Street Check: 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD

Midsize SUV with Sporty Styling

The aggressive and sporty design of the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD appears to have completed what Chevrolet had in thoughts after they gave it Corvette styling cues —it’s a head-turner as you cruise round city.

Engine and Drive Selections

The midsize 2022 Chevrolet Blazer has two engines choices, one transmission, and both entrance wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The bottom 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has 228 horsepower (hp) and 258 pound-feet (lb.-ft) of torque. The non-obligatory 3.6-liter V6, just like the one Clear Fleet Report drove, places out 308 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, with each engines mated to a 9-speed computerized transmission.

The EPA has rated the Blazer AWD 3.6L gas economic system at 19 mpg metropolis/26 freeway/21 mixed, with one mile extra on the freeway for the FWD mannequin. Over 311 miles of metropolis road and freeway driving, we averaged 23.7 mpg. Nonetheless, on a 175-mile gas mileage run, with the cruise management set at 65 mph and on flat, clean roadways, we averaged 29.6 mpg. The important thing to nudging near that magic 30 mpg quantity, is setting the adaptive cruise management and letting or not it’s. Actual world situations don’t lend themselves to the sort of driving fairly often, so plan in your numbers being nearer to these on the window sticker.

One of the best gas economic system comes from the Blazer FWD with the two.0L turbocharged engine which is EPA rated at 22 mpg metropolis/29 freeway/25 mixed. These few extra miles from every gallon of gasoline are vital, and primarily based in your driving wants, sacrificing some efficiency of the V6 engine may very well be value it. Gas economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and symbolize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers might differ.

Driving Expertise: On the Street

Clear Fleet Report’s AWD Blazer had fast, robust linear acceleration with low-end grunt, and a well-matched 9-speed computerized transmission. The transmission/engine mixture makes for an engaging-to-drive SUV with loads of energy and torque. It delivered 0-to-60 occasions proper round six seconds. A powerful time to maneuver a 4,295-pound SUV.

The Blazer has a agency trip that at occasions was uneven on tough streets, even jittery at occasions. The MacPherson entrance struts and impartial rear suspension did their finest to maintain the Blazer planted with 265/45 Continental CrossContact all-season tires mounted on 21-inch gloss black aluminum wheels. Taking corners sooner than the posted restrict would induce noticeable weight shift. The general freeway trip was composed, however there was wind buffeting when opening just one window at speeds above 45 mph.

The electrical energy steering was exact with good suggestions, particularly when tackling mountain sweepers. On the town, the Blazer RS was straightforward to maneuver and park. The RS badge brings extra than simply trim enhancements because the entrance struts and rear shocks have been sport-tuned, and the steering ratio is a bit faster. The four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes labored nicely with stopping that was fixed and predictable.

Exterior: Designed To Impress

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer is out there in three trim ranges–LT, RS and Premium. Since this physique type dates to the Blazer’s all-new 2019 mannequin yr, we didn’t get as many “oh have a look at that” stares, however nonetheless did do a couple of walk-arounds when parked on the market. There are 9 exterior colours, with ours painted within the placing, non-obligatory ($495) Cherry Pink Tintcoat and the non-obligatory ($550) black two-toned roof, that helped get that additional consideration.

The final era Chevrolet Blazer was a considerably bigger rugged off-roader, whereas the 2022 Blazer is now a classy two-row crossover SUV that doesn’t endure from not having a 3rd row. There are various three-row SUVs to select from; the Blazer is right-sized for 5 passengers and ample cargo storage.

Chevrolet leaned closely on the Camaro’s look because the Blazer has a brash and aggressive design, particularly within the RS trim, giving it a sporty, virtually muscle-car look. Chevrolet made a aware determination to not go after the rugged off-road look, however to have the Blazer enchantment to a broader section of the crossover market.

The front-end styling features a dominant grille, slim excessive depth headlights and a blacked-out “Bow Tie” emblem. The broad stance and excessive belt line (the road that runs horizontally under the home windows, entrance to rear) give the Blazer a sculpted look.

The roof racks on the RS are black towards the placing pink paint. The hands-free energy elevate gate has a small spoiler over the rear glass, and is finished-off with LED taillights and twin chrome exhaust ideas. Towing is rated as much as 4,500 kilos with the trailering bundle; the hook-up is tucked under the decrease fascia.

Inside: Camaro Sports activities Coupe Influenced

Leaning on the Camaro for design inspiration continues into the Jet Black inside. The Blazer within the RS trim line is sporty, the sprint controls are centrally situated, and even the big vent rings are uniquely interesting. The entrance and facet visibility was good, however the rear was restricted, which is the place the good thing about the rear view digital camera mirror is available in. The digital camera mirror reveals the rear view with out wanting by the rear seat headrests, passengers, cargo or the broad roof pillars. It takes a little bit of getting used to as the attitude is completely different than that from a typical rear view mirror. We discovered it helpful when backing (it has its personal washer, too), when used together with the back-up digital camera.

