Chevrolet Blazer Revival Planned for the 2019 Model Year
The re-imagined Blazer will ditch the angular lines of older versions like this grey Chevrolet K5 Blazer in favor of more graceful curves.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
There’s a new rumor that the Chevrolet Blazer which permeated the ‘60s through the early 2000s is coming back next year in prep for its 2019 release. GM is predicted to revamp the model, however.
What was formerly a boxy, brawny SUV with quintessential towing and off-roading vigor is expected to morph into a plush, streamlined crossover that will highlight passenger comfort and vehicle performance on more tame driving conditions. Spy photos seem to indicate a sleeker fascia as well as more modern details like contemporary LED headlights and tail lights.
GM intends the new Blazer to be a happy medium between the Equinox and the Traverse. According to word on the street, it will also offer an optional third row. As for power choices, the updated Chevy Blazer will be available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that will yield an estimated 193 horsepower or an available 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 271 horsepower.
1972 Chevrolet K10 Blazer
Photo: dave_7
This news comes in the context of a couple of other rumored SUV comebacks. Honda is currently working on its own comparably-sized crossover. Ford is also modifying the Bronco; the model is set for a 2020 release and should pay tribute to its truck-bodied origin rather than resurface with a totally new profile and performance features.
Considering that Crossovers and SUVs are an increasing trend with consumers, GM’s plan to resuscitate the Blazer is a savvy marketing move. Thanks to millennials, large SUVs are rising in demand; sales for this vehicle segment increased 11% in just the first part of this year. As more of these consumers in the 18-34 year-old age bracket move to the suburbs and buy spacious vehicles to haul their growing families, this class of vehicles should continue to thrive.
Sources: CNET, Automotive News, Bloomberg
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