The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is offered in two engine options. The base L trims have to live with a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder motor that is good for 193 horsepower and is adequate for daily commutes and comes with a good FWD setup. On the other hand, for people who want a more enthusiastic ride on their way to the office or on the motorway, the 3.6L V6 is the option to go for.
With a massive 305hp on tap, the V6 on the Blazer makes it one of the most powerful SUVs in its class. The massive 269ft-lbs of torque makes zooming through traffic a breeze and performing the odd overtaking maneuver, a lot easier than ever.
Models
|
Chevrolet Blazer LT V6
|
Nissan Murano S
|
Honda Passport Sport
|
Hyundai Santa Fe XL SE
|
MSRP
|
$34,495
|
$32,315
|
$33,035
|
$31,995
|
Engine
|
3.6L V6
|
3.5L V6
|
3.5L V 6
|
3.3L V6
|
Transmission
|
9 Speed automatic
|
CVT
|
9 Speed automatic
|
6 Speed Automatic
|
Horsepower
|
305hp@ 6600rpm
|
260hp@ 6000rpm
|
280hp@ 6000rpm
|
290hp@ 6400rpm
|
Torque
|
269ft-lbs@ 5000rpm
|
240ft-lbs@ 4400rpm
|
262ft-lbs@ 4700 rpm
|
252ft-lbs@ 5200rpm
|
For the Transmission part, GM has opted for a 9 Speed Unit which isn't the fastest to respond but not dull to drive with either. We do however like the prompt response of the transmission from standstill but we don't particularly like the (+/-) buttons on the gear lever to change gears manually.
Acceleration
The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer's acceleration from the 3.6L is one of the best in the segment and with a 6.3 second time to do the 60mph dash from a standstill, the Blazer has its head held high against the competition.
Models
|
Chevrolet Blazer LT V6
|
Nissan Murano S
|
Honda Passport Sport
|
Hyundai Santa Fe XL SE
|
0-60 MPH
|
6.3
|
7.5
|
6.1
|
7.2
|
Quarter mile
|
N/A
|
15.6
|
N/A
|
15.8
|
Engine
|
3.6L V6
|
3.5L V6
|
3.5L V 6
|
3.3L V6
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
4007
|
3823
|
3959
|
4026
|
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
7.6
|
7.7
|
7.3
|
8.9
|
In terms of the competition, the newly launched Honda Passport is the fastest of the lot, thanks to its lower curb weight and powerful motor. The Nissan Murano and the Hyundai Santa Fe XL are the slowest of all the cars with a time of more than 7 seconds to do the dash to 60.
Ride and Handling
In lieu of the sporty characteristics, the Chevrolet Blazer has a relatively firmer ride as compared to its rivals and that translates to its precise handling manners. The new Blazer SUV isn't based out on a Big Chevy truck and is based on a modern SUV platform. The Chevy Blazer uses independent suspension and this allows the blazer to handle small bumps and cracks on the road quite easily. In terms of enthusiastic driving though, it's the Blazer RS that steals the show with its sports-tuned suspension and steering that takes the driving experience to a whole new level.
The steering also adds to the driving character of the Blazer and the strong handling characteristics are aided by the light steering at city speeds. However, once you climb to Highway speeds, the steering weighs a lot heavier than most people would expect it to and tends to be less pleasing to drive on the same. However, this isn't exactly a deal-breaker as the centering force of the Blazer has been programmed well and helps the SUV maintain a straight line with great poise and composure.
Braking
We don't have the 60-0 figures for the Blazer for now but considering the big brake rotors and super grippy tires, we expect the Blazer's braking performance to be similar to the other SUVs in the segment.
Model
|
Chevrolet Blazer LT V6
|
Nissan Murano S
|
Honda Passport Sport
|
Hyundai Santa Fe XL SE
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
12.64
|
12.6
|
12.8
|
12.6
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
12.40
|
12.1
|
12.8
|
11.9
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
N/A
|
119
|
126
|
116
|
In terms of the competition, the Hyundai Santa FE XL is the best of the lost while the all-new Honda Passport struggles to keep pace with the rest.