Is the New Chevy Blazer Reliable?

The Blazer SUV is back as of 2019, but is it a reliable SUV? Read on below, and we’ll find out what’s what.

Chevrolet’s Blazer started life in 1969 when it was introduced as a pickup truck-based two-door off-roader, and it quickly gained popularity. Then in 2005, Chevy pulled the plug on the iconic Blazer until 2019, when it roared back into life as a mid-size crossover SUV. These days, the new Blazer crossover is a common sight on roads and is a popular choice for drivers and their families.

Blazer Specs & Options

Before we get into reliability, let’s go over what makes the Chevrolet Blazer a Blazer. The General Motors C1XX platform is the foundation for the Blazer and is also shared with vehicles like the Cadillac XT5 and XT6. Four trim levels are offered, including an entry-level 2LT, a mid-range 3LT trim, the sporty RS trim, and a top-end Premier trim. The previously-base trims L and 1LT were dropped from the lineup starting in 2022. Three engines are offered, starting with a base 2.5-liter I4, and an available 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 305 horsepower. Starting in 2020, a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 was added to the mix. All motors are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and front or all-wheel drive is available. An impressive towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds is featured as well, allowing you to tow that camper or boat with ease.

Intuitive Design, Inside & Out

The new Blazer was designed with Chevrolet’s sporty heritage in mind. An overall athletic build, the Blazer takes advantage of sharp lines mixed with swooping curves to help it stand out amongst the usual crossovers of today. Inside, one of the most prominent nods toward Chevy’s sporty past are the turbine-shaped HVAC vents, which are also found in the Chevy Camaro. A 10.2-inch infotainment screen takes center stage on the dashboard, and the interior is peppered with soft-touch materials throughout. While the Blazer is larger and offers more room overall, the similar-sized Chevrolet Trax crossover and Blazer are nearly identical in terms of headroom. A maximum cargo capacity of 64.2 cubic feet is achieved with the second-row seats folded flat.

Reliable, or Not?

While every car’s reliability is different, and many owners can have widely different experiences with the same makes and models, it helps to have an average reliability to help with your research. According to the independent product testing firm Consumer Reports, the new Chevrolet Blazer is less reliable than the average new vehicle. This average is based on the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, with Chevrolet’s total brand reliability score also taken into consideration.

While this info can be bad news for potential and current Blazer owners, it’s important to note the Blazer does beat other mid-size crossover SUVs like the Nissan Murano in reliability scoring. All in all, your mileage may vary when it comes to the New Chevy Blazer.