Hidden Gem Of The Mid-Size SUV Segment

Summary

• The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer offers peppy performance, confident handling, and ample cargo at a competitive price, making it a practical and valuable choice in the crowded mid-sized crossover market.
• The Blazer features two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6. While the turbo four is not the most powerful, it offers agile handling and impressive MPG without compromising performance. The V-6 option provides a thrilling acceleration and superb body control.
• The Blazer offers diverse trim levels and customization options, allowing buyers to choose the best value for their preferences and budget. It comes with standard Chevy Safety Assist and offers various advanced safety and driver assist features. The interior offers state-of-the-art technology and comfort, with available upgrades to enhance the cabin experience.

The SUV class is a space that has seen much growth and prosperity in the last decade, taking its spot among the most popular vehicles of choice for Americans, behind pickups, of course. This has created a highly competitive space that sees brand after brand buffing out any and all shortcomings in its lineup to capture the top spot. While, for them, this can be a frustrating one-up game, for the buyers, the only frustration is which one to choose.

The mid-sized arena can seem crowded when taken into perspective, and it is, but this simply means that no matter your preference, there is likely a crossover just for you. That said, the question remains: which one to choose? A little internet research can go a long way, as your dream crossover may be lurking in the shadow of popular models, including the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90.

One such model that has yet to see its day in the sun also offers peppy performance, confident handling, and ample cargo, all at a very competitive price tag. The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer isn’t the first model to come to mind when speaking of crossovers, yet it’s hard to deny its practicality and value, especially considering how close the crossover competition is. Let’s crack open the SUV that Car And Driver call “The best crossover to wear the Chevrolet bow tie”.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Chevrolet, GM Authority, Fueleconomy.gov, KBB, and Car And Driver.

The Camaro Of SUVs Offers A Turbocharged Engine Option

The oft-called “Camaro of SUVs” borrows a lot from its muscle car counterpart. The muscular, sporty design that echoes throughout the vehicle, as well as its performance-inspired aggression, comes from the before-mentioned Camaro. Seemingly in an attempt to merge the appeal of both sportscar spunk and crossover practicality, Chevrolet has produced a mid-sized SUV that offers an uncompromising package. The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer may just represent the best of both worlds.

The 2024 Blazer features two powertrain options. The first, and standard, option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Though the turbo four isn’t the most powerful in its segment, it’s paired with agile handling and nimble tuning that allow each and every horse to remain in motion. The standard turbocharged engine boasts impressive MPG without compromising performance, displaying highly responsive handling and surprisingly motivated acceleration.

2024 Blazer RS 3.6-Liter V-6 Performance

(Source: Chevrolet, Car And Driver: Tested)

Upgrade to the turbo four’s big brother, the 3.6-liter V-6, and horsepower goes up to 308, while the torque grows to 270 pound-feet. The 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 asserts itself confidently, bellowing an aggressive growl when accelerating. Speaking of accelerating, the 2024 Blazer is equipped with the V-6 option and sprints from 0-60 MPH in 6.6 seconds. While not the quickest, it boasts excellent ability, especially when cornering. The superb body roll and stance allow the Blazer to masquerade as a sportscar in SUV clothing.

Additional driving modes, including tow/haul, off-road, snow/ice, and AWD are optional upgrades, though the 2024 Blazer does come standard with tour mode and sport mode. Tow/haul mode will come in handy for those who find themselves doing a bit of haulin’ from time to time. The V-6-equipped Blazer, when outfitted with proper towing equipment, has a max tow rating of 4,500 pounds.

Diverse Available Features Allow Detailed Customization

The two engine options provide an extra layer of buyer choice, but Chevy didn’t stop there. Along with the pair of powertrains, the 2024 Blazer comes in four varying trim levels ranging from $35,400 – $42,800 MSRP. While the top trim, the Premier, features the best cabin materials and drivetrain options, the lower trims can be optioned to provide the best value for cost.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer Trim Levels

To make the Blazer more versatile, Chevy offers the two-row crossover with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Though the AWD option isn’t available for every trim option, there’s plenty of middle ground to satisfy even the pickiest of buyers. The RS trim features Chevrolet’s twin-clutch Advanced All-Wheel Drive system, which is essentially sport-tuned AWD.

