Should You Buy a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer?

2021 Chevrolet Blazer Pros

• Surprising performance from the V6

• Best design in the segment

• A lot of useful tech

2021 Chevrolet Blazer Cons

• Not as spacious as some of its competition

• Annoying infotainment system

• Fuel economy isn’t its strong suit

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We recently got our hands on Chevrolet Blazer for perhaps the fourth or fifth time this year. We also got to speak with Chevy about the Blazer. Although the 2021 Chevy Blazer isn’t out yet, we thought we’d get a head start.

If you’re considering a Blazer in the next year, but not right now, know that Chevy’s new mid-size SUV isn’t expected to change much for the 2021 model year. So whatever you read here applies and if something does change, we will update accordingly. And if you want a Chevrolet Blazer right now, then again what is said here applies.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer should start at about the same price as the 2020 model. That means roughly $35,000 in Canada and $29,000 in the US. Power will continue to be supplied by a base 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine that delivers 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque.

A top-of-the-line 3.6-litre V6 supplies 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This engine can tow up to 2,401 kg, or 4,500 pounds. In between is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Cargo capacity is rated at 1,818 litres of total cargo space, or 64.2 Cu.Ft.

Why You Should Buy a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

1. Our tester came with the 3.6-litre V6 with 308 horsepower and honestly, it surprised us with its performance. Compared to other mid-size SUVs, the Blazer feels a lot quicker to take off and react. It’s almost like driving an Audi Q5 or a BMW X3 in the way the Blazer accelerates.

2. Our RS tester looked fantastic with large, 20-inch wheels. The overall design of the Blazer is really nice and although looks are subjective, we can say with confidence that this is the only model in its segment that actually gets a few looks on the road.

3. The turbocharged engine helps with the V6 engine’s most glaring fault, fuel economy. The turbo will deliver good performance with a very noticeable improvement in fuel consumption.

4. There’s a lot of tech in the Chevy Blazer, more than what you find in its rivals. 4G LTE Wi-Fi, rear seat reminder, Teen Driver, OnStar assistance, and SiriusXM 360 which gives you more functionality with your satellite radio are the best examples.

5. Back to performance, the Blazer offers numerous drive modes that actually make a difference in how it behaves. Sport mode is sportier, and you have the ability to modify the input of the AWD system depending on when and how you need it.

6. Cargo area comes with a built-in divider in the upper trims which is adjustable and very useful. It keeps groceries from flying all over the place, for example.

7. This could be a problem for some or a plus for others, but the Blazer doesn’t feel big on the road. It feels like an SUV, but not a massive one. You kind of feel like you zip around with the Blazer which isn’t something you feel in the Honda Passport or the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2021 Chevy Blazer

1. The infotainment system is packed with features, but it annoyingly froze or lagged during our test drive. We’ve seen this problem in other recent Chevrolet models as well. Glitch or recurring problem? We don’t know. But it was enough to notice and very irritating.

2. The cargo area is small compared to the Blazer’s competition. Chevy told us that most Blazer owners will be fine with 64 Cu.Ft (1,818 litres) and they aren’t wrong that it is spacious on its own. But, when you compare the Blazer to the Honda Passport, or the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross, or the Ford Edge, or any other mid-size SUV, it comes up lacking in the space department.

3. There’s limited storage space in the front. You will quickly run out of space for your wallet, phone, handbag, keys and mints.

4. The V6 is a blast, but the fuel economy is terrible.

Final Word

We really like how the Chevy Blazer behaves on the road. Whether it’s a 2020 model or a 2021 model, it’s the most fun you can have in a mid-size SUV. It’s also the best-looking and it’s packed with tech. The infotainment system wasn’t up to par during our test drive, but that doesn’t mean it’s a problem with all Blazers. The only real problem you have to consider is the lack of storage space and the lesser cargo capacity compared to other equivalent models. If this isn’t a problem for you, you’ll enjoy your 2021 Chevrolet Blazer.