Entrance occupant comfort was clearly a key objective. The leather-trimmed seats have been speculated to be ventilated, heated and cooled, however with the chip scarcity in early 2022, there are switches for these options (rear seat heaters too), however they don’t work. Chevrolet features a credit score at buy. When chips change into accessible, there can be a retrofit course of.

The motive force will get 8-way energy changes (with reminiscence) and the passenger 6-way. The leather-based rear seat break up 60/40, and features a folding armrest with cup holders. Entry to the rear seat is sweet, resulting in sufficient house to accommodate two adults comfortably. The outbound rear seats are heated and the seat again reclines, which is able to assist passengers 6-feet or taller with a bit extra headroom. Cargo room is ample with 30.5 cubic toes with the rear seats up, 64.2 cubic toes with them laid flat.

The rear seat accommodates youngster seats, and the LATCH (Decrease Anchors and Tethers for Youngsters) system was straightforward to make use of. You probably have ever struggled to get a baby security seat in or out of a again seat, this can be a large deal.

The 3 Plus infotainment sound system in our Blazer RS had the non-obligatory Bose premium 8-speaker system and an 8-inch high-definition colour contact display screen that housed the navigation, and the AM/FM/SiriusXM, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi scorching spot. Controls for Bluetooth and the hands-free phone are discovered on the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Whereas we want there was a management knob for each the quantity and channel choice, there are very useful (and our favourite place for them) quantity and channel choice controls situated on the bottom of the steering wheel. These small bumps, positioned with good fingertip entry, are really easy to make use of this ought to be the format on all vehicles. The usual Amazon Alexa functionality is enjoyable and useful too.

Activating the useful and useful OnStar system is so simple as pushing a button. This connects you with a pleasant Common Motors consultant to make your driving expertise safer and extra pleasurable.

The Blazer RS is well-equipped with comfort options, together with distant keyless entry with distant begin, energy door locks, energy ports, energy tilt and telescoping steering column, heated exterior mirrors, twin zone computerized local weather management, a tire stress monitor, keyless push button on-and-off, a panoramic tilt and slide moonroof and a full-size spare tire. Clear Fleet Report would have favored to see an auto maintain button and a head-up show.

Security, Pricing and Warranties

The Blazer comes with a sturdy record of ordinary security options, together with entrance and facet airbags, a theft deterrent system, rear seat reminder, ahead emergency braking and collision warning, stability management, rear cross visitors alert, rear park help, automobile stability administration, traction management, lane change and facet blind zone alert. A pleasant security characteristic is the excessive definition encompass imaginative and prescient, the place the whole exterior of the Blazer will be seen on the 8-inch colour monitor. This demonstration is for the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, nevertheless it applies to the Blazer.

Clear Fleet Report’s 2022 Blazer RS AWD, had a base MSRP of $44,000. The choices at $5,490 and the necessary $1,195 vacation spot cost, purchased the overall value to $50,685.

The Blazer earned a Good ranking by the Insurance coverage Institute of Freeway Security, and a 5 Star General ranking by the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration. These are the best scores by the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Blazer comes with these warranties:

• Fundamental – Three years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain – 5 years/60,000 miles
• Roadside Help – 5 years/60,000 miles
• Rust By – Six years/100,000 miles
• Scheduled Upkeep – First Supplier Go to     

Observations: 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD

If the variety of Blazers seen on the street is any indication, the general public has taken to its sporty design. The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, particularly within the RS trim, has the seems and a few pretty-darn-close efficiency to be a sports activities SUV/crossover. The Blazer may have enchantment to a broad group of consumers, whether or not or not it’s households, empty nesters, or singles that wish to be among the many trendiest crossover house owners.

The Blazer is the sportiest wanting crossover within the extraordinarily aggressive midsize crossover section, which can assist set it aside. Chevrolet makes use of phrases like “Glossy muscular design,” “Daring Athletic Stance,” “Dressed to impress” and ”Driver-centric inside” to explain the Blazer. Reinforce these descriptions with Camaro design cues, and Chevrolet hopes to make a case for you visiting your native vendor.

[Ed. note: While this Blazer cuts a good figure and offers some tempting options, Chevrolet has announced that in 2023 the 2024 Blazer EV will be introduced. That all-electric model based on GM’s Ultium platform will take the Blazer into truly new territory. No word on whether the gas-powered Blazer will survive, so if this one is appealing, grab it while you can.]

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Story by John Faulkner. Photographs by John Faulkner and Chevrolet.

A have a look at a few of the Blazer’s midsize crossover rivals:

Street Check: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Street Check: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Street Check: 2019 Ford Edge

Street Check: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Street Check: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Street Check: 2021 Mazda CX-9

Street Check: 2017 Toyota 4Runner

Street Check: 2020 Subaru Outback

Disclosure:

Clear Fleet Report is loaned free check automobiles from automakers to judge, usually for per week at a time. Our street exams are primarily based on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t deal with points similar to long-term reliability or whole value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be provided free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.

Our focus is on automobiles that provide the perfect gas economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which can be among the many high mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we goal to supply evaluations and information on superior expertise and the choice gas automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at writer@cleanfleetreport.com.