DRIVEN: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer LT AWD 3.6

[Robert Hall]

  For a 2 row midsize, I'd take a Grand Cherokee (I'm admittedly biased being an owner).   I'd also consider the Durango or next gen Explorer (ignoring the 3rd row in those). 

[regfootball]

DOH!  Again!

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS and 2019 Ford Edge Titanium Face Off: Which Is Detroit's Best Two-Row Mid-Size SUV?

[Drew Dowdell]

7 hours ago, regfootball said:

DOH!  Again!

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS and 2019 Ford Edge Titanium Face Off: Which Is Detroit's Best Two-Row Mid-Size SUV?

I realize they are at the mercy of what Ford and Chevy send... but for less than $1,000 more, they could have had an ST with CoPilot and still been less expensive than the Blazer. 

[ocnblu]

Blazer seems fast though.  I would not order the 21" whills, I'd stick with the standard 20".  I think it's a better looking whill.  The optional 20" black whill on lower Blazer trims is way too generic/aftermarket looking.  In lower trims, the Ford is definitely the nicer vehicle.  I love the optional machined/black whill on the Edge.

Edited March 2, 2019 by ocnblu

[Robert Hall]

After seeing and sitting in the Blazer, it does look better in person than in photos.  Not for me, though.  And $48k for a 2wd Premier trim seemed high IMO. 

The Edge ST looked nice, but the interior didn't impress.  Saw a Stelvio at the show also, too many people in line to get inside, but it looked cramped. 

Edited March 2, 2019 by Robert Hall

[regfootball]

maybe crossovers will never be exciting.  But they are practical.  I would go for the ST Edge in comparison too.  I wanted to go drive a Stelvio today.  Didn't get around to it, but that starts looking like even an option in comparison, Fiat be damned.

[regfootball]

Lots of good Blazer pictures in this article.  Loaded up premier.

https://www.motor1.com/photo/3801689/2019-chevy-blazer-premier-awd-review/

[riviera74]

17 hours ago, regfootball said:

Lots of good Blazer pictures in this article.  Loaded up premier.

https://www.motor1.com/photo/3801689/2019-chevy-blazer-premier-awd-review/

Am I wrong in thinking that when buying a Chevy, buying the Premier (formerly LTZ) trim level is the only way to go?

[ocnblu]

21 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

Am I wrong in thinking that when buying a Chevy, buying the Premier (formerly LTZ) trim level is the only way to go?

Nah RS is the only way to go, actually.

[Suaviloquent]

When buying a Chevy, the only trim worth buying is the one that trims is the WT trim

The Wallet Trim.

[Robert Hall]

15 hours ago, riviera74 said:

Am I wrong in thinking that when buying a Chevy, buying the Premier (formerly LTZ) trim level is the only way to go?

Well, it is the most loaded and has chrome.  The RS has too much black trim, IMO. 

[A Horse With No Name]

11 hours ago, Suaviloquent said:

When buying a Chevy, the only trim worth buying is the one that trims is the WT trim

The Wallet Trim.

Outside of the Performance oriented Camaros and the vette, yes...

[caddycruiser]

On 3/2/2019 at 5:20 PM, regfootball said:

maybe crossovers will never be exciting.  But they are practical.  I would go for the ST Edge in comparison too.  I wanted to go drive a Stelvio today.  Didn't get around to it, but that starts looking like even an option in comparison, Fiat be damned.

A Stelvio is more than an option...it works.

If I one more time hear the GM Derangement of "but there will be rebates". Some people on this forum and in the world are so set in old ways, that's their immediate reply to anyone saying a GM is high priced or under featured. "But there will be rebates". No, not always. It's just overpriced and not great. Go see what's on the market.

Here's a $50k Stelvio...NO WAY, in any way shape or form, vs. any $50k Blazer...should anyone ever buy a Blazer when things like this exist, and real world, is just a different level of vehicle, drive quality, features, etc. If it's too special for you...spend less...and go get a loaded Grand Cherokee, Edge, etc...

https://www.alfaromeousaofdowningtown.com/new-Malvern-2019-Alfa+Romeo-Stelvio-Sport-ZASPAKAN6K7C31682

 

More important...if everyone stuck in GM world wants to keep saying "but there are rebates...". Sure. Go compare an actual transaction price and lease payment, real world. May be alarmed.

