2020 Chevrolet Blazer Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Since its introduction in 1969, the name Blazer has been synonymous with the Chevrolet brand. At first, it was connected to its successful family of full-sized SUVs. Then, in 1995, the Blazer disappeared.

It returned to the Chevy family in 2018, but not as a full-sized SUV. Instead, the vehicle that emerged from the 2019 model year was a mid-size crossover. This model year, it continues to make inroads into the world it left over 20 years ago.

Does the 2020 version of the vehicle live up to its legacy? Even more important, is it worth the purchase over other mid-size SUV models on the market?

What's New for 2020?

There are a few changes to the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer from its first-generation introduction. The first is the inclusion of a new engine option. This is a turbocharged 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine that replaces the previously standard four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is available on all trim versions.

Another important change -- one that many drivers request for other models -- is the ability to disable the engine's stop-start function. This was not available when the Blazer was reintroduced. Like the engine, this is available for all trims.

The last improvement to the mid-size SUV is with its tow package. Trailer hitch guidance is now available for a more accurate attachment.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer – The Pros

1. Multiple trim options

Other crossover SUV manufacturers offer two or three different trim models. The 2020 Chevrolet Blazer gives drivers the power to select from four different trims and three sub trims. It might seem excessive; however, it actually provides more opportunities to pick a Blazer without paying extra for upgrade packages.

For instance, if you want all-wheel drive (AWD) and enhanced safety content, the consumer can choose the 2LT trim for four thousand more than the standard L. On the other hand, if they want luxury without paying top price, they can look at the RS trim instead of paying more for the top-of-the-line Premier.

2. Enhanced Interior Cabin

The 2020 Chevrolet Blazer is on par with its older sibling, the Traverse, when it comes to interior cabin room. With space for five passengers and different cargo arrangements, the Blazer has a maximum of 64 cubic feet of storage. With the second-row seats folded, this allows for the delivery of 25 carry-on suitcases

Passenger room on the Blazer is also enhanced at all trim levels. Particularly in the second-row seats. They have plenty of space for a smaller compliment of passengers to stretch out on a long trip. In addition, the driver has over three feet of leg room to not feel cramped while on the highway or off-road.

3. Advanced Powertrain Offerings

The fact it's a mid-size SUV doesn't mean the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer has limited power. Truth be told, it offers three powertrain styles to fit most drivers. In addition to the new 2.0L Turbo, consumers can purchase a Blazer with an economical 2.5L Ecotec engine. Those who want more power to handle off-road journeys and increase towing capacity want to select the 3.6L V6 engine. This high-end instrument generates 308 horsepower and 269 pounds per foot of torque.

4. Comparable Fuel Efficiency

No matter the engine style, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer maintains fuel efficiency comparable with crossovers from other manufacturers. In front-wheel drive models, the Blazer gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models get 26 mpg on the highway.

5. Numerous Safety Options

Safety options improve hand-in-hand with technology. Thus, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer provides many of the standard features as some high-end crossovers.

Standard across all trims is the number of airbags -- a total of seven -- that protect the driver and passengers from front-end and side collisions as well as rollovers. An HD Rear Vision Camera, daytime running lights, and OnStar assistance also come standard.
Optional safety features and standards for high-end trims include forward collision alert, pedestrian braking, and alerts for lane departures and rear cross traffic.

6. Smooth Performance

Vehicle handling is a critical component for crossover SUVs, so the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer made it a priority. The steering is both accurate and composed with the capability to respond to curves without heavy braking. The 18-inch wheels that come standard with all Blazer trims engage paved and off-road surfaces for a smoother and quieter ride.

When traveling at normal speeds in the city or highway, the Blazer's steering is fluid yet precise. Furthermore, the braking system across all trims responds quickly without a heavy push. Thus, the risk of spin-outs and collisions is greatly reduced.

7. An Enhanced Infotainment System

The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system levels the playing field between the 2020 Blazer and the mid-size SUVs from other manufacturers. The eight-inch touchscreen provides an intuitive menu layout similar to that of a smart phone. This results in a fully equipped set of options that are easier to navigate without taking your eyes off the road.

