Chevy missed a big opportunity with the Blazer

"LJ909" (lj909) 07/08/2019 at 15:01 • Filed to: chevy blazer

1

43

$47,865?!

I recently test drove a new Blazer the other day. I came back unimpressed mostly. But it dawned on me how much of a waste this new Blazer is.

Firstly, lets get the hits and misses out the way. The Blazer is a looker in person. It’s pretty damn sporty, especially in RS trim in all black. But that’s as far as its sportiness extends. I test drove a loaded RS model and while a looker for sure, I found the interior annoying and its price too high. The vehicle I drove had a sticker on it for nearly $50 grand (though I do see that some dealers have begun to put about $2500 cash on the hood of these things. $47-$48k is still too much for these things) which if I were spending that much, it wouldn’t be on a damn Blazer. I found the drive to be boring. Yes it handles pretty well for what it is, and that’s something I’ve seen praised for the new Blazer in reviews. But to me that’s like giving kudos to a boat for floating. The optional V6 engine pulls strong as well. But it all adds up to a nothing burger. Its engine, handling and styling can’t hide the fact that this is a crossover through and through and not in a good way.

The interior like I mentioned, is pretty trash. It looks good and you can honestly see the Camaro inspiration in pretty much the entirety of the dash, aside from the Chevy truck wheel.. But upon closer inspection you can see how cheap everything is. From the gearshift to the buttons, most surfaces inside don’t warrant the price tag the RS trim carries. Also the air vents are in a weird dumb place and mostly blow on your torso.

The Blazer rides on platform confusingly shared with the 3 row GMC Acadia (which itself got smaller with its recent redesign) and Cadillac’s XT5. Why? Who thought this would be a good idea? On paper it comes across as dumb, but it also sadly speaks volumes to the stupidity and blandness of the American car buyer. A “ sporty”  crossover  with interior and exterior design inspired by one of the most iconic vehicle nameplates in history riding on a platform that negate both the styling and the powerful optional engine choice. Lets not forget this is GM we are also talking about here.

Honestly, the biggest letdown of the Blazer is that it wasn’t more. I’ve mentioned this before, we could’ve had a new age American Infiniti FX. Think about it: the engineering, albeit pricey, could’ve been done to lengthen the Camaro’s platform for crossover duty. Combine that with an array of efficient but powerful turbo 4’s and V6 engines and boom, you have a driver’s crossover that doesn’t just look the part. But that’s not what we got. We got yet another crossover to satisfy the markets insatiable thirst for mediocrity. Try harder next time GM.

412GTI > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 15:34

1

I haven’t had much time around the Blazer yet, but I feel my conclusion would be similar. Idk why my you’d want the interior to look like a Camaro over say just a nice design, but hey it looks “Sporty”.

For the same money I’d probably buy a Grand Cherokee. Even if the design is much older, I still really like them. 

Under_Score > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 15:35

0

I feel like this segment appeals to people who believe that their vehicle MUST have a V6, even though modern four-cylinders are more powerful than the V6’s of long ago. Edge, Murano, Passport,  and Blazer. Their smaller counterparts have the same (if not more) features, cargo, and passenger space for much better prices. I know this is true of the Murano and the Rogue. The Rogue blows the Murano out of the water in everything that matters to most drivers, all at a much better price.

WiscoProud > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 15:39

3

I’ll go another direction. With the growing interest in overlanding and vehicles that are actually capable off-road, this was a great time to bring back the Blazer as a capable off-roader. Ford is bringing back the Bronco, and they could have beat them to market even. Like your post says, its an anonymous crossover. Why waste the “Blazer” name on it? All i can figure is that was the only they would be able to get anyone to pay attention to it. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 15:45

4

I see zero reason to buy this over a “grrr angry offroader”-trimmed RAV4 . This is so damn expensive.

wafflesnfalafel > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 15:51

0

wonder if GM is thinking about a police package option for this new Blazer...might better explain it’s existence ?

