The Chevy Blazer made quite the splash when it reentered the market for the 2019 model year, with GM positioning the nameplate as an all-new midsize crossover that slots between the smaller Chevy Equinox and larger three-row Chevy Traverse. When it launched, the 2019 Chevy Blazer set the styling tone for Chevrolet’s crossover lineup, providing the inspiration for models like the Chevy Trailblazer, Chevy Trax, and Chevy Equinox. Now, however, the Blazer now finds itself in need of reinvention – and the Honda Passport should lead the way.
Chevy Blazer
Let’s begin with a brief look at the current Chevy crossover lineup, where we find the all-new 2025 Chevy Equinox encroaching on the Blazer’s territory with larger dimensions (longer wheelbase, taller overall height, and a wider track) and a more robust feature list. With the 2025 Equinox pushing closer to the Blazer in both size and features, the Blazer risks redundancy. As such, GM would do well to differentiate the Blazer, transforming it into a rugged, off-road-oriented crossover aimed at adventure-ready consumers and tailored to compete directly with models like the newly unveiled 2026 Honda Passport.
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport trim in particular offers a clear example of the formula, with off-road suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance – key elements that could easily be adapted to a reimagined Chevy Blazer.
Honda Passport TrailSport
This hypothetical ruggedized Blazer could retain its unibody architecture while incorporating design elements that emphasize the off-roader attitude. Further tweaks could include a higher ground clearance, bold exterior cladding, all-terrain tires, and technologies like GM’s dual-clutch AWD system. Practical additions like roof rails and skid plates would also reinforce its adventurous character.
Chevy Blazer
Notably, GM had at one time planned to offer a rugged, body-on-frame next-gen GMC Jimmy to rival the Ford Bronco, but that project was subsequently canceled, as GM Authority covered previously. While a more rugged Blazer wouldn’t necessarily fill the shoes of a dedicated body-on-frame off-roader like the aforementioned next-gen Jimmy, it would nonetheless provide a solid base from which the current unibody Blazer could thrive, shifting buyers towards a lifestyle vehicle with decent off-road credibility and creating a distinct niche for the current midsizer – at least compared to the current on-road model.
Comments
They should remake the Blazer into a midsized suv and use the Colorado Chassis. I would rather have them make a two door version based on the Silverado 1500 chassis with a v8, but we all know that will never happen.
None of that can happen. Enjoy your EVs, instead.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/04/updated-2025-chevy-trailblazer-suv-revealed-in-brazil/
The Blazer we wanted
Rumor was a Colorado-based SUV was in the cards (as well as a new Camaro and RWD Cadillac CUVs) until Barra’s Triple Zero and All-electric Future fantasies took precedence over anything else. I guess we can all enjoy the appliance-like future of the “New” gm
The Passport only looks rugged. It’s a CUV that looks more rugged. It has a low torque car engine that they also use in it’s stable mates: Odysee, Pilot, and Ridgeline. Nothing more than a vehicle that can pull up to a 19′ boat. Take it off road and it will be in the shop soon after. If GM really wanted to make a mid-sized rugged SUV, then turn the Colorado into a SUV. They had one with the international Trailblazer that went out a production about 4 years ago. Give it the 2.7 turbo or oil burner.
Make the next Blazer off of the Colorado Chassis and the Silverado Chassis and offer two sizes much like the S10 Blazer and K5 Blazer from the 70s and 80s were. Do like Ford is currently doing now with the New Bronco. You used to have the Full Size Bronco and the Compact Bronco II which was produced from 1984-1990. Blazer needs to go Full Size again off the Silverado platform and also offer a Smaller version off the Colorado platform. GMC needs to revive the Jimmy name and also make a GMC version of these two SUVs. Offer both 2 door and 4 door body styles and offer V6 and V8 options and different trim levels 4WD. They should be made 💯 in 🇺🇸 America with American made Engines and Transmissions as well as All Parts and Components. Competition should be the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and International Scout and Honda Passport
Sales numbers say the Bronco/wrangler market is limited and near or at its ceiling. I like your idea, but it would not be successful.
They’re doing far better than the Blazer, and I’m sure they’re quite profitable.
Passport is a joke. It only looks rugged. Leave it alone.
The next-gen ICE Blazer will follow the pattern set by the appearance changes they made on the all-new Traverse and Equinox. More rugged looking, but don’t expect a real off-roader.
I’m fine with this. I’d like a few retro styling elements to be used, as well.
Yeah, they REALLY need another me-too crossover cut from the exact same mold as the rest of their butch but lame crossovers. Oh, let’s throw in some “retro styling” to tease people who would never buy this FWD wagon.
The 2026 Passport Trailsport will soon be put to the test by the Off Road media. While likely not as competent as the Jeep Wrangler, full size Bronco, or the likes of GMs mi and full sized specialty pickups, it appears to be ready to surprise.
It literally finished in last place at the Rebelle Rally where it debuted. Last place.
Out of 54 entrants , all driven by women, there wasn’t a single 2026 Passport listed.
What it should be is a 2 door body on frame SUV. Preferably based on both the Colorado and Tahoe.
I agree but the only problem is, that would make sense. And doing things that make sense is not really a signature feature of GM.
You guys are exactly right. They need to redo this and make it a true off-roader.
GM needs to start building vehicles people want to buy, instead of what they want to sell. They once controlled over 50 , percent of market, but they sure don’t now
Everyone saying it should’ve been built on the Colorado frame to compete with Bronco and Wrangler, that ship has sailed. It sailed when GM nixed the *real* next-gen Colorado in favor of a heavy redesign of the old truck, which is what we got. The current chassis is not suitable for a SWB off-roader, and without a new chassis, it’ll never happen.
GM instead dumped all the money into EVs.
“Notably, GM had at one time planned to offer a rugged, body-on-frame next-gen GMC Jimmy to rival the Ford Bronco, but that project was subsequently canceled”
All they need to do is restart development of this. Pick it up where you left of, GM. The people want this. This would be a good opportunity to introduce a mild hybrid for the platform.
The blazer is sweet looking, but GM messed up by not making the blazer an off-road worthy Bronco competitor. They should have given the Trailblazer this current Blazer platform, along with an SS version to compete with the Explorer ST and Durango SRT.
I had an 06 Trailblazer SS. I loved it!! Hauled 5 people, towed the boat, and hauled @$$… It’s a shame GM doesn’t offer anything enticing to their line-up anymore other than the ridiculously priced corvette now.
Build what the customers want and that’s an off roader 2-door or 4-door blazer on a chassis’s adding a hybrid drive train similar to Toyota’s grand Highlander hybrid for increased fuel economy on the road not the stupid plug in option.
GM please get back in tune with your customers.
The Gen 1 and 2 S-10 Blazers, and later the Trailblazer of the early 2000s were an ideal combination of ruggedness and comfort and customers loved them. The Blazer should be a competitor to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a true SUV. Enough with this crossover crap.
It should have been rugged with 4X4 capability from the get go.