2022 Chevrolet Blazer: Fewer Engines, More Hues
The Chevrolet Blazer will be dumping its base engine for the 2022 model year. The naturally-aspirated, 2.5-liter motor always felt as though it would have been more at home in a vintage Plymouth Acclaim or original S-10 Blazer, however. Removing the 193-horsepower unit from the modern crossover, which can be optioned to weigh in excess of two tons, probably isn’t going to make anyone’s eyes well up.
In exchange, the manufacturer has seen fit to expand the color palette.
Most crossovers offer a competent but totally forgettable driving experience. The Blazer’s big advantage was its eye-catching, Camaro-inspired looks and actually having decent handling — something the 2.5-liter motor failed to build upon. But the more-powerful engines did, which is a large part of why they’ll be sticking around.
For 2022, base models will come equipped with the 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. Blazer shoppers wanting even more power, and the ability to tow up to 4,500 pounds, can opt for the 3.6-liter V6 pushing 308 ponies. Front wheel drive remains standard, though all-wheel drive can be had on every trim level.
Unfortunately, this means prices are definitely going up. The base Blazer L starts a hair under $30,000, whereas the LT models typically sticker couple bucks below $35,000. The latter figure will be much closer to the crossover’s new entry-level price moving forward, though General Motors has not confirmed anything official regarding pricing. We’re just hoping the manufacturer doesn’t go crazy, because some trims already felt a bit too steep for our tastes.
[Images: General Motors]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Nothing like the old classic Blazer.
Nothing like the old classic Blazer.