LJ909 > 412GTI 07/08/2019 at 15:52

0

You’re not missing anything. For the same money though you could probably have a used GC SRT8 that’s a few years old as well.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 15:58

2

I think they missed the boat by making it FWD based. And not offering a V8. Or a stick (a man can dream, can’t he?). I don’t understand how this isn’t cutting Equinox sales?

See, I think a “ Camaro CUV” should, you know, be more like a Camaro. I think Chevy missed a golden opportunity to slightly jack up the Alpha platform, stretch it, raise the roof (and fix the visibility issues that everyone complains about) and make a Muscle SUV. Who is making this right now that’s remotely affordable ? T his could have been the budget Cayenne fighter that nobody even asked for, because they didn’t even know they wanted it, or that it could even exist!

And just like the Camaro, offer 3 trims - LS, LT, SS - I4 , V6, and V8 respectively . Base models are RWD, but there should be an AWD option. Standard trans would be an auto, with an optional stick on the V8 (and maybe the 4 cylinder for the tuner types who are also now starting families ). I’d offer cloth on the LS and LT with optional leather. V8 would be leather only. I’d keep the options to a minimum, just make a car that has a lot of the features/tech people want included. I’d offer an SS/1LE version that was a clone of the Camaro - RWD/stick with big brakes, wheels & tires, e-diff, a nd uprated suspension. 

LJ909 > Under_Score 07/08/2019 at 16:17

1

From my experience when I used to sell, that want of a V6 steams more from familiarity than an actual need . Then when you press a customer on the need, and when I used to press them it was to determine their needs and to try and save them a little dough, they would come up with bullshit excuses to justify their want.

Most of these vehicles in the compact to midzise class can make due with a 2-2.5 liter 185-200 horse 4. Good for commuting duty.

arl > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 16:20

3

The pricing really confuses me. I mean, it looks like a decent $24K SUV. Sporty exterior, k inda’ crappy interior with a decent engine (ala GM since the malaise era). But $50K is crazy-stupid-laugh on the way out of the dealership-money.

LJ909 > WiscoProud 07/08/2019 at 16:23

1

This is a good point. This could have been their chance to make a Wrangler/Bronco competitor. Anyway you go about it its a loos all around. Dont even get me started on the return of the Trailblazer. 

LJ909 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/08/2019 at 16:30

5

Right . I cant believe I’m saying this but the Rav4 is cheaper and looks better in the Adventure trim in that cool blue color.

Textured Soy Protein > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 16:33

3

It makes sense within the context of sheeple walking into Chevy dealers and saying, “I need a crossover for driving people and things around, but man that Camaro sure does look cool!” None of those people know the difference between an Infiniti FX and Nissan Murano anyway.

LJ909 > wafflesnfalafel 07/08/2019 at 16:36

0

I doubt it. Ford has a lock on the police  fleet segment.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 16:46

6

I honestly thought they were going to put the Blazer on the Chevy Colorado platform, and we would have another S-10/S-10 blazer like combo. Really disappointing . There is really no reason to get a blazer over a Traverse if you are in the market for a mid sized SUV.

LJ909 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/08/2019 at 16:51

0

Everything you listed here is what the Blazer shouldve been. 

LJ909 > arl 07/08/2019 at 16:57

3

I don’t understand the pricing either. It seems to be they priced it this high for no other reason than “hey everyone buying crossovers so they’ll buy this”. Its stupid. Anyone who gets an RS I suspect is going to be upside down within a year of getting one. I dont see these things holding their value.

LJ909 > Textured Soy Protein 07/08/2019 at 17:13

0

Right. They seemed to have incorrectly assumed that the dad that wants a Camaro but his wife wont let him because of kids and stuff would be looking at these. When in reality those guys are going to go for actual performance crossovers, of which there are very little any, or go for something else entirely. The reality is the majority of these things are going to be bought by 3 types of people: the people who are dumb and got sold on the sporty looks of the RS, which you will see being driven around like they are smaller than they are, empty nesters and seniors. The last 2 are the majority of crossover sales. 

