The General Motors reintroduced the Chevy Blazer nameplate as an all-new midsize crossover for the 2019 model year, offering sleek styling, seamlessly integrated customer-focused technologies, and superb functionality. Notably, General Motors has elected not to offer the new Chevy Blazer with an Activ off-roading trim level, as is offered for the Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Spark. Now, we have an explanation why.
For those readers who may have missed it, GM Authority previously rendered a hypothetical Chevy Blazer Activ trim level, even arguing that such a trim was the next logical step for the crossover. In a poll, 74 percent of GM Authority readers felt as though GM should produce such a model.
Nevertheless, there are currently no plans to offer a new Chevy Blazer Activ. In an interview with GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft, Chevrolet crossover marketing chief Brad Franz explained the reasoning behind the decision not to offer the Chevy Blazer with an Activ trim level, saying that although it was considered, the Blazer’s styling and positioning ultimately did not line up with the traditional Activ features.
“We did have conversations a couple of years ago on whether we would bring an Activ to the Blazer portfolio, but the more we looked at, what we saw as being a real success factor for this vehicle was around the bold, sleek design,” Franz told GM Authority. “But to do an Activ, you kind of need to deviate a bit from that formula for the Blazer.”
For those readers who may not know, Chevy’s Activ trim level typically offers things like a skid plate, off-road suspension tuning, and sport terrain tires, all of which, one could argue, conflict with the Chevy Blazer’s standard aesthetic.
“So when we sat down and looked at it, we really felt like it was too great of a departure from what the Blazer stood for and all our effort to position the Blazer initially, so we decided for the RS and Premier to continue being at the high level of the trim,” Franz told GM Authority.
As a reminder, the Chevy Blazer is available with two engine options, including the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY and naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX. Under the skin, the Blazer rides on the GM C1 platform, while production takes place at the GM Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico.
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Comments
The truth is this. While the Blazer makes a decent on road vehicle it was never designed for real off road use.
The long nose over hang and the suspension would be destroyed going off road. The same app,it’s to the Acadia AT4 as it is more just styling than a off road vehicle. I know this as I have owned two Acadia models.
These are basically tall fwd/AWD cars and are no real competitor for a Wrangler and Bronco that GM still lacks.
The life style off road vehicles are a fast growing and money making segment. They are growing as the cars like Camaro and Mustang decline in sales. The youth segment and women have embraced the Wrangler and I expect the Bronco too will see the same growth.
GM needs a SUV based model on a short Colorado with the ZR2 chassis under it. Removable doors and roof are required.
Just trying to butch the Blazer is not going to get the job done.
The Blazer is a good vehicle for what it was designed for but it was not designed for off road.
So in other words when they did this Blazer they completely missed the boat with what it should have been. It might be doing ok in the market but it could have been so much more.
No it is a good vehicle for what it is. They are selling a ton of them and making money.
What they have done is miss having another model for the lifestyle off road type vehicle.
There have been some at GM pushing for a real trail rated model but they have been denied several proposals.
I used to make most of my living on Camaro and Mustang parts. Today it is truck and Wrangler. Bronco parts are now just coming.
🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺
I feel the argument against an Activ Blazer also apply to the TrailBlazer.
The Blazer is fine vehicle but not for serious off-road use… Then again you can get a nice Colorado with the off road package four doors and put a cap on it it’s like an 1990’s Blazer SUV only rides much better and has a better interior. Or you can do what many people do and buy a truck or Jeep and make it your own with aftermarket parts… I see many Jeeps and pickups customized like this and it’s cheaper then a factory ready set up 🤔👍. Also knowing GM they are probably waiting to see how well the Bronco sells over time then come out with their own off road SUV… it worked that way with the Camaro, the minivan, the CUV and SUV…. GM is always a little late to the party.
Yeah, the current Blazer is not designed to be an off road vehicle. It is a great grocery getter, highway vacation cruiser, hauling the kids, shopping roadster, and for domestic National Parks, but not for off road.
The last Blazer designed in this class was from 86 – 98. Obviously, the true Blazers were the big rigs before down sizing them.
To GM marketing feel free to use this on your next Blazer ad as I have yet to copyright it
The Chevy Blazer…designed and purpose built to blaze every already smoothly paved trail from your driveway to the shopping mall to the grocery store to the drive thru at the Golden Arches…but not intended to blaze any actual trails.
Good work GM
It would be great to see a Jeep/Bronco size Blazer with off road abilities. I owned an 2 door 1990 S-10 4WD Blazer that I loved but unfortunately got too old, 200,000 miles + and got to the point of too expensive to repair