The Blazer isn't the off-road scrambler you may remember from years ago. Today's Blazer is better suited to on-road performance with its sharp handling and well-damped ride. There's a cost, however, for its showstopping Camaro-like design: Rear headroom is severely compromised, and utility is limited given its small cargo capacity.
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
Refined ride quality
Agile handling for an SUV
Infotainment system is attractive and easy to use
Strong optional V6 engine
Cons
Compromised headroom for rear passengers
Lower max cargo capacity than several rivals
What's new
Revised exterior styling
10-inch touchscreen standard on all trims
Price increase of $1,400 over 2022 models
Part of the first Blazer generation introduced for 2019
Overview
After a few years on the market, the Chevrolet Blazer gets a new look for 2023. Its nose is a little leaner, the front grille is more windswept and the squinty headlights are slightly … well, more squinty. There are also significant upgrades inside the Blazer, including a 10-inch touchscreen that comes standard on every version. The Blazer has built a commendable reputation since this most recent generation debuted in 2019, and these improvements aim to keep it fresh for at least a few more years.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The Blazer, though, faces tough competition from other midsize SUVs, and it doesn't have standout strengths or unique personality quirks to set it apart. After all, this is not the rough and romping body-on-frame Blazer SUV from decades ago. Its more family-friendly approach leaves it vulnerable to competitors such as the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas, while crosstown rival Ford Bronco made waves for returning to its hardcore roots. Alas, the Blazer has some self-imposed hurdles to overcome in such a crowded field. But there is plenty to like about it too. Read on to see how we think this Chevy stacks up and why.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.3/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Blazer isn't the off-road scrambler you may remember from years ago. Today's Blazer is better suited to on-road performance with its sharp handling and well-damped ride. There's a cost, however, for its showstopping Camaro-like design: Rear headroom is severely compromised, and utility is limited given its small cargo capacity.
How does the Blazer drive? Strong acceleration and crisp handling are two of the Blazer's hallmarks. The V6-powered Blazer we tested sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. That's quick for this type of vehicle and a bit better than the Honda Passport and the Ford Edge with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Blazer is also agile through turns, with well-controlled body roll.
It's not all roses, however. Slow and heavy steering — combined with rampant torque steer, an undesirable trait where the steering wheel tugs in your hands when you mash the gas — negates most of the Blazer's sporting pretensions. Optional all-wheel drive is meant more for wet-weather driving than any legitimate off-road use, which is also hampered by the Blazer's lower ride height compared to the Jeep Cherokee or Subaru Outback.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the Blazer? For the most part, the Blazer delivers the on-road comfort you expect from a modern SUV. The ride is stable and controlled without being overly harsh. The front seats are well bolstered and remain supportive for long stretches. The rear seats are fairly flat but are set at a comfortable angle and height.
The Blazer isn't particularly quiet — the cabin is awash in wind, road and tire noise as you cruise along the highway. You might have to raise your voice to talk with rear passengers. The climate control system takes a while to warm the cabin, and the seat heaters are slow to activate.
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How’s the interior? Slipping in and out of the cabin is easy, but the Blazer's sloping roofline restricts rear headroom for 6-foot-plus passengers. There's also only enough shoulder room to comfortably seat two across in the back. Up front, there's more room and a wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustments to fit drivers of most sizes.
Drawbacks continue with placement of the controls. Certain buttons and knobs are cryptically marked and awkwardly arranged. Like the similarly styled Camaro sport coupe, the Blazer's outward visibility is compromised, particularly over your shoulder and to the rear. We recommend getting a Blazer with the available blind-spot warning system.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? The Blazer touchscreen has crisp graphics and an easy-to-use interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is also included, but the native interface is fine in its own right. The available Bose audio system isn't quite premium, but it's decent. Sound quality is solidly midrange but you can't turn the system up too loud before distortion sets in.
As for the voice commands, they require a fairly rigid syntax, and conversational speech is often met with prompts to repeat. The Blazer's advanced driver aids work well.