Under_Score > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 17:22

0

I floor it and make the RAV4 go! I would’ve ended up in a ditch by the end of July 2016 if the RAV4 had 300+ HP.

I started driving it three years ago tomorrow. 

LJ909 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/08/2019 at 17:23

2

This would have been an excellent idea as well since there seems to be more of a market for off road vehicles now. But there isn’ t any reason to get this. Its why crossovers are getting out of hand. They have models in between other models that make no sense price of size wise. And honestly their lineup is bloated. There will now be in order of where they are in the lineup: Trax, Trailblazer, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban . I wouldn’t put it past them to introduce a models between Traverse and Tahoe or one between Blazer and Traverse at this point .

Textured Soy Protein > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 17:25

2

I think you’re thinking too much like a car person. The Blazer is the perfect vehicle to trick non-car people into thinking they’ve stumbled upon a car person’s car.

LJ909 > Textured Soy Protein 07/08/2019 at 17:32

0

Oh no that was my point. They are counting on that consumer stupidity for these to sell. And it’ll probably work. 

LJ909 > Under_Score 07/08/2019 at 17:33

1

Yea you should be in like a Yaris or something. 

Under_Score > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 18:45

0

I wonder why people complain about the RAV4 not having power with the four-cylinder. It’s kind of funny flooring it with people in the car, as they’re absolutely shocked it can do that. It has been scary, though, when I’ve taken off and my tires spin & my traction light flashes. That’s when I realize I need to tone it down. I also get below the EPA city rating for combined driving. Thankfully, I started paying for my own gas, so I’m getting a wake up call.

M.T. Blake > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 18:47

1

People are nostalgic and will buy it for name only. They missed the enthusiast but will land every sheeple they try to snag. WAKE UP SHEEPLE!!!!

AMC/Renauledge > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 18:58

5

Since the half-baked first-generation SRX flopped on the market using Cadillac’s exclusive Sigma architecture, GM has gone the cheap route of basing all their midsize CUV models on mediocre exclusive CUV platforms they can’t afford to keep up-to-date, or FWD passenger car platforms that are now going away.

The Chevy Blazer (and XT5) should have been built off the Alpha platform. It would have added volume and profitability to a program that has been sunk by 3 sales duds - the ATS, CTS Mk3 , and Camaro Mk6 . But instead, GM has chosen to take the cheap route and maximize short-term profits by selling an overstyled, extended Equinox as a “Camaro CUV ” and price it like it’s on a premium platform. Buyers will only be fooled for so long.

Considering the 2020 Explorer is going back to RWD and the Durango/Grand Cherokee were already there to begin with, and the Edge now has an ST variant, Chevy may find its supposedly “sporty” Blazer behind in its class.

What’s even worse is that GM is planning a sporty sub-Equinox CUV called the TrailBlazer. So a name that used to be upmarket of the Blazer (they were sold side-by-side from 2000-05) will now be downmarket of it. And the TrailBlazer will likely lack any real ability to blaze trails.

To paraphrase Dave Chappelle, GM is fuckin’ up. I really believed in their leadership as recently as 5 years ago. But they seem to have fallen back into a pattern of predictable ineptitude. This Blazer is but one example.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 19:04

1

I think that’s my “hit the lottery” project. If I had a stupid amount of money I’d build my SS/1LE Blazer, though I’d stick with this platform but make it work as best I could, and keep it as factory looking as possible.

Actually, if I had stupid money, I might go for the ZL1 Blazer.  Hahaha

shop-teacher > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 19:39

2

I agree with you mostly. The part I disagree with you, is the looks. It's hideous. Chevy had completely lost the plot with their styling, across the board. The only decent looking vehicles they have, are the ones that have not been recently refreshed.

LJ909 > AMC/Renauledge 07/08/2019 at 20:09

1

Spot on on every point. This thing will confuse buyers. For one, both of these nameplates haven’t been gone long enough for them to not only switch roles in the lineup, but be totally different vehicles all together.

Using the Sigma to underpin this would have made way more sense considering what you mentioned. They dropped the ball on this one,  especially with the actual performance models out or coming to market. 

arl > LJ909 07/08/2019 at 20:47

0

Agreed. 

