Ep 32. 2019 Chevrolet Blazer

MotorWeek season 38 episode 32 sees the team take on the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, a midsize SUV that has been reincarnated after a 13-year hiatus. With its raked roofline, aggressive front-end styling, and a range of engine options, the Blazer has been designed to take on competitors such as the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano. MotorWeek checks out the Blazer to see if it has what it takes to compete in the tough midsize SUV segment.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer is available in three trim levels - the base L, mid-level Blazer 2LT, and the top-of-the-line Blazer Premier. All trims come with a choice of two engines - a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive available as an option on all trims.

The team at MotorWeek starts off by examining the exterior of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, with its striking design language that features unique LED lighting and muscular lines. They note that the Blazer's styling is heavily influenced by the Camaro, Chevy's iconic muscle car. While some may find the Camaro-inspired look too aggressive for an SUV, the MotorWeek team feels that it gives the Blazer a sporty and distinctive appeal.

Once inside, the team is impressed by the surprisingly spacious interior of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The SUV features a comfortable cabin that is well-laid-out, with intuitive controls and ample storage space. The Blazer's infotainment system, which comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, is easy to use and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The team notes that the Blazer's interior materials and finishes are of high quality and feel upscale.

Performance-wise, the MotorWeek team is pleased with the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer's V6 engine, which they note provides plenty of power and acceleration. They also test out the Blazer's off-road capabilities and find that it holds up well on loose gravel surfaces and mildly challenging obstacles. The Blazer's ride quality is also noted to be smooth and comfortable on the highway.

Safety features on the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer include standard rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and Teen Driver - a system that allows parents to set speed and volume limits for their teenage drivers. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera mirror, and surround-view camera system are available as additional options.

Overall, the MotorWeek team comes away impressed with the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, noting that it is a solid contender in the midsize SUV market. They find that the Blazer's unique design, well-crafted interior, and ample performance make it a worthy competitor to segment leaders such as the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.