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Return of the Chevrolet Blazer

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Chevy adds another crossover model.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Chevy’s Blazer makes its presence known.

The Chevrolet Blazer first emerged in the late 1960s, a name affixed to a full-size sport utility vehicle. Even as the model was renamed the Tahoe in the 1990s, the Blazer appellation also found its way to a small SUV in the 1980s, before that model was succeeded by the TrailBlazer in 2006.

For 2019, the Chevrolet Blazer name returns, but this time it represents a midsize two-row crossover utility vehicle. Gone is the traditional truck-based body-on-frame layout. In its place is a car-based crossover. The new model competes with the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Kia Sorento, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Overview

Chevrolet offers the 2019 Blazer in six trims: L ($29,995), Blazer 2.5 Cloth ($33,495), Blazer 3.6L Cloth ($34,495), Blazer 3.6L Leather ($38,695), RS ($41,795), and Premier ($43,895). Add $1,195 for the destination charge.

Packages are available, except with the base trim. You’ll find as many as seven on the two Cloth editions and eight on the Leather trims. The RS and Premier have nine packages each, although like the other trims most of the packages cover such things as floor liners, cargo hold protection, storage optimization, and roadside safety.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

A few of the sample packages include a Convenience and Driver Confidence Package ($1,845) with the Cloth editions. This one comes with remote start, a power liftgate, heated front seats, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and rear park assist. A Hit the Road Package ($1,050) adds roof-rack cross rails and molded assist steps.

Other package options offered further up the trim range include an Enhanced Convenience and Driver Confidence II Package ($3,575), which adds such features as a navigation system, an 8-inch color touchscreen display, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and ventilated front seats. You’ll also find advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control with forward pedestrian braking. A Sun and Wheels Package ($2,495) adds a panoramic power sunroof and 21-inch gloss black aluminum wheels.

A Matter of Style

The all-new Blazer represents a strong departure from the truck-like SUVs of Chevrolet’s past. This crossover’s front end features elements of the Camaro with its narrow upper grille and LED accent lighting. The lower grille is closer to a Toyota product than anything else Chevrolet offers.

This crossover has a powerful stance with a high beltline and a floating roof. Big wheel arches, attractive body sculpting with available rocker panel trim, and distinctive taillights on a sculpted tailgate are other standout features. Our test model also had diffuser-like trim with a pair of exhaust outlets.

Inside, the space is quite comfortable and suitable for five adults. We’re glad Chevrolet resisted offering a third-row seat like that found in the GMC Acadia. If you need the extra space, make a move up to the Chevrolet Traverse.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

“Symmetry in motion” is perhaps our best catchphrase to describe the Blazer’s cabin. The layered dashboard, simple instrument panel, and uncomplicated center stack are a welcome departure from some of the more complicated designs out there. That said, I found myself hunting more than once for the ignition switch, which Chevrolet places between the instrument panel and color display.

The climate control system is managed by turning the dials surrounding the center vents, which effectively eliminates an extra set of buttons or switches. An open area at the bottom of the stack and a big storage compartment underneath the front armrest are two additional desirable features.

Material quality ranges from average to superior, depending on the trim. You’ll find the expected amount of plastics, but you’ll also find soft-touch materials, chrome-like trim, and available leather. The look and feel is definitely mainstream, with premium elements appearing on the top trim.

Safety & Technology

Give Chevrolet credit where credit is due. The standard technology package is impressive as it includes a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, an 8-inch color touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. You’ll also find OnStart and Chevrolet connected services capability not to mention 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

There are a few upgrades available. These include an 8-speaker Bose audio system, HD surround vision, and wireless charging.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer
2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Among the standard safety features, you’ll find LED daytime running lights, seven airbags, Teen Driver, and a rear seat minder. Package upgrades (depending on the trim) include rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist and lane change alert with side blind zone alert appear beginning with the cloth trim. You can also package other upgrades, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and forward collision alert.

Although the safety features are admirable, that they cost extra or are not available on some trims puts Chevrolet behind the competition. Toyota models, for instance, have adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

On the Road

You’ll find a pair of engine choices with the 2019 Blazer. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. This model is front-wheel-drive only.

We think most customers will prefer the 3.6-liter four-cylinder engine as it makes 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Here, you have a choice of standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Both engines work with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Our test model featured the V6, which supplies ample off-the-mark acceleration and passing power. Indeed, it is more powerful than the V6 powering the Toyota 4Runner, which we tested at the same time. The 4Runner is a traditional SUV designed for off-road use, while the Blazer shines best on the road, although it can tackle light-duty off-roading, such as driving on a gravel road or crossing a clean-mud-free field. They’re two very different models and otherwise aren’t comparable.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

The Blazer handles just like a car and supplies targeted steering with a decent connection to the road. A fully independent suspension and 18-inch or larger wheels aid with its agility and comfort. The top-trim Premier and RS models come with 20-inch or optional 21-inch wheels. The RS has stiffer shocks and struts along with more responsive steering.

