The Chevy Blazer is one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, and with the updates coming with the 2023 model, it’s sure to get even more so. When you go to your favorite Chevy Blazer dealer, however, you’re going to have four different trims to choose from as you try to find the model that’s right for you. Navigating all of these options isn’t too treacherous, especially if you pick a good dealership with helpful people, but having a sense of what you want ahead of time can make shopping for your next SUV a lot easier.
Today, I’m going to take you through the trims available for the 2023 Blazer to get a sense of what each one has to offer. While I can’t tell you exactly which model is right for you since I don’t actually know what you need, I can at least point you in the right direction. You’ll have to figure out what you’re looking for in your next SUV, which is a whole other process, but knowing what you need will help you eliminate what doesn’t work for you. Now let’s take a look at what the Blazer offers to see how it can deliver what you’re looking for.
The 2023 Chevy Blazer at a Glance
First off, let’s quickly go over what the Blazer has to offer in general terms before we get more specific about its features. The Blazer is a midsize SUV with two rows of seating for up to five passengers, plus plenty of space throughout for everything you need to take with you. For the 2023 model year, the Blazer is getting a refresh with updated styling that includes a new grille and front fascia. This update also includes new LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, plus new tail lamps that compliment the overall look.
Along with this updated style, new 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch wheels are available for the Blazer this year, plus there have been numerous updates inside and out. It’s also worth noting that three new exterior colors are now available for the 2023 Blazer: Sterling Gray Metallic, Copper Bronze Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat, all of which look fantastic. This exterior update gives the Blazer a sleek and refreshed look that’s definitely going to turn some heads. Now, all you have to do is pick the one with everything you need.
Your Two Engine Options
Two engines are available for the 2023 Chevy Blazer, and your choice of trim can have a significant impact on which engine you can get. The standard engine for the Blazer is a 2.0L Turbo I-4 that delivers 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is a great place to start. There’s also an available 3.6L V6 engine available, which gives you 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque; both engines come paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, but you can see the available option is certainly more powerful.
The 2.0L Turbo engine comes standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier trims, while the 3.6L V6 engine comes standard on the RS trim but is available on the 3LT and Premier trim. You might’ve noticed that this means the standard engine is your only option for the 2LT trim and the V6 is your only choice for the RS. Depending on the kind of performance you want from your Blazer, this is a big decision that you’ll need to consider as you’re choosing from the trims available. Keep in mind also that the standard engine gets an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, while the V6 gets an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, making the standard engine a more efficient choice overall.
Other Performance Features
The engine isn’t the only thing you need to consider regarding performance and the trim levels that are available with the Chevy Blazer. All Blazer models come with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, which works well but isn’t necessarily the best option if you deal with a lot of nasty weather, dirt roads, or you want to be able to get a little adventurous in your SUV. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all models, but there are two different types of AWD on offer, depending on the trim you’re looking at.
The two LT trims and the Premier trim have a standard AWD system available if you want better traction in rough road conditions. The RS trim, however, has an Advanced AWD system with a twin-clutch available, which provides you with even greater control and traction when you need it. This is probably not a make-or-break issue for most drivers, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you know you want a Chevy Blazer with AWD and you’re torn between other options.
Design and Functionality
As a midsize SUV, the Blazer is designed with plenty of space inside for you to take advantage of, with 30.5 cu.ft. of storage space behind the rear seats and 64.2 cu.ft. of total cargo volume available behind the front seats. Every model comes with a rear liftgate, as you’d expect, but there are some options with it that depend on the trim you’re looking at. The standard 2LT comes with a manual liftgate and has a power-programmable liftgate available, which comes standard on the 3LT, Premier, and RS trims. Furthermore, hands-free opening for the power liftgate is available for the RS and Premier trims, giving you even greater functionality if you’re looking for it.
Technology Features
For the 2023 model year, the Chevy Blazer now comes with a 10.2-inch infotainment display standard on all models, regardless of which trim you choose. You can also get a wireless charging pad that’s now available on all models, which was restricted to certain trims in the past, and it’s standard on the RS and Premier trims. Remote start functionality is standard on all models, and every Chevy Blazer now comes with an HD Rear Vision Camera that provides you with a high-quality look at the area behind your vehicle while you’re in reverse. Beyond that, other features like a Bose premium sound system are offered on the RS and Premier trims but more restricted on the lower LT models.
Safety Features
Every 2023 Blazer comes with the Chevy Safety Assist package standard, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking and a Following Distance Indicator. You also get a Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning standard on every model. IntelliBeam automatic high beams, which activate in darkness and can turn off when oncoming traffic is detected, are also standard on all Blazer models.
Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts your vehicle’s speed based on traffic around you, is available on all trims. Other safety features can be restricted, however, such as an HD Surround Vision system, which gives you a virtual view of the area around the Blazer, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, which are both available only on the RS and Premier trims. Considering the importance of some of these safety features, they may very well justify going with a higher trim, especially if you want the V6 engine and other options.
Which Trim Is Right for You?
As you can see, some of the differences between the trims can be pretty minimal, and the right one for you really depends on what you’re looking for. If you like the standard safety features and tech systems, plus you want the standard engine, then the starting 2LT trim could be your best bet. The 3LT gives you more options to choose from, making it a fantastic choice if you want some upgrades, but you don’t necessarily need it all. With the Premier and RS trims, you get the most freedom and options for advanced features on the 2023 Chevy Blazer, and the RS is particularly attractive if you want the V6 engine and one of the best AWD systems on the road.