Storage
6.5/10
How’s the storage? The Blazer lacks the cargo capacity of most of its competitors. The cargo area measures 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is far less than competitors such as the Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe. In particular, the Blazer's tall liftover height creates a challenge when loading heavy, bulky loads. That said, its clever cargo rail system is useful for securing items of varying lengths and sizes.
There's not much room inside the cabin for your personal effects. The center console is wide and deep, but the door pockets are shallow and narrow.
A properly equipped Blazer with all-wheel drive and the V6 engine can tow up to 4,500 pounds, which is an average amount for a midsize crossover SUV.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? Over about 1,245 test miles, our front-wheel-drive test Blazer V6 returned 19.5 mpg. That's a bit off from its EPA estimate of 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. But on our official mixed-driving evaluation route, the Blazer achieved 21.1 mpg, meeting expectations.
Value
7.0/10
Is the Blazer a good value? With a pleasant but plain interior, smaller cargo capacity than rivals, average driving performance, and class-average pricing, the Blazer offers questionable value relative to other midsize SUVs. It doesn't do anything much better than the others, with the lone exception of crisper cornering — not high on our list of SUV needs.
The warranty is respectable, however. Like most rivals, the Blazer offers basic coverage for three years/36,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty is good for five years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is covered during the powertrain warranty period, and unlike many rivals, the Blazer's plan includes one complimentary service visit during the first year of ownership.
Wildcard
8.0/10
The Blazer would be more fun if it drove like the Camaro that inspires it. Instead it's a mildly sporty SUV that's more playful in turns than most of its competitors. Strip away the big front grille and the bold exterior styling, and the Blazer is an average midsize SUV. But that styling counts for something, especially in a class prone to anonymity.
Which Blazer does Edmunds recommend?
Traditionally we've recommended the base 2LT trim, and we're sticking with it for the 2023 model. This year the 10-inch touchscreen is included in every trim, which makes the value proposition even stronger. We suggest adding the Convenience package to supplement it with adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging and a power liftgate.
Chevrolet Blazer models
The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer is a midsize crossover with four doors and seating for up to five passengers. It's available in four trim levels: 2LT, 3LT, RS and Premier. All versions come standard with front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option. The 2LT, 3LT and Premier are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), while a 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp, 270 lb-ft) is available on the 3LT and Premier and standard on the RS.
2LT
The base model Blazer comes with these standard features:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights and taillights
Heated exterior mirrors
Keyless entry and start
10-inch touchscreen
Power driver's seat
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
Four USB ports (two USB-A, two USB-C)
Six-speaker audio system with satellite radio
Cruise control
Standard safety equipment is included in the Chevy Safety Assist group, which has:
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning (issues a warning and steers the Blazer back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Notable packages available on the 2LT include the following:
Convenience package
Heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Wireless charging station
Power liftgate
Roof rails
Enhanced automatic emergency braking (applies additional pressure to the brakes in emergency situations under 50 mph )
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Blazer and the car in front)
Driver Confidence package
Lane change alert with side blind zone alert (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear park assist (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your path while you're in reverse)
3LT
Choosing the 3LT nets you these upgrades:
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Heated outside mirrors
Power liftgate
Blind-spot warning
Rear cross-traffic warning
If you choose the 3LT, you also get the Driver Confidence package as standard equipment, and you may also consider adding the Sound & Technology package with:
Navigation
Eight-speaker premium audio system
4.2-inch driver information display
Rear camera mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Blazer and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Blazer and the car in front)
Features from the 2LT Convenience package
RS
Standard with the upgraded V6 engine, this trim level also includes the following equipment:
20-inch wheels
Special black grille and black exterior trim
Heated steering wheel
Upgraded touchscreen infotainment with navigation
Eight-speaker Bose premium audio system
Ambient interior lighting
120-volt power port
Wireless charging
Programmable power liftgate
Premier
The top-line Premier reverts back to the four-cylinder engine as standard and has its own unique chrome and silver exterior trim. Otherwise it's equipped much like the RS. Both RS and Premier trims offer these additional packages:
Driver Confidence II package
Surround-view camera system
Rear camera mirror
Adaptive cruise control
Enhanced automatic emergency braking
Safety alert seat (vibrates the driver's seat cushion when a safety warning is triggered)
Enhanced Convenience package
Ventilated front seats (not included at launch)
Heated rear outboard seats (not included at launch)
5/5 stars, Pros and Cons - Blazer AWD Premier 6 cyl,
Larry Abas,
Premier 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
About Me:
I'm 6' 3", my son is 6' 7". We look at GM as brand that supports tall drivers and passengers. I want a car that has safety features especially automatic braking, high resolution backup camera, and wide enough that 2 adults can share the center arm rest. ( I hate theaters with shared arm rests). I rarely tow, but want the option. 4WD is must in Canadian Winters. A heated … steering wheel is a must for me. If your hands feel warm, the rest of you does too. Remote start should preheat or cool the cabin, not just start the engine. I look for a vehicle that has good handling and precise steering and no torque steer at low and medium acceleration. In 4WD no torque steer should be noticeable at high acceleration. Tech integration is important to me.