On top of this, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer provides connectivity options for everyone. Several USB ports provide enough charging and data spaces for most passengers. Quick access to the internet is available through several options:

• Android Auto
• Apple Play
• Bluetooth
• Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot

Owners can upgrade their infotainment system. With this they get, among other things, a larger display screen, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

8. Expansive Warranty Coverage

Chevrolet's Complete Care package does a good job to keep your 2020 Chevrolet Blazer running through its lifetime. It does this without an extra charge at the time of purchase.

Under the Complete Care package, owners receive one oil change and tire rotation during the first 12 months. After this, the Blazer is covered under bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and anti-corrosion programs for an accumulated average of four years or 60,000 miles.

9. Noise-Cancelling Cabin

The sounds of a V6 engine, traffic, and road surfaces may result in discomfort within the driving cabin. However, not in the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. By implementing technology related to that of noise-cancelling headphones, most of the outside sounds are reduced or eliminated while on the road.

Some of this is done by microphones built into the interior that mute detected sounds. Other noise-reduction adjustments include thicker door seals and added insulation to the dashboard and under the hood.

10. Clear Views of Your Surroundings

Chevrolet's goal is to make the Blazer as safe as possible. In addition to the safety options already mentioned, they are also utilizing features to contribute to a zero-collision environment.

The rear camera view that once appeared on the infotainment screen can now be seen directly in the Traverse's rear-view mirror in some trims. Thus, the driver can clearly view what's going on without constantly looking at the dash display.

Another way is with the Surround Vision option. This provides drivers with a virtual 360-degree view of the area. In turn, they can park in close spaces without hitting other cars or objects.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer – The Cons

1. Poor Performance of the Standard Engine

For a crossover SUV, some say the basic powertrain of the 2020 Blazer is subpar. It's true the 2.5L Ecotec is short on horsepower and torque. However, for others, the increase in fuel efficiency is more important.

2. An Average Interior

While the Blazer's interior space is at or above other crossover SUVs, the materials that make up the cabin are not. There are some uneven areas and hard plastics used in the basic trims. The better seat materials and dashboard designs are saved for the more expensive trims.

3. Compromised Rear Headroom

While there is close to 40 inches of headroom for the front row driver and passenger, rear headroom is reduced by almost two inches. The possible reason for this is the design of this current Blazer. It comes from the recently redesigned Camaro -- a vehicle not known for his roominess.

4. Ride Quality with Larger Wheels

The RS and Premier trims offer an upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels. Even with this two-inch change in diameter the Blazer's ride quality changes significantly. Rather than a smooth and controlled ride, the SUV feels rough across all surfaces.

5. Safety aids saved for higher-end trims

The lower-end Blazer trims definitely have enough safety features to protect the driver and passengers. However, the advanced tools, like Surround View Cameras, are saved for the higher-end trims. And even some of them come as options instead of standard features.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2020 Blazer ranks high with comfort, infotainment, and safety. Nevertheless, it still has competition, even from within its own family. For instance, the smaller Chevrolet Equinox has more utility capacity for towing and a better-equipped interior cabin. The Chevrolet Traverse has a slightly higher base price. Yet, it comes with a foot more cabin space and better towing capacity.

Outside of the family, the Blazer is above the Ford Edge when it comes to infotainment, interior design, and safety. However, the base Edge is more powerful thanks to a standard turbocharged engine. In addition, it beats the Blazer in terms of total headroom.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer still continues to shine in the domestic crossover SUV market. Sandwiched between the smaller Equinox and larger Traverse, it has the comfort, storage, and standard infotainment system that those looking for a mid-size SUV are interested in. Furthermore, with the introduction of a turbocharged engine across all trims, the Blazer has both the horsepower and fuel efficiency needed to remain on top.

However, some might be turned off by the anemic power of the standard 2.5L engine and the lack of driver assistance features and agility. It will take a test drive, or several, and a review of all the trims to make the right decision for your needs.