New spy shots suggest that GM is working on a larger Chevy Blazer with three rows.
Our spy photographers caught a large-ish prototype of a GM crossover undergoing shakedown testing on Michigan roads. The prototype is wearing heavy camouflage and has styling cues of the new Blazer all over.
Up front, we see that the prototype has the lighting treatment from the 2019 Blazer, with thin LED strips for the Daytime Running Lights on top, and separate headlight clusters with round lamps placed slightly lower.
The similarities between the new two-row Blazer and this theoretical three-row Chevy Blazer can also be seen at the A-pillar, as the prototype features the same triangular vanity window at the forward-most part of the side glass – just like the new Blazer. The pedestal-style, sheetmetal-mounted side mirrors appear to be identical to those on the new Chevy Blazer as well. But that’s where the differences end.
This potential Chevy Blazer prototype has a longer roof line and seemingly more rear overhang, resulting in a larger, more traditional greenhouse and associated passenger compartment compared to the smaller, two-row variant, which Chevy debuted in July. The rear end is more upright, which likely enables a larger, more functional cargo area that can accommodate a third row, something that the 2019 Chevy Blazer can not.
What doesn’t support the theory is the interior: the small glimpse of the cabin that we see here doesn’t have the cabin traits seen in the 2019 Chevy Blazer. For instance, the driver-side air vent of this prototype has a more traditional, rectangular shape compared to the round air vents featured in the 2019 Blazer. In addition, the steering wheel seems to have a different design compared to that of the new Blazer.
All this makes it rather difficult to understand what it is that we are really looking at. Despite the exterior design similarities to the 2019 Chevy Blazer, the differences are undeniable. What we can definitely say at this time, however, is that this is not a Chevy Traverse refresh.
For starters, this prototype is bigger than the midsize Blazer but not as as large as the full-size Traverse. There’s also the issue of what’s realistic for a refresh: GM has been sticking to simple front- and rear-end updates – such as those for the 2020 Cadillac XT5 and 2020 GMC Acadia – for their midcycle enhancements. Meanwhile, the prototype seen here has significantly more changes than a facelift would warrant.
The GM Authority Take
As of this writing, we have not heard any rumors about a three-row Blazer variant – which makes this sighting that much more interesting. But until we hear otherwise, we’ll chalk this one up to being a more practical, three-row version of the 2019 Chevy Blazer. We image this hypothetical model as having same wheelbase but a more traditional roof configuration with more rear overhang, which enable more space in the rear for a third row and for more cargo. It’s essentially the same strategy taken by Lexus with the new three-row RX350L when compared to the regular RX350.
The theoretical three-row Blazer model would slot between the “regular” Blazer and the full-size Traverse as a “midsize plus” vehicle, and would more effectively compete with the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, and the new Hyundai Santa-Fe, which are midsize crossovers with three rows of seating. Meanwhile, the lack of a third row in the new Chevy Blazer puts the vehicle at a disadvantage for buyers who need a third row, but are not looking for the huge size of the Traverse.
Ultimately, occupying every possible space and price point in the already-large and growing crossover SUV space is by no means a bad strategy.
Comments
Maybe you are looking at a Cadillac…
We are not, for two objective reasons:
1. The XT6 is in a different stage of development:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/09/cadillac-xt6-drops-padding-in-latest-spy-photos/
2. Every Cadillac utility has the rear window wiper hidden above the rear spoiler. This one does not = it’s not a Cadillac.
As long as it is not made in Mexico, I am all for it. The U.S. or even Canada is fine, just not Mexico.
Sorry to inform you….Mexico!
Kind of wish they’d move Cruze production to Mexico and build crossovers in Lordstown.
Actually the rear view mirrors look like something Cadillac would produce, but the rear window wiper doesn’t match everything else we’ve seen on the XT6.
I don’t know what the heck this is.
Hmmm! Didnt see this one coming. Not even a rumor.
