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2024 Kia Soul Review2020 Chevy Blazer Review
What do our experts think of the 2020 Chevy Blazer? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2020 Chevy Blazer?
Despite only coming out a year previous, Chevrolet immediately updated the 2020 Blazer with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option. In addition, the auto start/stop function can be disabled.
2020 Chevy Blazer – media.chevrolet.com | Shop 2020 Chevy Blazer on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Two great engines
Great exterior styling
Impressive maximum towing capacity
Disappointing dynamics
Limited safety equipment
Cheap interior
Lots of room to improve value
2020 Chevy Specs
- 193 horsepower from base engine
- 188 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 30.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 64.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 4,500 lbs
- Standard Android and Apple Connectivity
- Available lane-keep assist
- One free routine maintenance visit
2020 Chevy Blazer Powertrain
The base Blazer and the LT use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes a paltry 193-hp. Quite simply, it’s not enough for a vehicle of this size. Thankfully, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides 230-hp for the 2LT and 3LT. Those who want even more umph can add a 308-hp V6 to those trims and that engine along with AWD is standard on the RS and Premier trim. The All drivetrains leverage a nine-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of driving feel, the Blazer has a lot of potential but quite simply doesn’t produce the behavior we hoped it would. The turbocharged engine and the V6 are both excellent but they’re let down by somewhat clumsy handling and poor feedback. Torque steer is abundant and then when it’s not present, it’s hard to tell exactly what the front wheels are doing. Even the AWD system doesn’t seem to add much in the way of balance or feedback. It handles better than others in the segment but it feels like it could be so much better with improved suspension tuning. Despite those shortcomings, the Blazer does a fine job of being a grocery getter and an everyday driver. It’s easy to drive slowly.
Towing & Payload
When properly equipped, the Blazer can tow up to 4,500-pounds which is a huge number compared to the vast majority of vehicles in this class. It provides an extra bit of value for a crossover that doesn’t stand out as much in other areas.
2020 Chevy Blazer Fuel Economy & MPG
For the most part, the Blazer gets pretty similar fuel economy ratings regardless of configuration. The most thirsty is the V6 which the EPA estimates will get 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. On the far end of the spectrum is the 2.0-liter turbocharged front-wheel drive Blazer which gets 21 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Chevrolet continues to lean on the Camaro for its styling cues in the cabin of the Blazer. At the same time, it does so while offering more interior space. We’ve long desired nicer materials in Chevrolet products and that longing hasn’t been tempered here. The layout itself is nice but the cheap plastics and clunky switchgear just feel like they’re out of a bargain-basement parts bin.
The front seats are comfortable but lack the sort of adjustment that other rivals offer for the same or less cash. The rear seats are comfortable for smaller people but taller adults will need to slouch to avoid rubbing up against the roof. In addition, the seating space itself isn’t wide enough to support more than two adults comfortably regardless of height.
Thankfully, the Blazer does offer more than 30 cubic feet of cargo space in the back and that points to a great usage case for this crossover. It’s somewhat perfect for a small young family. It’s got just the right amount of room for smaller folks in the back and can carry all of their gear along with a trailer if need be.
Entertainment & Technology
Chevrolet offers just a single infotainment system in the Blazer. It consists of an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Overall the system is one of the best in the business. It’s fast, it’s easy to understand, and it looks great in practice even if the physical size and placement of the system are a bit clunky.
In addition, Chevrolet installs a quartet of USB ports and for those who are willing to pay extra, a 120-volt household-style outlet as well as a Wi-Fi Hotspot and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. There’s even voice control in the Blazer but it can be pretty hit or miss.
Safety Features
The only high note in terms of safety for the Blazer is that the NHTSA gave it a five-star crash test rating. It didn’t receive any awards from the IIHS and it doesn’t come with any of the same advanced safety features found on just about every other mainstream crossover. Customers can pay more to get some features but that’s a big miss in our eyes.
2020 Chevy Blazer Trims & Pricing
L – $29,995
The base model of the Blazer comes with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and xenon headlights.
LT – $33,495
The LT adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a spare tire, tinted glass, and satellite radio.
2LT – $33,995
The 2.0-liter turbo engine is standard in the 2LT and it can be fitted with AWD. No other features are included over the LT.
3LT – $38,195
The 3LT gets auto dimming rearview mirrors, leather upholstery, black roof rails, remote start, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and blind-spot monitoring.
RS – $41,695
Go for the RS and you’ll automatically get the V6 and AWD. It also comes with black trim including an all-black grille, 20 inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, integrated navigation, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded gauge cluster, and dual exhaust.
Premier – $43,895
The Premier gets a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, faux suede cabin trim, a Bose sound system, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
Warranties
Every Blazer comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Chevrolet will also cover your first routine maintenance visit so long as you come in during the first year of ownership. That’s pretty disappointing when compared to rivals like Kia or Toyota.
What we think
2020 Chevy Blazer – media.chevrolet.com | Shop 2020 Chevy Blazer on Carsforsale.com
The Blazer is a classic nameplate with excellent exterior design cues. We simply wish it was more refined considering its price point. Base models are too spartan to be worthy of their asking price and while higher end models add desirable features, they don’t improve the ride, material quality, or technology enough to justify their cost. Additionally, many other brands offer far better safety equipment and warranty coverage. Still, the Blazer has some important features like a great towing capacity, good cargo space, and two above average engines.
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