Months after General Motors revived the Blazer nameplate from the dustbin of history, the Detroit-based automaker unveiled the Chevrolet FNR-CarryAll Concept in China late last year. The reveal came as a bit of a surprise, as the concept looked strikingly similar to the Chevrolet Blazer with two notable exceptions – a more traditional, wagon-like roofline that enables the installation of a third row. About a month after the debut of the concept, we exclusively reported that the show car is coming to production as a three-row version of the 2019 Chevy Blazer.
Fast forward to this week, and we got the very first spy photos of the three-row Blazer undergoing testing in the United States. One particular detail caught our eye about the prototype – the wheels.
The wheels on the three-row Blazer prototype bear a striking resemblance to the units on the Chevrolet FNR-CarryAll Concept, which was rolled out in China with a set of massive 22-inch wheels with a 12-spoke design. Upon closer inspection, it appears that the prototype is wearing the exact same wheels as the concept.
And that’s notable, since the presence of the wheels hints that the Blazer will be getting a 22-inch wheel at some point in the future. By comparison, the current crop of Blazer wheels ranges from 20 to 21 inches, with 22-inch wheels not on the menu. Not that 21-inch wheels aren’t impressive, but a set of 22-inch wheels on a midsize crossover like the Blazer (and the slightly larger three-row Blazer) is just downright massive.
The three-row Blazer wheels have very nice proportions and look elegant. Though the 22-inch diameter is on the larger end of the spectrum, the wheels don’t look gaudy, though that likely depends on the the rim’s finish. While larger wheels look stunning on the right vehicle, they could negatively impact ride quality, especially when riding on low(er) profile tires.
As the two-row Blazer currently launching in the U.S. is earning praise for its chassis and handling, we’re certain that the three-row version would handle equally well – especially being helped by the massive 22-inch wheels.
Chevrolet FNR-CarryAll Concept previewed the three-row Chevy Blazer.
From what we know as of this writing, GM is not planning to offer the three-row Chevrolet Blazer in North America, where it sells the full-size, three-row Chevy Traverse. Question is, will the 22-inch wheels make their way to the two-row Blazer sold in North America, or will they be reserved exclusively for the three-row Blazer in Asia?
Stay tuned as we do our best to answer that very question. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Chevy Blazer news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news.
Comments
Who give a sh!t – what’s the Cadillac mule next to it???
People give a sh!t, that’s who. The fact that a vehicle of this size wears wheels this large, that are not currently available, is noteworthy in and of itself. But hey, if the theme of this particular article doesn’t tickle your fancy, you are in no way obligated to read it… let alone comment on it.
As for what’s next to it, it’s not a mule, but a prototype… and has already been discussed in the comments here:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/04/three-row-chevrolet-blazer-spied-with-guard-in-pursuit/
As far as I know, it’s actually called an IVER. IIRC, it stands for Integrated Vehicle Engineering Release.
That’s correct. But since nobody would get that… you know!
Great bait mate. I rate 8/8.
I really don’t care about the size. But they are some of the best wheels I have ever seen on a Chevy.
GM must have finally given up on the directive of what each division can do on wheels
This is going to be a smash success.
Just remember to give the interior a nice finish quality and an auto start/stop disable button.
**Disclaimer** I fully understand the “look” that huge rims/wheels give. Besides that…….
I don’t understand the infatuation with such huge rims/wheels. Do people not realized (until it’s too late, as in they now own a vehicle with greatly diminished ride quality and much higher replacement costs) what they are in for with these things? Do people not think that far ahead? I like the look of a slightly (as in 17-20″) bigger rim, but that’s where it ends. I don’t want the diminished ride quality. I don’t want the higher replacement costs. I especially don’t want the massive costs to replace one or more of those rims after they become damaged from a bump or pothole. No thank you.
I’ve seen this first hand with the Escalade. I see it first hand with the Volvo’s and Mazda’s. In fact, some of the Volvo’s rims are so big (as in 20″+), that the ride of the car is nearly unbearable to me personally. I’ve said it about my Buick Encore which comes standard with 18″ rims. I asked if there was a 17″ available, but nothing without going aftermarket. I’d love my little Buick even more if I had 17’s with a slightly larger sidewall to absorb the impacts better.
What was true once no longer applies in most cases anymore.
Most vehicles with the larger wheels have electronic suspensions that control the harsh ride. The cost of the tires is not what you think as most are not high end speed rated tires. I just priced 20’s for my Acadia and they can be has for $177 for a Eagle and then you get $100 back on a set of 4. Similar prices at Michelin too.
The damage deal is there but even a 17 will bend or sidewall will bust.
It is ok if you like the larger tires smaller wheels but many thing have changed.
My Acadia in standard mode is smooth on bad mid west roads and only stiffens up in sport mode when I want more handling. The Variable struts do a very amazing job.
Agreed to a point. But I’ve worked directly with Cadillac with the MRC as well as a couple other “lesser” electronic suspension systems. But isn’t that kind of like putting a bandage on a large cut that should have stitches? You spoke about the 20’s on your Acadia. But there is a huge difference even from a 20 to a 21 or 22. You really lose a lot of sidewall that way. But they do look nice I will admit.
