With every brand and car manufacturer fighting for its share of market space, it’s important to stay competitive in the most popular areas. SUVs are one of the most popular vehicle classes in North America, which means there are literally dozens of options to choose from. Hundreds if you’re counting the many different configurations offered by each seller. So, how can one get a jump on the competition? One way is by coming out with an all-new model of an already known vehicle, which is why we want to check out the 2020 Chevy Blazer.
The Blazer’s name has a rich history, but its comeback didn’t happen until very recently — just the last couple of years, in fact. It was originally seen as a large SUV when introduced decades ago, but today it’s a midsize crossover SUV. Within Chevrolet’s lineup of SUVs, the Blazer fits between the Equinox and Traverse.
First Impressions
The 2020 Chevy Blazer has slotted into an important position for Chevrolet because it’s the spot in the SUV lineup right before you start hitting the vehicles that can seat more than five passengers. So, you’re getting a 5-passenger SUV, but it’s bigger than the SUV below it (Equinox), which will normally equate to more space, power, and maximum available towing capabilities. That is definitely the case when comparing a 2020 Blazer versus a 2020 Equinox.
The very first thing you’ll notice, though, is the unique styling of the Blazer. Again, compared to the Equinox, it looks a bit more updated, as it probably should since it’s such a new vehicle, and Chevy wants a big impact. Whereas the Equinox appears like your run-of-the-mill SUV, not necessarily ugly but not to eye-catching either, the Blazer has a more lean and aggressive look. It actually does catch the eye quite well, especially if you’re looking at the Blazer RS model, with its sportier style.
The pricing of the different trim levels seems to be staying on par with other similar SUVs, although the range from lowest to highest might be a bigger gap than some. The Blazer L (lowest trim) starts at $28,800 while the Blazer Premier (highest trim) starts at $42,700. To compare, the 2020 Ford Edge ranges from $31,100 (SE) to $43,265 (ST) and the 2020 Toyota RAV4 ranges from $25,850 (LE) to $36,630 (Limited Hybrid).
Trim Levels
There are six different trim levels available on the 2020 Blazer. From lowest to highest, they are L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. Common features that change as you advance trim levels may include larger wheels, available AWD, advanced safety features, and different engine options. Some of the included standard features across all trim levels are FWD, HD Rear Vision Camera, StabiliTrak, Active Noise Cancellation, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer L – $28,800
Your base trim level comes standard with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque). There are no other available engine options or alternatives to FWD. It is interesting to note that this base-level model comes with a surprising number of luxury/convenience features, including Keyless Open and Start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an electronic locking glove box. The safety features are a bit lacking here, with only a few common ones coming standard, like the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and LED Daytime Running Lamps.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer 1LT – $32,300
Jumping up a few thousand dollars won’t get you a different engine or an AWD option, but you will see a lot of availability for other features, and you’ll even get a few standard ones. For example, the 1LT comes standard with an 18” compact spare tire and wheel, deep-tinted glass, and a SiriusXM Radio trial subscription. Plus, you can choose from available packages like the Sport Package, ‘Hit The Road’ Package (which includes roof-rack cross rails), Black Grille Bar Package, Cargo Package, and Exterior Decal Package, among others.
There’s no change in the standard safety features here, but you can now add on a few features, like Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. Luxury and convenience features like heated driver and front passenger seats are more readily available.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer 2LT – $32,800
The minimal change in price between the 1LT and 2LT is slightly misleading because one of the most compelling reasons to jump to this level would be the availability of AWD, which would actually tack on thousands of dollars (not hundreds). However, you will also see a new standard engine at this level, which would be the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine (230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque). You’ll also find the 3.6L V6 engine (308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque) as an available option.
Other standard features remain virtually the same as the 1LT with minimally increased available features, such as 20” wheels with red accents and black Blazer badges with a red outline. Opting for AWD will open up the availability of trailering equipment. With the available trailering equipment, you’ll receive Hitch Guidance and a 4,500 lb towing capacity.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer 3LT – $37,000
The 3LT comes with the 2.0L engine standard and has the 3.6L as an available option. This is the first trim level where you’ll see a large increase in standard features, like black roof-mounted side rails, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, power programmable liftgate, and heated driver and front passenger seats. Remote Start and Universal Home Remote are also included.
Most importantly, you now have advanced safety features included, specifically, the ones that were available options starting at the 1LT.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer RS – $40,600
The RS is your first model to come standard with the 3.6L V6 engine, which cements its place as the ‘sporty’ trim option. This is furthered by the standard dual-outlet exhaust with rectangular bright tips and 20” Dark Android machined-face aluminum wheels with all-season Blackwall tires. The RS also receives its own grille, called the “RS signature grille,” making it even more unique.
Of course, there are also more standard features apart from the engine and looks. The RS comes with a 120-volt power outlet, 8” diagonal color Driver Information Center (compared to 4.2”), and an automatic heated steering wheel.
The same (as the 3LT) advanced safety features are also included.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier – $42,700
As would be expected, the Premier also has the 3.6L V6 engine. Instead of the Dark Android wheels, you’ll find Medium Android wheels with all-season Blackwall tires. Also, the Premier has its own signature grille (the “Premier signature grille”), which distinguishes it from the rest of the models, including the RS. The roof-mounted side rails are silver instead of black.
While the Premier generally has the same standard features as the RS, you will find a few more addons. The Cargo Management System is now included as are ventilated driver and front passenger seats (in addition to being heated). Heated rear outboard seats are also standard, as is a Bose premium 8-speaker audio system.
There is no difference (from the RS) in terms of the included advanced safety features.
Comparing the Trims
While all of the trim levels for the 2020 Chevy Blazer have their pros and cons, whether it be available features or starting price, it seems like starting with at least the 1LT and adding on the advanced safety features could be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a bit more power, versatility, and a lot of standard features (with a very nice looking vehicle), then an AWD RS or Premier would be a fine choice, especially if money isn’t an issue.