Possibly a 2020 Trailblazer?
Seems like a strange thing to do, but it’s probably a relatively inexpensive vehicle to create. Why not, I guess. I just hope they don’t name it Blazer XL or TrailBlazer.
Could it be a Buick? I see a round emblem.
The shape of the steering wheel also points to Buick when compared to the Regal.
Whatever it is, it’s pretty far along in the development process. Hopefully it’s a new Buick crossover. The ultra-bland Envision has been a disappointment.
I like the wheels of this test vehicle BTW
The Blazer has round tailpipes, a flatter roof, an angle not a curve at the top of the A pillar, a small curve at the bottom, and a hood raised in the center but low and flat on the sides. Its beltline is flat until the sharp upslope near the C pillar. This one slopes gradually on the whole rear door.
This looks more like a slightly smaller Enclave, but I don’t know why they’d make one of those. However, Chevy could use a 3 row smaller than the giant Traverse.
The Blazer has three different types of tailpipe treatments, depending on the model.
But none of that is actually relevant, since this model – if indeed a longer version of the Blazer – would feature most of the changes at the rear – including the roof, exhaust, etc. due to the longer rear overhang. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same vehicle, there will be minor differences.
Or it might not be a Blazer at all. Stay tuned 🙂
So you are admitting you are unsure it is a Blazer now….oh, boy.
All speculation!
The words “theoretical” and “potential” are all over the article – which should be sufficient to communicate that we are not sure what we are looking at. Don’t know if we can be any more clear.
Alex – while you’re on the topic of rumors, look into the killing off of the Trax.
I will go with a Buick CUV to slot between Envision and Enclave or if we are luck, the Trailblazer which will be for off-road use (Highly Unlikely though)
Whatever it is, it isn’t going off road. It’s on a front drive crossover chassis.
Trailblazer larger and upscale
That’s not a chevy.
GM cuts the costs all around, would give it the same Cruze/Malibu/Equinox or Blazer/Silverado steering wheel.
Buick replacement for Envision; no more Chinese imports with those tariffs looming. Just my opinion.
If it is not made in China, I would consider it.
Maybe it’s just a face lift for the ugly Acadia grill. Putting the 2.5L with AWD like the Acadia would be a better improvement then a 3rd row.
It’s not the Acadia refresh, which is wearing totally different camo and is roughly 8 inches shorter:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/09/2020-gmc-acadia-refresh-shows-off-new-led-headlights-in-new-spy-shots/
If this is third row blazer then It makes Traverse obsolete. Plus if this is it, why even cover it?
If the Blazer follows all the variations of the Acadia just with different body panels and interior, why not just make it at the same Kansas plant?
Kansas plant? The only GM plant in Kansas is Fairfax Assembly, and it makes the Chevy Malibu and Cadillac XT4.
The Acadia and XT5 (C1 platform regular) are made in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The Traverse and Enclave (C1 platform long) are made in Delta Township, Michigan.
The Blazer is made in Mexico so as to provide the aforementioned plants with available capacity to expand production of existing product and to make two more vehicles – the one seen here and the upcoming Cadillac XT6.
apparently，buick enspire!
While it may not seem like a bad move in the face of a crossover-loving marketplace, this vehicle’s existence defies common sense. Why build a vehicle that will already compete in the same space as the Traverse (which has an advantage, given its size)? Heck, when Autoline had the chief engineer of the Traverse on its program, I asked via email if the Traverse was a D-segment or and E-segment crossover, and he said it was a D-segment crossover (just like the Blazer).
Can you imagine if automakers sliced and diced sedans like this in the US with tweener models, back when the body style was extremely popular? No, because it rarely happened and for good reason… it doesn’t make sense. All GM needs is a market presence in key segments (B, C, D-5, and D-7, plus the full-size SUVs). I understand that the profits are there, but the marketing department will have a challenge on its hands, regardless of how good the vehicle is.