The cons:
The head room in the back is low for my 6' 7 son, he can fit a bit squashed. The adjust-steering wheel button on side of steering wheel can be hit by a tall persons knee causing the steering wheel to lower and crush knee. Two memory settings with 3 drivers is a problem. Lastly, the passenger side wiper pivots from the center of the car, leaving a "blind spot" for tall passengers. (I prefer pivoting from the edges which has better coverage. 21" tires are a bit noisy on bumpy roads. Doors don't automatically relock if you accidentally pocket-press. (yes option to auto-lock is selected). Hands free rear hatch open, often takes 2 try's of foot waving. The memory settings need more features to understand my wife and I like different display options. OnStar day-to-day use with a 10 minute response time is too slow to be useful. The SD card slot in a user accessible area with map data makes no sense to me. My SD card shows an error and after 1 month still trying to get a service appointment, was fixed with a new SD card.
The discovered good:
Gas mileage for me was better than sticker using adaptive cruise control on the highway. Engine changes to 4 cylinders when 6 are not needed. The twin clutch with torque vectoring pulls you through corners on the highway is so extremely satisfying, making you feel like you are driving on a banked turn. The rear head rests have tilt buttons on them, so that they don't hit the front seat when folding the rear seats down. All windows can be lowered from the remote ( just not raised). This helps as you approach the car on hot days. The wireless android auto and wireless charger are musts for my wife that hates wires and mess. Tested with iphone XR, and Samsung S21. Room for charging 2 phones would be nice though.
The Vehicle's Amazon Echo is functional via cell phone without an OnStar data plan. This is handy.
I have not had to clean the rear camera often. The automatic cleaner does the job perfectly. The headlight beam pattern is interesting. On my garage door this shows that light is projected in the most intelligent way with a hard horizontal line. I suspect these will perform well in fog and reduce light into the eyes of oncoming traffic. The seat cooling works but fan can be a bit noisy on high. Sun Visor vanity lights are soft-start, giving your eyes time to adjust.
The awesome must-have features once you try them:
Adaptive cruise control is amazing, its faster reacting than me, but controls speed much like I would.
The must have haptic seat for alert warnings is so much better than beeping, especially when having conversations. It alerts you to the direction of the hazard. I want one of those for my XBOX.
Rear Cross Traffic alert, sees things before I do.
Hotspot access - I can connect the Blazer to my homes WIFI network, or to my cellphones hot spot.
Bose Speakers - excellent HQ sound for streaming from phone. Sirius radio sounds flat and unappealing to me.
Additional items after 8 months of ownership:
The 4 wheel drive and handling in deep snow, 4 inches with a few 16 " snow banks to cross, was great with no notice pull to either side when accelerating or braking.
Automatic braking works well, my wife has tested it 3 times!
