departure from that original utilitarian Blazer and the rather dull S-10 Blazer follow-up."
-- Mark Takahashi, Edmunds
"There's no arguing that the Blazer is certainly a standout in Chevy's lineup. Chevy says each trim will have a distinct appearance with different grilles. The Blazer RS will have blacked-out trim, while the top-grade Premier model will feature chrome brightwork. The entire front fascia, from the wide grille to the thin headlights, looks like it comes straight off the Camaro. The HID headlights are accented with LED running lights.
"The profile features sharp cuts on the doors and the ever-so-popular floating roofline. The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels, though 21-inch wheels are available on both the RS and Premier trims. The rear looks less Camaro and more Traverse, though far sharper than Chevy's largest crossover."
-- Reese Counts, Autoblog
"While the underpinnings and engines are shared with the Acadia (as well as other GM vehicles), the Blazer, which arrives early next year, has a sportier persona in mind. The rear glass is much further from the vertical than its stablemates. Its fenders bulge. Its roof floats, if only by a bit. The flat beltline appears high, the similarly straight roof low. Its stacked headlights, seemingly designed by Hyundai, lend a meaner look to this family hauler's face."
-- Steph Willems, The Truth About Cars