You’ll find two different all-wheel-drive setups with this Blazer. Most models have a disconnect feature, which quits sending power to the rear wheels. However, you’ll need to manually engage the system to reactivate. The RS and Premier models have a dual-clutch system, which shifts torque between the rear wheels. Further, it comes with sport, off-road and tow/haul modes.

Towing is one of this model’s strong suits, particularly with the V6 engine. The standard engine tops out at 1,500 pounds, the V6 comes in at 4,500 pounds. The latter beats the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. That said, the V6-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee pulls up to 7,200 pounds. As for Hyundai and Kia, the Blazer beats the first and nearly matches the 5,000-pound maximum capacity of the Sorento.

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We didn’t test a four-cylinder-equipped Blazer, but we think the V6 is the most suitable choice here. In fact, the V6 is the only choice if you need all-wheel drive. Further, towing simply gets better with V6 as it offers a three-fold improvement over the standard model.

If you start your search with the Blazer 3.6 Cloth, your cost is $34,495. Add $2,700 for all-wheel drive. Choose the $1,845 Convenience and Driver Confidence Package, and your final cost is $39,040. Opting for leather is a $4,000 upgrade, but it includes the advanced driver-assist safety features are also bundled within.

All in all, the Chevy Blazer serves as a welcome transition from the compact Equinox to the three-row Traverse. It is closer in size to the former and priced similarly to the latter. With careful negotiation on your part, driving away in a well-equipped model for about $40,000 is possible.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Specifications

Sticker price from $29,995 (includes $1,195 destination fee)

Price as tested: $49,290

Seats 5 occupants

Engine No. 1: 2.5-liter gas I4

193 horsepower @ 6,300 RPM

188 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM

9-speed automatic transmission

Engine No. 2: 3.6-liter gas V6

308 horsepower @ 6,700 RPM

270 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,000 RPM

9-speed automatic transmission

Wheelbase: 112.7 inches

Length: 191.4 inches

Width: 76.7 inches

Height: 67 inches

Passenger volume: 107.8 cubic feet

Storage volume: 30.5/64.2 cubic feet

Maximum towing capacity: 4,500 pounds

EPA: 22/27/24 (I4); 18/25/21 (AWD, V6) city/highway/combined mpg

Unleaded regular gasoline

Fuel tank: 19.4 (I4); 21.7 (V6) gallons

Curb weight: From 3,810 to 4,246 pounds

IIHS safety rating: N/R

Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles

Vehicle assembly: Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico

See Also — The Chevy Blazer is Back, But in Name Only?

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Compact Luxury and the Lexus NX

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2019 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX 300 offers contemporary styling, a luxurious interior, and advanced technologies.
A hybrid variant is also available.

In a world of utility vehicles, Lexus is well represented. From the small UX to the compact NX, and from the popular RX to the big GX and LX models, Lexus has something for everyone. You’ll even find hybrid options with the first three choices, each of which delivers outstanding efficiency and cleaner emissions.

2019 Lexus NX Overview

The 2019 Lexus NX returns without major changes this year. This model was launched as the NX 200t in 2015 and is officially known as the NX 300. The NX 300h is the hybrid variant and is marketed separately. Our review covers the gas-powered model only.

Lexus offers the 2019 NX in two trims: 300 ($36,485) and 300 F Sport ($38,725). Add $1,025 for the delivery, processing & handling fee. Front-wheel drive is standard. Opt for all-wheel drive and your price increases by $1,400.

2019 Lexus NX

You’ll find four package options with the base model. These include a Navigation Package ($1,860), which bundles a navigation system with a 10.3-inch display screen, a 10-speaker audio system, and an additional USB port, and a Comfort Package ($980) with heated and ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic dimming side mirrors with automatic tilt-down in reverse.

The two other packages include a Premium Package ($3,270). This one bundles enhanced LED daytime running lights, a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic stewing wheel, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Building on this package is the Luxury Package ($4,705), which adds linear black shadow wood interior trim, perforated leather-trimmed interior, and rain-sensing wipers.

You’ll find individual options offered as well, including an outer-sliding moonroof ($1,100), power rear doors with kick sensor ($550), upgraded wheels ($420), heated front seats ($440), power-folding and reclining rear seats ($400), and other comfort and safety options.

As for the F Sport models, these feature enhanced styling and an adaptive variable suspension system. You’ll also find gauge upgrades, improved seat bolstering, and other special touches. A few of the package offerings found in the base model are available here. Each has its own take based on the trim.

A Matter of Style

The NX’s dimensions are small and parallel the size of the Toyota RAV4 on which it is based. But apart from platform sharing, these two models are dramatically different.

Up front, the expected Lexus hourglass grille dominates and is offset by signature L-shaped accent lights. Wraparound headlamps and fog lamps add flair. The hood’s crease lines meet up with the edges of the grille for a dramatic touch.