I've yet to see any of these have any semblance of a "deal" GM over thinkers want to keep claiming. Those base & LT 2.5L ones are set for Enterprise, before long, as will the high end $50k ones.

[regfootball]

GMA reports that the 2.0 turbo LSY engine will become an option on the Blazer for 2020.

[regfootball]

On 3/4/2019 at 7:34 AM, caddycruiser said:

A Stelvio is more than an option...it works.

If I one more time hear the GM Derangement of "but there will be rebates". Some people on this forum and in the world are so set in old ways, that's their immediate reply to anyone saying a GM is high priced or under featured. "But there will be rebates". No, not always. It's just overpriced and not great. Go see what's on the market.

Here's a $50k Stelvio...NO WAY, in any way shape or form, vs. any $50k Blazer...should anyone ever buy a Blazer when things like this exist, and real world, is just a different level of vehicle, drive quality, features, etc. If it's too special for you...spend less...and go get a loaded Grand Cherokee, Edge, etc...

https://www.alfaromeousaofdowningtown.com/new-Malvern-2019-Alfa+Romeo-Stelvio-Sport-ZASPAKAN6K7C31682

 

More important...if everyone stuck in GM world wants to keep saying "but there are rebates...". Sure. Go compare an actual transaction price and lease payment, real world. May be alarmed.

I've yet to see any of these have any semblance of a "deal" GM over thinkers want to keep claiming. Those base & LT 2.5L ones are set for Enterprise, before long, as will the high end $50k ones.

 

https://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/topic/91655-driven-2019-alfa-romeo-stelvio-ti-sport-awd/

^^^ my Stelvio review

So to answer the question.  I think I've seen the Blazer now actually getting decent reviews online / buffbooks-websites.  Not glowing, but decent.  I think when you get a Blazer that is specced at 50k and a Stelvio that is specced at 50k its an interesting comparison.  The Chevy would be a Premier or RS and be fairly loaded up.  I think 'middle America' would probably be more 'comfortable' in the Blazer... the Stelvio is a better vehicle dynamically and for fun driving experience and has the better interior environment.  Since so many vehicles are hitting that 50k point I don't think I can answer absolutely here.  Think of all the other competition in this zone also (Jaguar etc.).  If I am looking at a 50k Blazer I probably hedge my bets and take the 50k (what price actual) and look at so many of the other GM options here.  Traverse, Enclave, XT5, Acadia Denali..... but some GM fans don't want a huger vehicle or a third row.  So for those folks the Blazer is their world and a foreign car, despite being better dynamically, will seem out of the mainstream or will be weird.  Once the inevitable GM discounts kick in, the Blazer will become a better value...just enough for the middle America folks to pull the trigger.  The Stelvio is definitely a better vehicle in many ways (except the rear sear is too tight).  I think actually an Edge ST intender may be the best direct comparison to the Stelvio.  The Blazer just becomes the default option for those who want to say they've moved up the food chain over an Equinox.

With the 2020 Blazer getting the 2.0 LSY as an option, I see it possible that a FWD 2.0 Blazer may be a nice stealth rig for less money.

Edited March 31, 2019 by regfootball

[regfootball]

On 2/16/2019 at 12:46 PM, regfootball said:

but i think I can 99% safely say one of these will never be in my driveway.  Continuing to lose more and more faith in GM and Chevy all the time.

 

 

[caddycruiser]

Spent the week in Rochester, NY. Was the first place I've seen these in any kind of couple a day volume, almost all in exactly the same configuration with these nasty base wheels.

Basically a squatty, ever so slightly wider Equinox V6. Rochester market is big for Chevy, Ford, etc. so it made sense. But day to day "what's the payment on that" vs. when you could be in a loaded Grand Cherokee, etc. for less...?

Edited September 8, 2019 by caddycruiser

[Drew Dowdell]

I just don't like the look at all.  I assume I'll be trying one out at the car events happening in October. 

[regfootball]

On 9/8/2019 at 10:47 AM, caddycruiser said:

Spent the week in Rochester, NY. Was the first place I've seen these in any kind of couple a day volume, almost all in exactly the same configuration with these nasty base wheels.