If you’re really looking to do a deep dive into the Chevy Blazer, look no further than the 2024 model year’s special trim packages. Adding yet another customization option, the 2024 Blazer, specifically the 2LT and 3LT trim, can be had in either the Redline Edition or Midnight/Sport Edition. These special edition packages add custom cosmetic accents and distinctive features that make the Camaro of SUVs stand out even more.

Options End At The Transmission

All trims, no matter the drivetrain or powertrain, connect to a nine-speed automatic transmission, no doubt contributing to the Blazer’s respectable MPG rating. The EPA rates the turbocharged 2.0-liter option at 25 combined MPG, while the thirstier V-6 option is able to squeeze 21 combined MPG. Though not the most fuel-efficient, the Chevy Blazer doesn’t try to be. This sporty SUV simply aims to bridge the gap

Interior Options Provide Endless Entertainment

The standard interior comforts are state-of-the-art, not to mention the available upgrades that enhance the cabin’s experience. Standard equipment includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities. Moving up the list of trims sees the Blazer gain additional amenities, not to mention there are quite a few optional upgrades that don’t require moving up in trim to obtain.

Options including a premium Bose sound system upgrade, Wi-Fi hotspot, and advanced safety and driver assist features can be included for an additional cost. However, options like the twin-clutch Advanced All-Wheel Drive system can only be had on the Blazer RS, and the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions can only be optioned on the Blazer 2LT and 3LT.

Driver Assist And Safety Come Standard

The 2024 Blazer, across all trims, features standard Chevy Safety Assist. This smart suite of six safety and assist features can be found on every 2024 Blazer. However, higher trims have standard advanced safety and assist features that are optional for lower trims.

Notable Safety And Driver Assist Features

• Forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking assist
• Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
• IntelliBeam high beam assist
• Adaptive cruise control (optional)
• Front and rear parking assist (optional)
• Lane change alert with blind zone alert (optional)

Interior Comforts And Cargo

Though the interior isn’t as premium as some of its pricier competition, the Blazer offers comfortable touchpoints ranging from soft-touch molded plastics to premium leather. As is the case with most of the Blazer’s features, options are aplenty when it comes to materials. Although, unlike the previously mentioned interchangeable options, interior materials and color schemes are mainly attached to designated trim options and complement/coincide with that trim’s purpose. For example, the top Premier trim features leather-appointed upholstery, while the base 2LT features soft-touch plastic and microfiber upholstery.

Cargo-wise, the Blazer is a mid-list occupier. There are roomier options, including the Lincoln Nautilus and GMC Acadia, but you’ll be paying more for that extra space. Plus, you’ll forfeit the sporty driving manners of the Blazer in exchange for conventional SUV qualities. The 2024 Blazer offers 39.6 inches of second-row legroom with an additional 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The second-row slides forward for easy access to the rear cargo, they also split 60/40 and, when laid down, provide a decent 64.2 cubic feet of max cargo volume.

Why The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer is A Compelling Option

The Blazer occupies a special place in the crossover segment, as it is able to capitalize on what SUV buyers enjoy in a crossover, as well as pique sportscar enthusiasts’ interest. Though it doesn’t sit at the top of the crossover kingdom, it has been quietly racking up sales, so it’s doing something right. The blend of practicality and bargain, along with the undeniably sporty DNA of the Blazer allow it to linger in the mind longer due to the sheer uniqueness of its dual personality.

Its price tag also earns it a second glance, as most modern SUVs start in the high $30,000 range. The entry-level Blazer starts at $35,400, making it one of the cheaper options. Some have stated that the interior material appears cheaper than higher priced models, and, well, there’s a reason they’re higher priced. The Blazer tastefully utilizes less premium materials in certain areas to lower the overall cost per unit. In turn, this allows a lower sales price and a better bargain. This ultimately makes the Blazer more accessible to a wider market.

How The Blazer Compares To Its Competition

As far as luxury and premium trimmings go, models including the Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, and Toyota Grand Highlander have the edge due to the quality and extent of their components and features. However, the 2024 Blazer offers a host of optional upgrades that could easily rival the top dogs of the mid-sized segment. But, to be fair, once you start loading up on available upgrades, the price can quickly jump up beyond what was originally advertised.

Even so, the performance and economy boasted by the Blazer allow it to keep up with any of its segment mates, likely thanks to the Camaro-inspired personality. Additionally, the wide variety of customizable options can cater to almost all buyers. That is if you’re in the market for a well-priced SUV Camaro.