The NX’s profile may be its most controversial feature. It has a falling roofline, a high beltline, dramatic body sculpting just above the rocker panels, and big arched wheel wells. From the rear, the look is only slightly less dramatic with this model’s clamshell liftgate topped by a spoiler and accented by wing-like wraparound tail lamps. With the NX, Lexus successfully found a way to blend luxury with sportiness.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX

Inside, the cabin is cozy, not especially roomy and is definitely ideal for four, not five. In any case, the NX features choice materials along with excellent fit and finish — leather, aluminum, and available wood trim combine to give the interior a look that is at once elegant as it is sophisticated. Further, Lexus dresses the seats in NuLuxe, which is imitation leather and as close to the real thing you’ll find in terms of comfort and breathability.

Lexus divides the upper and lower sections of the dashboard by color, supplying a two-tone effect that meets at the center stack. The color display sits on top of the dashboard and the entire stack is trimmed in aluminum. Just enough buttons, knobs, and switches are at the ready — not too many to feel cluttered, but enough to cause the driver to examine further. The Remote Touch controller requires a moderate learning curve and was frustrating at times. On the other hand, the interface in the all-new 2019 ES is much simpler and will likely find its way to a future NX.

The front seats are very comfortable and adequately bolstered. Access to the rear compartment requires lowering your head to avoid bumping it. Once inside, that space holds two adults reasonably well, but if you’re tall, then legroom becomes an issue, especially if either front seat is pushed back. In this case, the Lexus RX is the better choice for four adults. It also has a third-row option, which is ideal for carrying children.

Storage space is small, measuring just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The competing Acura RDX offers 31.1/79.8 cubic feet of storage space, while the Cadillac XT4 splits the advantage with 22.5/48.9 cubic feet of space.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX

Safety & Technology

There is some very good news on the tech front this year, at least for models built after Oct. 1, 2018. Both Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality are included. As for Google Android Auto? Not yet. We expect Toyota/Lexus to add this feature sometime in 2020. But we can’t say it’ll be included retroactively for existing models.

Managing most interior functions requires using the Remote Touch controller found between the seats near the stick shift lever. It is a one-finger-touch controller that acts very much like a mouse — you simply need to hover over the correct command to activate same. On paper, this isn’t all that difficult. In reality, it can sometimes prove frustrating, even distracting. You should familiarize yourself with its workings before you hit the road.

The standard 8-speaker audio system delivers excellent sound and works with the 8-inch screen. All models come with Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity. HD Radio and Siri Eyes Free are also included. A navigation system is available and comes bundled with other multimedia improvements, including a 10.3-inch color split-screen display and a 10-speaker audio system.

As for safety features, Lexus goes beyond the universally standard rear-view monitor to include a suite of driver-assist items. Beginning with automatic high beams, Lexus bundles a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control with full stop. Also available is blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

2019 Lexus NX

On the Road

Under the hood of every NX model (except for the hybrid) is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. This engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. In a world where 8-speed automatic transmissions are commonplace, the NX relies on six forward gears. We expect that’ll change when a new model arrives next year.

The NX isn’t especially fast off the line and turbo lag is noticeable, but that’s not much of a deterrent. We found the NX performs best on the highway as it throws down ample passing power as needed.

The steering is evenly weighted and agile. You’ll be able to swing into an empty parking lot with ease and exit the same. On the highway, it adds weight for a more composed feel. On twisty roads, the NX throws in some body roll, but not enough to make a difference. Choose the F Sport version with its adaptive suspension system if you desire improved handling, especially when pulling out of corners.

Play with the drive mode select (eco, normal, sport) and gear changes and throttle mapping change. Reserved exclusively for the F Sport are Sport S and Sport S+ modes, but only when equipped with the adaptive suspension system.

As for fuel efficiency, this model is rated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA-estimated 24 mpg. Keep in mind that the NX takes premium grade gasoline only.

2019 Lexus NX

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The Lexus NX is showing its age as it nears the end of its first generation. Nearly every competing model is newer and that means consumers have much to consider when evaluating their options.

Although not the focus of this review, the hybrid variant offers a compelling reason to consider the NX. It costs $2,400 more than the standard model, but it comes with all-wheel drive. This means it only costs $950 more than the comparable all-wheel-drive gas-powered NX, while delivering a 7 mpg edge. As fuel prices continue to rise, you’ll recover the extra cost of the hybrid quickly.

2019 Lexus NX

2019 Lexus NX 300 Specifications

  • Sticker price from $37,785
  • Price as tested: $50,893 (estimated)
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 235 horsepower @ 4,800 to 5,600 rpm
  • 258 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,650 to 4,000 rpm
  • 3.40 inches bore by 3.40 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
  • Length: 182.7 inches
  • Width: 73.6 inches
  • Height: 64.8 inches
  • Passenger volume: 71.6 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 17.7/54.6 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds (with luxury package)
  • EPA: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,940 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick (2018)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years
  • Vehicle assembly: Kyushu, Japan

2019 Lexus NX

See Also — F Sport Fun: 2018 Lexus GS 350

Lexus NX photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.