Basically a squatty, ever so slightly wider Equinox V6. Rochester market is big for Chevy, Ford, etc. so it made sense. But day to day "what's the payment on that" vs. when you could be in a loaded Grand Cherokee, etc. for less...?

agree that the base wheels are less than amazing.

Chevy has got to start gashing prices on these soon, since they are so overpriced.  Leasing is actually good on these now.  They may get me sucked in.  Hey there's worse, like I could drive a Santa Fe.

One thing to note, for 2020 as Chevy is adding the 2.0 to the Blazer line, I do not think the v6 will be available on the 1LT.  If that is the case, this is your only chance to get a 1LT with cloth and a low price with a V6.

Chevy did add a wheel upgrade option to the 1LT that is quite rare but it really helps the look.  However, it also adds $1999!  to the price of an already overpriced vehicle.  This one was on the lot in my hometown for less than a week and it was gone   Someone must have liked the wheels .  Really also sucks you can't get a moonroof on the LT, either. That's bush league GM tactics as usual.  I really dig red hot.

 

Edited September 13, 2019 by regfootball

[regfootball]

8 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I just don't like the look at all.  I assume I'll be trying one out at the car events happening in October. 

I've been looking closer at the crossover market more and more and TBH so very few of them look good enough to fall into the liking the look category.

If I look within GM, i think the Blazer looks better than the Acadia, even if it doesn't have the rear seat.  I like the XT4 but its a bit small.  The Xt5 is a nice package although not uber nice inside, and actually is cost close to the Blazer in some trims right now.  The Buick has the Envision which i like (except for the nasty plood dash) and the Enclave, which I don't need 2 vehicles that big.  The Equinox / Terrain twins, I just am not in love with although i think they fit the market ok.

So I've considered looking at an Edge ST, but it may be pricey.  And, the Edge is already looking dated as well.

Edited September 13, 2019 by regfootball

[riviera74]

Hate to say it, but GM needs to cut their CUV prices to regain market share.  I suggest $3000 off MSRP from base to top trim (Chevrolet especially).  Ideally GM would just price a Premier trim level at LT price levels.  They could also simplify trim levels too.

[ccap41]

21 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

Hate to say it, but GM needs to cut their CUV prices to regain market share.  I suggest $3000 off MSRP from base to top trim (Chevrolet especially).  Ideally GM would just price a Premier trim level at LT price levels.  They could also simplify trim levels too.

They'll do the Khols special and just slap discounts all over the place to make the consumer feel like they're getting a killer deal(which they'll be getting the vehicles at about what they should be selling them for, imo).

[Drew Dowdell]

28 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

They'll do the Khols special and just slap discounts all over the place to make the consumer feel like they're getting a killer deal(which they'll be getting the vehicles at about what they should be selling them for, imo).

Unfortunately, that is the psychology of today's shopper... they only want the car if they're getting big rebates or special financing. Ignoring the fact that the price of the car has been jacked up.

[riviera74]

5 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Unfortunately, that is the psychology of today's shopper... they only want the car if they're getting big rebates or special financing. Ignoring the fact that the price of the car has been jacked up.

SAD but very true.  Unfortunately, the perception of the car buyer has outdistanced the reality of car pricing for a long time.

[Potluck]

Can someone show me where this supposedly looks like a camaro?

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, Potluck said:

Can someone show me where this supposedly looks like a camaro?

Your Wish is our command!

[Potluck]

That's a bit of a stretch

[G. David Felt]

2 minutes ago, Potluck said:

That's a bit of a stretch

There same color and a true 2019 camaro against the 2019 Blazer. They clearly have family traits.

From the front end nose with lights to the rear quarter panels and glass you can see the consistent traits.

[Potluck]

Gah! not sure why you'd want to copy that last one. 

[regfootball]

I sort of test drove a blazer again and I realized I must have really been having a bad day when i did that first test.  It's a decent vehicle.  It sure is more refined than the Edge.  That said, I still believe all across the model line, it is overpriced and packaged stupidly.  I'll throw some new notes up when i get a chance.  I must have some bipolar in me that when i drove it the first time it really set me off.  It was also quite cold that first time that day, and perhaps it wreaked havoc with how the car drove.  I would not fault anyone for getting one, its just still is it your cup of tea.  The v6 impressed me more this time around.  Quite the speedy little crossover, actually.