Used 2020 Chevrolet Blazer

#11 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

To appreciate the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer is to cast aside any memories of — or expectations based on — previous sport-utility vehicles of the same name. That was then and this is now.

Looking to compete with rides like the Ford Edge, Honda Passport and Nissan Murano, the 2020 Blazer is a 5-seater midsize-crossover SUV with talents better suited to tarmac than tricky terrain. That’s not a criticism, however. After all, suburban speed humps are usually the toughest obstacles most crossover SUVs ever face.

To consolidate the new Blazer’s appeal, the amount of standard equipment is generous. As well as a luxurious range-topper, there’s also a sporty RS version to compete with the Ford Edge ST.

There’s a pleasant balancing act of absorbing bumps while keeping body roll in check and bringing some life to the steering. Selectable driving modes include Sport, Tow and Off-road (probably the one that will be used the least). They change the responses of the steering, throttle and transmission.

The enthusiast-minded Blazer RS version has quicker steering action and a sportier suspension than the regular models, yet the ride quality remains acceptable. In any version, drivers will notice the quiet cabin (active noise cancellation helps here), excellent forward vision and confident braking.

The V6 engine in the RS and Premier trims does its own balancing act of being punchy yet smooth. It’s this engine and all-wheel drive that enable the maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a welcome addition, providing more muscle than the base unit.

The base engine has a tendency to surge when applying light throttle, making it finicky to drive smoothly at parking-lot speeds.

The 9-speed automatic transmission is a fine complement to any of the Blazer’s power sources, optimizing acceleration and fuel economy.

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A streamlined dashboard housing the infotainment system’s 8-inch display underlines the new Blazer’s modernity. The cool Camaro-inspired center vents allow temperature adjustment just by rotating them. Stowage spots include a passenger-side map slot, door and seatback pockets, plus an electronically locking glove box. And there are soft points wherever the front occupants’ elbows come to rest.

Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample space, climate-control vents and convenient slide/recline seats. The Blazer’s luggage area of 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats is smaller than the Ford Edge’s but roomy enough for most needs. For larger loads, release levers located conveniently in the cargo area create a flat load floor.

Contrasting rugged Blazers of the past, the 2020 model blazes its own design path. For starters, it has four doors where older versions had two. At its nose the new Blazer features thin, sharply drawn “headlights” that aren’t headlights at all but rather LED running lights. The actual headlights sit midway down the fascia.

Blacked-out A- and C-pillars conspire with striking body lines to create a tasty aesthetic for all Blazer variants. However, moving up to the Premier trim dresses up the package with chrome accents and 20-inch wheels. Reserved for the Blazer RS are sporty 20-inch wheels, dark exterior accents and revised exhaust outlets.

8-INCH INFOTAINMENT SCREEN
The Blazer’s standard infotainment interface includes a high-resolution 8-inch touch screen featuring clear icons, a logical interface, and standard smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

360-DEGREE CAMERA SYSTEM
Midsize-crossover SUVs aren’t always the easiest of vehicles to park. This optional surround-view camera setup removes a lot of guesswork and the potential for dings, revealing any hazards that might otherwise be hidden from sight. It’s also extremely useful when connecting a trailer. Sadly, it’s not available until the 3LT trim.

The most basic and therefore least expensive 2020 Chevy Blazer is the L trim. It still comes with plenty of features, though, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, 18-inch alloy wheels, four USB ports (two regular and two type-C), leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless entry/ignition.

This wouldn’t be our recommended choice, though. The 2LT model isn’t much more expensive, has a little more equipment and comes with the new turbocharged engine. It’s also eligible for more options.

Getting all-wheel drive into a new Blazer means stretching at least to the 2LT level. The lower LT trim becomes eligible for blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert and rear parking sensors. These items are standard in the 3LT.

The RS may be ordered with 21-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera system, forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. These driver aids are also optional in the top Premier trim; the Honda Passport is one rival that packs such features as standard. One extra that’s often found in GM vehicles is the Safety Alert Seat that cuts through the visual and audible information with a fundamental sensation to the driver’s posterior.

Other options include Wi-Fi, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, up to six USB ports, and automatic high beams.

The base engine for front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions of the 2020 Blazer is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit developing a more than reasonable 193 horsepower.

New for this year is the 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2LT and 3LT trims where front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) becomes available as an option.

The RS and Premier models enjoy a gutsy 3.6-liter V6 (which can be added to the mid-level 2LT and 3LT trims for $500).

Each engine has a fuel-saving engine stop/start function that can be deactivated. Active grille shutters (for aerodynamic and thermal efficiency) are also standard.

All-wheel drive (AWD) comes in either a basic setup or, exclusive to the RS and Premier trims, GM’s twin-clutch arrangement that can direct power to the outside rear wheel, bringing greater agility through the corners. Both systems have a mode that disconnects the rear axle for optimum efficiency when conditions allow.

All versions of the 2020 Chevy Blazer employ a competent 9-speed automatic transmission.

2.5-liter inline-4
193 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
188 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg (FWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
230 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (FWD), 21/27 mpg (AWD)

3.6-liter V6
308 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (FWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)