USB MP3 play back works great and saves some bandwidth
The electronic parking brake works well, the main advantage is that no pedal or hand-lever needed, making more space available for your feet or console.
Zero issues with the wireless phone charger, unlike my Chevy Cruze, which never worked with anything.
Garage door open buttons do no light up, making them hard to find in the dark.
More testing needed:
Tire Fill Alert: did not beep when adjusting tire pressure resulting in over inflation. More testing needed, perhaps the pressure has to be lower first.
Small issue with music streaming from my cell phone, with music pausing ever other second. This needs more testing and was cleared by turning the phone's WIFI on and off.
Features Desired:
Auto Tilt mirrors for parking. The car is wide parking spaces are not.
2 more loops at rear hatch to hang cargo net with 4 tie points.
hooks that attach to cargo organizer bar to hold shopping bags.
Cheap 21" winter rims.
Brighter day time running lights.
Paddle shifter or equivalent for downshifting before passing.
Ejection seat on wife's side.
5/5 stars, Happy Driver
Slayton,
2LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Although this is a four cylinder, it has a lot of power and a great pick when passing other vehicles. The cabin is comfortable and have all the bells and whistles of the modern tech world. I enjoy driving it. Very good choice.
5/5 stars, Love my premier
Stef,
Premier 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Sporty looks and handling, comfy seats, lots of power with the v6, lack of head room? Give me a break, im 6ft tall and have never had so much head room! Plus tons of leg room front and rear. Great fuel economy if you drive like [non-permissible content removed] but not so great if you like to have fun. Overall love it.
5/5 stars, All Killer No Filler
Dennis H. ,
Premier 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Power is excellent with the 3.6 V6. The transmission shifts perfect. I would like to have seen the console have a built in phone holder but it’s not a necessity. The interior is sporty and there is head room for taller guys. Just a solid car all the way around.
The Blazer and Passport are both crossover SUVs, but the Passport is inherently more rugged thanks to a lifted suspension for added ground clearance. On the road, it feels civilized, and cargo space is quite generous too. This versatility has kept the Passport at the top of our midsize SUV rankings. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda Passport.
The Blazer and Atlas Cross Sport are natural competitors because they're designed for on-road comfort and practicality. The Blazer feels better to drive and has a larger standard screen, but the Atlas Cross Sport boasts a high-quality interior and loads of storage space. It's simply more practical, earning our recommendation out of the two.
Many expected the Blazer to resemble a rugged, no-holds-barred Jeep competitor. Well, it didn't — but the Ford Bronco did. This is a traditional body-on-frame SUV, in your choice of two or four doors, designed to conquer. Fuel economy suffers and the ride is capital N noisy. But it sure makes a statement. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ford Bronco.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges . Dealer sets the final price.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Blazer safety features:
Forward Collision Alert
Sounds an alarm if the vehicle rapidly approaches a stopped vehicle in front and a collision is deemed imminent.
Safety Alert Seat
Vibrates to alert you when advanced safety systems, including the parking sensors and blind-spot warning system, are triggered.
Blind Zone Alert
Warns you if there's a vehicle in or approaching the blind spot via a light in the rearview mirror.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
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FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Blazer a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Blazer both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Blazer gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 51 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Blazer has 30.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Blazer. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer:
Revised exterior styling
10-inch touchscreen standard on all trims
Price increase of $1,400 over 2022 models
Part of the first Blazer generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Chevrolet Blazer is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Blazer. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Blazer's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Blazer and gave it a 7.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Blazer gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 51 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Blazer is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer?
The least-expensive 2023 Chevrolet Blazer is the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,100.
Other versions include:
2LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $35,100
2LT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $37,800
3LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $39,300
3LT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $42,000
RS 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $42,800
Premier 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $42,800
Premier 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $45,700
RS 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $45,700
What are the different models of Chevrolet Blazer?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Blazer, the next question is, which Blazer model is right for you? Blazer variants include 2LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), 2LT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), 3LT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A), and 3LT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of Blazer models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more