2023 Chevrolet Blazer
Overview
The 2023 Chevy Blazer is a two-row, mid-size SUV that’ll satisfy people who want to drive something that stands out. While it has a generous amount of cargo and passenger space, the quality of its cabin materials can’t match similarly priced rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Some of the Blazer’s top options are also reserved for the most expensive models, which impacts its value proposition versus more desirable classmates. The Chevy shines out on the open road, where it turns, brakes, and rides quite well—but its muscle-car styling sets a certain expectation that this SUV doesn’t live up to. It comes standard with front-wheel drive and either a 228-hp turbo-four or a 308-hp V-6. Both engines are available with all-wheel drive, but we prefer the six’s quicker acceleration and ability to tow up to 4500 pounds. Ultimately, the 2023 Blazer can’t match the overall skillset of competitors such as the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
What’s New for 2023?
For 2023, Chevy gives the Blazer a facelift that makes the mid-size SUV look even more distinctive. The updates apply largely to the front end, with a new grille design and fresh lighting elements. Out back the taillights also have a new look and there’s a set of newly designed wheels, in sizes 18 to 21 inches. The exterior of the Blazer also benefits from more paint colors with the addition of Fountain Blue, Sterling Gray, Copper Bronze, and Radiant Red; Nightshift Blue is now available on the RS trim level, too. The interior is upgraded with new standard tech features such as a new 10-inch touchscreen and a wireless charging pad.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We recommend the 3LT trim level, mainly because it unlocks the V-6 engine option, which increases the max towing capacity from 3500 to 4500 pounds, when equipped with the trailering equipment, of course. All-wheel drive is available for another $2700. We’d choose the V-6 and the towing package and add the Sound and Technology package that includes a 120-volt outlet, a 360-degree camera system, additional USB ports, a Bose stereo, and a rearview camera mirror.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Blazer features a standard a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an optional 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive, turbo-four version has sufficient power for getting around town and highway duty. However, the V-6 delivers impressive acceleration and provides added confidence when passing on the highway. The last Blazer RS we tested hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and it also impressed with short times for passing maneuvers, something drivers will appreciate when merging onto a busy highway or when overtaking slower traffic. The four-cylinder can tow up to 1500 pounds, while the V-6 version can handle up to 4500 pounds. With steady composure and accurate steering, the Blazer is easily the best-driving crossover to wear the Chevrolet bow tie. It is confident and responsive on twisty sections of road, especially the RS model, which has exclusive steering and suspension tuning. Even so, the Blazer isn’t as engaging to drive as its styling might suggest. Its standard 18-inch wheel-and-tire combo provides a smoother and quieter ride than the RS model which wears large 21-inchers and thudded over bumpy roads. Thankfully, both models remain hushed on even surfaces and at highway speeds. The firm brake pedal immediately responded to our inputs, and the brakes brought our Blazer RS test vehicle to a stop from 70 mph in an impressive 165 feet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Blazer with the standard turbo four is rated at up to 22 mpg city and 29 highway. The V-6 version is slightly thirstier, with estimates of up to 20 mpg city and 27 highway. We haven’t tested the four-cylinder version on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, but the all-wheel-drive, V-6 Blazer earned 24 mpg during our real-world test. The Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe both earned 27 mpg in the same test. For more information about the Blazer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Blazer design is heavily inspired by the Chevy Camaro, with an intuitive climate-control system that features round air vents below the center stack. These vents can be twisted to adjust the temperature settings. The visual flourishes include soft-touch plastics and a two-tone color scheme. While the fancier models receive leather surfaces and flashier materials, our mid-level test car had several cheap pieces and mostly grayscale colors. The Blazer also offers desirable content, such as ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The front seats on our test vehicle had small cushions that lacked support, but the back seat had plenty of stretch-out space that should comfort everyone on long trips. With 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64 with the seats folded, we were able to fit 11 and 26 carry-on suitcases, respectively. There are several storage solutions for small items, including ledges on the front-door panels that are perfect for smartphones. There’s a decent-size cubby at the front of the center console, too, and the bin has good space, albeit without organization. The back seat is less remarkable, with a bin at the back of the center console and small door pockets.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Blazer comes with a 10.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as wireless charging for compatible phones. The system’s interface is attractive and easy to operate, but a rotary controller would be helpful to reduce distractions. A pair of USB ports located at the front and on the back of the center console are standard; a 120-volt outlet is also available on certain models. The Blazer also can be equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and built-in navigation.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Chevy equips every Blazer with standard driver-assistance technology that includes forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, automatic high beams, and more. There are also other optional driver assists, and the top trims come with the most standard content. For more information about the Blazer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Blazer has the typical Chevrolet warranty plan that includes competitive limited and powertrain coverage as well as one complimentary maintenance visit. It also has five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first yearArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $47,095/$51,660
Options: Driver Confidence II package (adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, Safety Alert seat, rearview camera with surround-view monitor), $1375; 21-inch wheels, $1000; Enhanced Convenience package (power tilt and telescoping steering column, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, memory settings), $950; black two-tone roof, $550; Radiant Red Tintcoat paint, $495; Storage Optimization package (front console organizer, collapsible cargo-area organizer), $195
ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 223 in3, 3649 cm3
Power: 308 hp @ 6700 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport
265/45R-21 104V M+S TPC Spec 3115MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.7 in
Length: 191.8 in
Width: 76.7 in
Height: 67.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/52 ft3
Cargo Volume, behind F/R: 64/31 ft3
Curb Weight: 4310 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec @ 92 mph
100 mph: 18.4 sec
120 mph: 34.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.90 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 24 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 520 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/26 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