OmerCarrothers333 > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 00:34

2

Any dad worth a shit is broke from paying for braces, soccer camp, pets, and other assorted crap that comes with having kids. If he’s a gearhead and needing a hot-rod SUV, he’s probably priced whatever’s on AutoTrader and not even looking at this.

If it was me, I’d be looking at the first-gen non-turbo V8 Porsche Cayannes or SRT Durangos.

QCGoose > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 00:34

2

Considering Chevy’s appalling “Real People”ad campaign these past couple years, they are absolutely counting on consu mer stupidity for sales.

Vítor > AMC/Renauledge 07/09/2019 at 01:22

1

 What’s even worse is that GM is planning a sporty sub-Equinox CUV called the TrailBlazer

That’s odd. Here in South America Chevrolet already makes a TrailBlazer, a SUV version of the Colorado/S10 truck ( so, .... a real Blazer?)

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/09/2019 at 10:21

0

Except the Grand Cherokee SRT exists.  Unless they could uncut the price of those (which it’s GM, I’m sure they could just by having a shittier interior and less motor), there would still be no reason to buy it over the GC.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 10:24

1

You could.  With a nicer interior, better trans, more power, more room.  The Blazer makes 0 sense.

functionoverfashion > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 11:06

0

This is all I have to say, other than, I don’t hate the looks but a) I would have it in black and b) I’m sure it’s totally mediocre. I’d have a CPO XC60 over this 100 times out of 100. 

MrSnrub > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 11:35

0

I don’t agree that this should have been truck-based or Alpha-based. This is meant to be a competitor to the Edge, Murano, and Pilot. Note that those all use car-based FWD platforms. It’s not meant to be a 4Runner competitor, and it’s not supposed to be compared with the RWD Explorer or Durango either - those are a segment above this and compete more with the Traverse.

A truck-based SUV would be a niche choice, with compromised NVH and interior space, and an Alpha SUV would likely do little better due to that platform’s packaging limitations - I doubt even Macan-grade handling would be enough to get people to pay Traverse money for sub-Equinox interior space.

The Blazer itself is fine. Its main shortcomings are that it’s too expensive and some of the interior materials (mainly on the doors) are cheap. Those are pretty fixable issues, but they also apply to most of the rest of GM’s lineup, so I doubt they’ll be addressed any time soon. Whether it’s enough to impact sales, well, we’ll see. I imagine the RS and Premier trims are going to be pretty heavily discounted before too long.

LJ909 > functionoverfashion 07/09/2019 at 12:16

0

The red looks good on it I must admit. 

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 12:35

2

I just don’t understand the business model behind this price bloat.  Either GM’s product planners are insanely out of touch with their market or they’re banking on suckering customers into 84-month loans.

functionoverfashion > LJ909 07/09/2019 at 13:11

1

This was apparently being driven by “Mrs. Cantin” as in the dealer name on the front plate. Evidently she tries to drive whatever exact model is prominent in their current advertising.

It’s true, though, that in silhouette it’s the same as any other mid-sized CUV/amorphous blob/perfectly adequate but uninteresting vehicle. 

LJ909 > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 07/09/2019 at 13:44

0

Im pretty sure its both of these things.

CB > Vítor 07/09/2019 at 22:27

0

That looks rad.

AMC/Renauledge > Vítor 07/12/2019 at 12:38

0

This is what our TrailBlazer will look like. It’ll fit between the Trax and Equinox.

emerilrickross > LJ909 08/07/2020 at 13:50

1

I Totally agree with you , this new chevy blazer is a total disaster and another huge disappointment from general motors and chevrolet, what in the hell was they thinking when they turn this legendary suv into a soccer mom crossover, such a joke, thankfully ford did the right thing to keep it original with the bronco, unlike this mess, chevy and gm better go back to the drawing board, because this thing does not work period, the new chevy blazer is nothing more than a dull dated absolute dead zone, glad it made the worst automobiles of 2019 in my opinion.