What's New
Even though it’s only been around for a year, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer sees a major addition: a new engine. Coming off its debut in 2019, the mid-size crossover adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that already powers the Cadillac XT4.
The turbo-four joins the Blazer’s two existing engines, slotting in between the two as an option on the two middle trims. The trims are organized a little differently for 2020, but the Blazer is otherwise largely unchanged from last year.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevy Blazer comes in six trims: L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. The starting price for a Blazer L checks in at $29,995 including destination, while it tops out at $43,895 for a Premier model.
Engine Choices
The new addition brings the Blazer’s engine lineup to three. The L and 1LT are only available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder; the 2LT and 3LT get the new 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder as standard while a 3.6-liter V6 is optional for $500; and the RS and Premier are exclusively available with the V6.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.5L 4-Cylinder | 193 hp | 188 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 230 hp | 258 lb-ft | Not Yet Rated |
3.6L V6 | 308 hp | 270 lb-ft | 21 mpg |
All three engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is only available with front-wheel drive, but the others can power all four wheels for a surcharge of $2,000 for the turbo or $2,650 for the V6.
The EPA hasn’t tested the Blazer with its new powertrain, but it'll likely be the most efficient of the bunch.
If you’re looking to tow a trailer, you’ll want the V6. Both of the four-cylinder engines are limited to a 1,500 pound payload, while the larger V6 can pull a more SUV-like 4,500 pounds.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All Blazers can seat up to five passengers, with healthy interior space and a rear seat that can slide back and forth on a track.
The back can swallow 30.5 cubic feet of cargo, or 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That’s only slightly more than the compact Chevrolet Equinox, and it’s low compared to rivals like the Ford Edge or Nissan Murano.
Safety Features
The Blazer may wear modern crossover looks, but it hasn’t quite caught up on safety tech. There are no standard active safety features on the base model – as more and more brands make these features standard, this is a regrettable omission for a family crossover.
The 3LT gets blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. On 1LT and 2LT models, these four features are available through the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package ($1,845).
A surround-view camera becomes available starting on the 3LT, while buyers can bundle the surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning on the RS through the Enhanced Convenience and Driver Confidence II Package ($3,575). The safety features cost $2,165 on the Premier through the Driver Confidence II Package.
Connectivity
All Blazers run Chevy’s Infotainment 3 system through an 8-inch touchscreen with USB ports, Bluetooth, wi-fi hot spot capability, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is standard on the RS and Premier, and available on the 3LT.
L - From $29,995
To manage a starting price under $30,000, the Blazer L keeps things simple. Cloth features, manual seat adjustment, and the most basic infotainment system are standard. Black, white, and silver are the only exterior options. It does get a few luxury touches like HID headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
1LT - From $33,495
Stepping up to the 1LT trim adds an eight-way power driver’s seat, a satellite radio trial subscription, tinted windows, and a host of available options. This trim opens up more exterior color options, available 20-inch rims ($1,995), and a rear-seat infotainment system ($1,995).
The aforementioned safety features are bundled in the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package ($1,845), which also includes heated front seats, remote start, and a power liftgate. Buyers can have a roof rack and side assist steps in the Hit the Road Package ($1,050), but they’ll need the previous package selected first.
2LT - From $33,995
The 2LT trim is identical to the 1LT in terms of standard equipment except for its engine. It gets the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but can have the V6 for an extra $500.
The other change is the available Redline Edition ($1,895), which adds a variety of sporty red aesthetic cues. Once again, it requires the Convenience and Driver Confidence Package be selected.
3LT - From $38,195
The Blazer 3LT adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote start, the power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, roof rails, blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Navigation is found in the Sound and Technology Package ($1,400) alongside a Bose eight-speaker audio system, the surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.
RS - From $41,795
Pushing into luxury territory, the RS trim includes navigation, a heated steering wheel, a 120-volt outlet, a larger 8-inch driver information display, and ambient lighting. The exterior gets 20-inch rims, a hands-free liftgate, and a more aggressive look.
This trim is the first to see advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, but getting them means adding the pricey Enhanced Convenience and Driver Confidence Package II Package ($3,575). This also includes the Bose audio system, wireless charging, heated rear seats, and more. A panoramic sunroof can be added for $1,595.
Premier - From $43,895
The range-topping Premier tosses in a few more standard features, like cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a power adjustable steering column, the Bose audio system, and memory functionality for the driver's seat, side mirrors, and steering wheel.
Here, the safety features are available on their own for $2,165 through the Driver Confidence II Package, while the sunroof remains a $1,595 standalone option.
Compare Blazer Trims Side-By-Side
We like the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer best once it has safety equipment and the V6. That means the RS or Premier trim, which start to compete against true luxury crossovers.