The all-new Chevrolet Blazer has been revealed for the US, reviving a long-running nameplate for the brand when it goes on sale early next year.
Slotting between the smaller Equinox and larger Traverse in the Chevrolet SUV line-up, the five-seat Blazer resurrects a badge that hasn't been seen since 2005, and will take on the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Edge (Endura).
Pitched as something of a style statement for Chevrolet, the Blazer offers different looks depending on the model, headlined by the Camaro-like aesthetic offered in sporty RS trim (pictured in red).
Those wanting a more premium look can opt for the Premier grade (pictured in silver), offering lashings of chrome and body-coloured bumpers.
Available features include a sliding rear seat, a Hitch Guidance system for those who tow, heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera mirror, automatic tailgate, wireless phone charging, and up to six USB ports.
There's also a new cargo management system – a first for the Chevrolet brand – including a rail system and cargo fence, along with maximum 1818L of luggage capacity with the second row of seats folded. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard, offering 4G LTE connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of powertrains, two options are available. There's an entry-level 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol and a larger 3.6-litre V6 petrol.
The former claims outputs of 143kW and 255Nm, while the latter offers 227kW and 365Nm. Chevrolet claims the V6 can tow up to 2041kg (4500lb), and both engines are mated as standard to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard on lower grades, with on-demand all-wheel drive available as an option. The RS and Premier variants get a "more sophisticated" twin-clutch all-wheel drive system that is claimed to "optimise traction for every condition" – while Chevrolet doesn't exactly explain how, we're assuming there's some form of torque-vectoring or wheel-braking involved.
The new Chevrolet Blazer will go on sale in the US from "early 2019", with final pricing and specifications to be disclosed closer to launch.
Australia
It's unclear if we'll ever see the Blazer in local showrooms, with Holden telling CarAdvice that it is currently focusing on the Equinox and upcoming Acadia for the time being.
"The Chevrolet Blazer is a stunning looking SUV however we have nothing to announce at this time. Holden will concentrate its mid-size SUV offering on the recently launched, high-tech new Equinox, which continues to gain traction in Australia. Holden’s SUV line-up will be bolstered further with the launch of the all-new Acadia large-size SUV at the end of this year," said Mark Flintoft, product and brand communications manager for Holden Australia.
The seven-seat Acadia offers the same engine range as the new Blazer, and will arrive Down Under later this year as a competitor for the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger. Head to the galleries section for more images.
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