Early iterations of the Chevy Blazer were built on a full-sized truck base, made to compete with any pickup. After several evolutions, the 2021 Chevy Blazer is now the perfect combination of power and style. You can tow a trailer and help a friend move while still turning heads as you run errands.
Everyone expects SUVs these days to have all the tech benefits and easy driving of a city-friendly compact car while still being able to take the whole family on a holiday road trip. The 2021 Chevy Blazer fits both ends of the spectrum: looking good while handling well and still being able to tow a small trailer – or even a big one with the right combination of options. With its reintroduction in 2019, the Blazer secured its place in the midsize market, and the 2021 Chevy Blazer proves you can please most of the people most of the time.
Back to (Blazer) Basics
To fully appreciate the 2021 Chevy Blazer, you have to appreciate its history. Chevrolet first used the “Blazer” name in 1969 with the K5. The name stuck with various iterations for a while, and the “S-10 Blazer” hit the scene in 1982. When the S-10 first premiered, it was only available with two doors, and your biggest choice was two- or four-wheel drive. Nearly a decade later, four-door options were available.
Then 1995 brought a full revamp with a more aerodynamic body, a roomier interior, a new suspension, and an optional full-time all-wheel-drive system. Still, the only engine choice was a 4.3-liter V6. Standard was a four-speed automatic transmission, with an optional five-speed manual on the two-door models. 2005 was the last year of the original Blazer, and what we know now came back in 2019. This revamped Blazer epitomized the sport-utility vehicle in a family-friendly ride with powerful towing options. The 2021 Chevy Blazer builds on all of this history to create a midsize SUV that’s both visually appealing and comfortable to drive.
2021 Blazer Highlights
The 2021 Blazer design stands out in the crowded midsize SUV market with an aggressive grille and dramatic body lines. Its cargo space is competitive, as is the second-row seating. One fun Blazer fact is that it copies its sporty Camaro sibling’s intuitive air vents that you twist to adjust temperature settings.
There are six members of the 2021 Chevy Blazer family: the L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. Some may argue that the 2LT model is the perfect combination of quality and substance, but the RS has exclusive steering and suspension tuning, which may better suit your needs. Be sure to check with your dealer to make sure you’re considering all the options.
Whichever trim you choose, your new 2021 Chevy Blazer will come with a bumper-to-bumper 36 month / 36,000-mile warranty. There’s a powertrain warranty good for five years or 60,000 miles and an anti-corrosion warranty for six years or 100,000 miles. In addition, Chevy Complete Care covers standard maintenance like an oil change and inspection. There’s also a $2,750 cash allowance on most Blazer models.
2021 Chevy Blazer Variations
The L begins at $28,800. With its 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 9-speed automatic front-wheel drive transmission, the EPA estimates you can get 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway. The L Blazer has an 8-inch infotainment screen standard, as well as Chevrolet’s Stabilitrak traction control. The teen driver tech is standard, and it comes with three exterior color choices.
The 1LT offers a bevy of additional options, beginning with seven additional exterior colors, along with wheel and tire choices, decal badging, and optional front row embroidered headsets. The 1LT goes 0 – 60 in 8.1 seconds, and it is also when you first see the option of the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package. This package includes heated front seats, a universal home remote, remote start, remote programmable liftgate, and roof-mounted side rails. Lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror is also part of the package. Plus, the auto-dimming outside side mirrors that match the body color are heated, power-adjustable, and manually folding, with turn signal indicators.
The 1LT also has an optional Interior Luxury Package with illuminated front door sill plates and premium carpeted floor mats. An Interior Protection Package with premium all-weather floor mats and cargo mat and a Roadside Safety Package with highway safety and first aid kits are also options. Other package options include a Sport Package with special pedals and a Storage Optimization Package with a cargo area and front console organizers.
Moving through the model line, you will find even more options and standard perks. A 3.6-liter V6 engine is available from the 2LT, with an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway. A roadside emergency kit and heated front seats are standard from the 2LT on.
With the 3LT, the heated side mirrors and power programmable liftgate are no longer options but standard. The 3LT also introduces an available Sound & Technology Package with a Bose premium 8-speaker audio system, 2 USB data ports with an SD card reader in the front center storage bin, HD Surround Vision, a rear camera mirror, and a 120-volt power outlet. HD Surround vision uses multiple cameras to give a better look around your Chevy Blazer, and at low speeds, it may help you park and avoid obstacles.
The RS and Premier model lines start at $40,800 and $42,500, respectively. They also offer an available Driver Confidence II Package. This package includes a safety alert seat, the HD Surround Vision, a rear camera mirror with washer, adaptive cruise control to keep you an even distance from the vehicle ahead of you, enhanced automatic emergency braking, LED headlamps, and wireless charging for up to one compatible wireless device.
A 120-volt power outlet is standard on the RS and Premier models, and the Bose premium 8-speaker audio system is standard on the Premier Blazer, as are bright front sill plates. Memory settings are available on the RS and standard on the Premier; this means you can save preferences for up to two drivers on the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering column. The steering column could be adjustable on the RS, and full customization is available on the Premier.
It’s worth noting that the 2021 Chevy Blazers are all the same size. While the perks may vary between model lines, they’ll still fit the name number of people and suitcases. When choosing a model that has a 3.6-liter engine, you can also add a trailering package that allows you to tow up to 4,500 pounds. However, even with the 2.5-liter engine on the lower model trim packages, you can still tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is perfect for small-engine toys like motorcycles, jet skis, and snowmobiles, as well as people-powered canoes and small rowboats. Even some pop-ups or other lightweight camping trailers fit within this weight limit.
The Best of Both Worlds
The 2021 Chevy Blazer has zippy performance benefits, with more than a passing comparison to its sporty sibling, the Camaro. The Chevy Blazer definitely stands out visually from its midsize SUV competitors because, let’s face it, it’s not exactly the most exciting-looking segment of the personal vehicle market. Owners have reported great satisfaction with the Blazer’s quality and reliability, as well as the overall driving experience. The 2021 Chevy Blazer is a bit more fun to drive than the competition, and the trim levels vary in quality and available features. Be sure to check with your dealer to make sure you’re getting the perfect Blazer to match your needs and happy driving.