One observation: the wheels on this test vehicle look to match those seen on the odd XT5 test mule-type vehicle we saw in February. This could be the vehicle spawned from that platform we saw in February, which could be mean this is a Cadillac, though I’m leaning toward Chevy given the front end styling.
I just think this looks more Buick than a Chevy in terms of the of the silhouette
It looks like it’s Acadia/XT6 sized, which means it would have to be a Buick or Chevy.
Except for the headlight location, it doesn’t look like a Blazer (or Traverse) to me, more like a Buick, but Buick dealers have the Acadia to sell, and Chevy could use a 3 row smaller than Traverse.
Could this be an American version of the Chinese Orlando?
HOW ABOUT A REAR-DRIVE BASED DURANGO FIGHTER. SOMETHING THAT CAN FIT AN LT1 OR LT4 ENGINE UNDER THE HOOD ALONG WITH A 5.3L V8 AND A 335HP 3.6l LONGITUDE WITH A 10-SPEED AUTO AND A PERFORMANCE AWD SYSTEM, BREMBO BRAKES MAGNETIC RIDE, ETC. CAN WE GET ONE OF THOSE PLEASE? THANKS
Escalade. End of story.
If you look at the front end, you can clearly see the Blazer’s high DRLs and lower headlights. Can’t really tell for sure that the steering wheel is different from the pic. That vent on the side of the steering wheel does look rectangular. I’m guessing a 3-row Blazer. Depending on how big it actually is (still don’t know how long the 2-row Blazer is), I’d probably be more interested in the 3-row Blazer than I am in the 2-row right now. Making it available with a 3.6TT would help alot, also.
Those mufflers appear to be much lower than those in the new Blazer if you compare the two. Amy chance those are fake and that this is electric?
Hmm… Now looking at this, it might be a Chevrolet Orlando refresh?
I’m thinking this is the Chevy version of the Acadia. I bet the Blazer is shorter than the Acadia so this would fit perfectly in a space for Chevy. CUV’s are now going to take the place of how there use to be all different sizes cars.
I agree. So Chevrolet will have all three size variations of this platform. Cadillac will have two while Buick and GMC each have one.
This looks to be more of the size of the GMC Acadia, which then means the Blazer we have seen is shorter than the Acadia which now makes sense. This fits perfectly in the space for Chevy. This also might explain why the Blazer is being built in Mexico, maybe this will be built in the same place as the Acadia.
That would give Chevy 5 crossovers: Trax, Equinox, Blazer, This, Traverse. Plus 2 SUVs.
They really are taking over the world.
The body style of this loos very similar to the pictures just released of the Orlando.
Could it be a updated trailblazer their bringing back the blazer so…?
Envision GS with 3.6 tt?, hey it somewhat worked for the XTS V-Sport
Why dont they take responsibility for the problems that they have with the older trailblazers that they have out I would love them cars but had a lot of problems that GM dont want to fix so j had to get rid of it never again will I get a gm vehicle
If you compare this one with the buick Enspire concept, you will find them so similar to each other.
Looks like the same steering wheel that the new XT4 has..
Well it’s an SUV anyway, whether it be Chevy or Buick or whatever. Nice that it’s going to be three row too.
Cadillac is the only division under the GM umbrella that doesn’t have an suv of this size. Caddy desperately needs one. I’m calling it a caddy. Look at the rear end slope, and the Velcro tape going vertically up the rear looking like it’s hiding caddy taillights. Even the wheels look caddy’ish.
If this is a 3 row blazer they should name it the boutenniere lol
2020 HYbrid Cadillac XT5 crossover.
An Acadia XL??
I was not too impressed with the smaller version of the Acadia. GMC Buyers either have to go to Chevy or Buick if they want full-size CUV. I am sure there are not a lot of crossover (no pun intended) buyers from GMC to Buick.
Any chance of them making a Ridgeline type vehicle from this. My guess would be most likely slim and none.