2022 Chevrolet Blazer Review, Pricing, and Specs (2023)

Overview

With a fierce face and chiseled bodywork, the 2022 Chevy Blazer is arguably the most assertive-looking mid-size crossover in its class. The visual sportiness continues inside with a design inspired by Chevy's iconic muscle car, the Camaro. Sure, the two-row SUV doesn't offer a thunderous V-8, but its optional 308-hp V-6 provides strong enough thrust. A 228-hp turbo four-cylinder is the base engine, and all models offer front- or all-wheel drive, but no combination is very fuel efficient. Still, compared with most of its two- and three-row classmates, the Blazer is better to drive thanks to accurate steering, confident cornering stability, and strong brakes. Although it boasts lots of space for people and cargo, the cabin suffers from some cheap bits, and outward visibility is compromised. With pricey upper trim levels that hoard the most desirable features, the 2022 Blazer also isn't a great value.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the Blazer is dropping the previously standard 193-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This means the lineup no longer features the L or 1LT trim levels, and the turbo 2.0 four-cylinder now becomes the standard engine. Models with this mill and all-wheel drive now come standard with the Trailering package; it's optional on front-drive examples. The paint palette adds two new metallic hues: Nitro Yellow and Blue Glow. All but the top-of-the-line Premier trim are now available with a contrasting-color roof. The Premier is available with an Enhanced Convenience package now, too.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

While we enjoy the RS model's enhanced handling traits and more aggressive exterior styling, it's not the best value. In fact, the Blazer is more expensive than most competitors, especially when optioned with the most desirable features, which are only available on the RS and Premier. Instead, we'd recommend the 3LT trim level, mainly because it unlocks the $500 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 also 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. Quick as the last Blazer RS we tested was, the automatic transmission was slow to downshift when we wanted a quick burst of acceleration. 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 was confident and responsive on twisty sections of road, especially the RS model, which has exclusive steering and suspension tuning. Even without the sportier setup found on the RS, the Blazer is more engaging than many competitors. Its standard 18-inch wheel-and-tire combo provided a smoother and quieter ride than the RS model that wore large 21-inchers, which thudded over bumpy roads. Thankfully, both models remained hushed on even surfaces and at highway speed. The steering's precise feedback was satisfying during spirited sessions yet fluid at low speed. 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 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.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Blazer comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. 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, eight-speaker Bose audio system, built-in navigation, and wireless charging for phones.

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 year

More Features and Specs