My issue is that all this stuff costs money. If my Buick Encore had nice looking 16’s with more sidewall, I would be very happy. The 18’s run more money (they are standard on my model), thus costing me more in the purchase. My 2016 Jeep had 17’s with more sidewall, and it rode slightly better than my Buick does. So I guess my “beef” is once again that people like me have to pay up and put up with lesser road isolation because of a few needing big wheels. Same thing with the ride quality issue I posted about on another article. Why can’t Cadillac give a softer (isolated/more quiet) ride with the luxury package and allow the people who want sport/firmer rides to go with the Sport trim or even the V-series? If I wanted a sports car/suv, I’d buy a Mustang or Camaro or SRT Jeep.
You have the public perception. Most people like the look of larger wheels and tires. Most are willing to settle for any negatives for the look.
The reality is this also adds weight that is unsprung. Cadillac tried to stick to 17” on their cars and it was hurt the look while the 300 looked better with the larger wheels.
The choice is you can only offer smaller wheels and sell less product or offer it to those who want it and sell more.
Not sure what you mean by “You have the public perception”. Yes, I do like the “look” a larger rim gives, but that’s it. Most public (meaning non-car people) would also agree that certain rims look better, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still make a very nice looking smaller rim. This is not an either/or situation. They can make smaller rims standard or at least offer them while still offering larger rims to those who like and want them. This isn’t rocket science.
So I certainly disagree with what you say about choice of ONLY offering smaller or larger rims. They can do both.
The public likes the look. They associate it with the old bigger is better theme.
Even in the unwashed masses of non car people they like the larger wheel look. I think Lutz calls it the wheel size to fender size ratio?
They do offer smaller wheels on the lower level models. The trouble is as the price goes up people expect the larger wheels to be included. Also the higher end models are offered with more advanced suspensions that also deal with the wheels in many cases.
There is noting wrong with your own personal opinion on what you like. But keep in mind you are not in the majority. Automakers are not going to offer things few will choose.
Now if someone hates the larger wheels so much I am sure the dealer can make the change for you should you want to down size.
The days of what ever you want on a vehicle is limited to only the high end cars anymore. With testing for emissions and MPG just changing tires can require testing. Note the Chevy Bison Colorado. It has larger fender flares that will take larger tires. GM held back to the 31″ tires to control the cost as they would have had to retest for MPG ratings at a large expense for only a small number of trucks. The truck is at $50K already and they needed to keep the price down. Besides many off road people choose their own wheels and tires anyways.
Things just are not as simple as they once were. The government is involved.
I get what you are saying, but I just don’t really agree with it. Most of the points you make are good ones. However I question your statement that:
“But keep in mind you are not in the majority. Automakers are not going to offer things few will choose.”
Where are you getting those facts? I’m not wanting to get into some back and forth with you. I’m just curious if you actually have read this somewhere. You are certainly correct in the wheels to wheel opening ratio. People don’t want huge gaps. But who decided that it needs to be filled up with all rim and no tire? The same “filling of the opening” can take place with a 16″ rim with larger side-wall tires without looking stupid. I agree with you that people want what looks nice. They can certainly make the same looking rims in a size or two smaller and still please the customer.
On this same subject, just this morning I put a 3″ scuff on my passenger front rim of my Buick Encore. The curb was normal, not broken up, not any strange shape. Just a regular curb. But because I was trying to park in a tight place (the norm in LA area), and get in the spot, I gently bumped the curb with the LF rim. Because there’s so little sidewall, the rim is now scuffed. This is just stupid at best. But I had zero choice in a smaller rim size. Standard is 18″ with rubber bands for tires. Really sucks.
I don’t mind an intelligent back and forth at all.
Here is what we see. People pay extra for higher level models and larger wheels are a part of that.
Automakers off extra cost larger wheels as dealer install but they do not offer down sizes.
The aftermarket offers larger wheels and seldom do people buy smaller.
The only people who generally look for smaller wheels are off road people but they put on larger tires most cases.
Scuffs are a problem but they are on most tires accept for larger off road tires.
Many tires today are available with curb protection ribs that prevent scuffs. Some OE tires have them many don’t.
In the end if given a choice most people on high end models expect larger tire and wheels.
The ATS and CTS both I believe would have done better with less fender and larger wheels.
As for making the look work is tough as the wheel plays the roll in styling not a large black void of the sidewall. Today there are no white walls to break it up. That is due to liabilities of speed ratings and white rubber reacting to heat. But that is another issue.
I get what you are saying but like myself who likes 2 door coupes I myself am no longer in the majority of the market.
The cost to satisfy every need is just not economically feasible anymore.
But a good dealer could and I am sure would swap out the larger wheels for you. The would just resell the larger wheels for added profit to someone who wants them on a lesser model.
Gave you a plus 1 for the enjoyable debate. Too little intelligent discussions here so it is nice to have this. Thanks!
I’m more interested in the FNR CarryAll’s hood louvers. I hope they carry over to a Blazer performance model.
Wonder if the N/A Blazer will get an SS Version with these wheels. That would be great.
I happen to think that the bigger wheels completely changes the looks of the Blazer and I really like it.
Thats a family vehicle I wouldn’t be ashamed of. Ditch the boring Traverse.
Cool sells.