In late January of this year, GM Authority exclusively reported that landed (or on-the-ground) inventory of the Chevy Blazer crossover at U.S. Chevrolet dealers was running at 28 days, a figure we described as “alarmingly low”.
We have now learned from sources familiar with the matter that supply has fallen still further, reaching just 16 days at the end of April.
This suggests a considerable excess of demand over supply, which can in turn be explained by the ongoing semiconductor shortage which has been affecting vehicle production at auto plants around the world.
The issue has led to a marked decline in Chevy Blazer sales. As previously reported, the model experienced a 13 percent sales drop in the United States and a seven percent decline in Mexico in Q1 of 2021, although there was a 55 percent improvement in deliveries in Canada.
In the U.S., the Chevy Blazer accordingly dropped to fourth place in the two-row midsize mainstream crossovers segment during Q1, having been third during the same period in 2020. Blazer sales were 9,305 units down on the Hyundai Santa Fe, one year after the Chevy outsold its South Korean rival by 1,486 units.
Sales Numbers - Two-Row Midsize Mainstream Crossovers - Q1 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q1 21 / Q1 20 | Q1 21 | Q1 20 | Q1 21 SHARE | Q1 20 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | +10.21% | 55,198 | 50,083 | 34% | 34% |
| HYUNDAI SANTA FE | +38.30% | 28,570 | 20,658 | 18% | 14% |
| FORD EDGE | -25.17% | 22,150 | 29,599 | 14% | 20% |
| CHEVROLET BLAZER | -13.00% | 19,265 | 22,144 | 12% | 15% |
| TOYOTA VENZA | * | 13,623 | * | 8% | 0% |
| HONDA PASSPORT | +48.22% | 11,610 | 7,833 | 7% | 5% |
| NISSAN MURANO | -26.53% | 11,523 | 15,683 | 7% | 11% |
| TOTAL | +10.92% | 161,939 | 146,000 |
GM can only hope that the semiconductor shortage – and the resulting difficulty in building enough vehicles – has been at least partly resolved by the time the 2022 Chevy Blazer goes on sale later this year. The only mechanical difference between the updated model and the 2021 Chevy Blazer is that the 2022 model will do away with the naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 LCV engine, which produces 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. This motor is currently available only in conjunction with the base L and second-tier trim levels which, as GM Authority was first to report, will be discontinued as part of the 2022 model year changeover.
However, the Blazer will still be available with the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY engine, which becomes the Blazer’s new base engine, and the 3.6L V6 GLX. The LSY makes 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the LGX is rated at 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
The 2022 Blazer will be visually distinct from today’s model due to several minor styling changes. For instance, the Premier model will feature new front and rear lower fascias, wheels, wheel moldings and rockers, while other models will get a new two-tone roof option. The Blazer crossover will continue to ride on the GM C1 platform, and be assembled at the GM Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico.
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Comments
Make the semiconductors here in USA and stop relying on foreign factory parts. Wake up lower case GM.
My 17 malibu 2.0 Turbo makes 250hp and 260 lb ft of torque ,why did GM de-tune this motor and put it in an even heavier vehicle. The math does not add up!People want a performance SUV at a reasonable price!, without having to step up in price range to the big V6…guess we will have to see maybe the big 4 cyl turbo that GM puts in the Silverado will be an option.
It depends on where you live… In my area 4 cylinder engines turbo or not don’t do well over the hilly terrain as evidenced by my Equinox I test drove both back when you could get a NOX with a V6 I also test drove the new 1.5 liter turbo they just don’t have that V6 pull when you step on it going up a hill. Not only that but all these turbo cars are much more expansive to fix then a regular naturally aspirated engine. And if you really want power wait and see how a giant hummer EV truck will dust off any turbo. I will take my EV Blazer in a few years how about Blazer EVO!