The Best of the Best: The Chevy Blazer’s Top Model Years

If you know anything about the Chevy Blazer, you know it’s been an interesting journey for the vehicle. The Chevy Blazer K9 that debuted in the 1970s is nothing like the small crossover Blazer that Chevy sells today. If you look at online Chevy Blazer sales, you’ll see that it’s a popular midsize SUV among many drivers; however, it lacks the rugged, off-road qualities of its big brother, the original K5. Originally made for off-roading and rough-and-tumble lifestyles, the K5 was a mudslinging beast that doubled as a family vehicle when you needed it to. Back when SUVs were just becoming a viable vehicle option, this was an innovative design and proved to be very popular for the manufacturer.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Chevy continued to redesign the K5 Blazer. Exterior facelifts, safety add-ons, and loads of extras made the Chevy SUV popular with off-roaders and families alike. In 1982, Chevy introduced the S-10 Blazer, which was smaller and had four doors and more closely resembles the Blazer we’re familiar with today. As for the K5 Blazer, that was transformed into the Chevy Tahoe, a full-size SUV that is still in production.

By 2005 Chevy discontinued the Blazer; however, in 2019, the Blazer returned with a completely new redesign. This sporty midsize crossover SUV was designed more for paved streets than dirt roads but proved popular with suburban drivers nonetheless. The newly designed Blazer put an emphasis on comfort and convenience, something today’s drivers are looking for, all in an affordable package that made it appealing to buyers.

The latest Blazer models from 2019 to 2023 offer drivers advanced technology and safety features that the previous generation of Blazer from 2005 and back didn’t. Chevy completely overhauled the Blazer, and while some might miss the old model, there are plenty who are liking the modern incarnation. Perhaps you’re searching for a Blazer but don’t know where to start. There are some good years out there, and the Blazer is known to be a high-quality and affordable pre-owned vehicle. To help you out, we’ve gone over Chevy’s offerings from 2019 to 2021 to see what stands out for the Blazer and what doesn’t.

Let’s Begin With the 2019 Chevy Blazer

The year 2019: a year before supply chain shortages and COVID facemasks. Everything just felt easier back then, didn’t it? Well, in case you missed it, 2019 was also the year the Chevy brought back the Blazer. Though the name was iconic the design was all new. Chevy updated the 2019 Blazer so that it barely resembled its former self. Many thought this was a smart move, considering how far technology and design have come since 2005.

Overall, it’s safe to say that the 2019 Blazer is a good investment if you’re looking for a used midsize SUV. It had some great engine choices, including a peppy available V6 and great responsive handling that makes driving fun. On top of all that, 2019 was overflowing with the latest tech and safety features. The 2019 model is noted as having average cargo space for its class and a minimalist interior, which could be good or bad, depending on your style.

The Blazer was set to deliver a great drive experience without all the frills, which some drivers can appreciate. The 5-seater SUV delivered a decent fuel economy at 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. Commuters will save a few dollars at the pumps thanks to the base 2.5L engine with 193 hp. Weekend road trippers can make use of the decent horsepower or level up to the V6 to bring along a trailer and extra gear.

The interior is comfortable, with supportive seating and a user-friendly infotainment system. While there are plenty of available safety features, it is good to keep in mind that Chevy didn’t make their Chevy Safety Assist package standard until a few years later. So if safety is at the top of your mind, you might have to shop around to ensure the 2019 Blazer has what you’re looking for. That’s not to say, however, that the 2019 Blazer isn’t safe; it earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you’re looking to get into a flexible, reliable vehicle at an affordable price, the 2019 Blazer is one to watch out for. When you shop on the pre-owned market, you can often pick up high trim options at a real deal, so make sure you shop around to find the perfect Blazer for your needs.

The 2020 Chevy Blazer

Coming off of a great debut, the 2020 Blazer knew it had to impress and impress it did. This is an excellent model to keep an eye out for if you’re looking for comfort and convenience, all at an affordable price. The 2020 model was offered with three engine options, the standard being a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that offered a sporty vibe to your everyday ride. Drivers could also choose to level up to unlock a turbocharged 2.0L or a 3.6L V6 engine, depending on the level of performance they were looking for.

Once again, the 2020 Blazer rated high when it came to safety, scooping up an overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Safety features like StabiliTrak, additional airbags, and a rear vision camera also helped keep drivers safe. The Teen Driver feature gave parents peace of mind while helping teens develop good driving habits. With this innovative tool, parents could set limits on things like speed and radio volume to help prevent distractions while their teen was behind the wheel. There are also plenty of add-on safety features available for 2020, such as lane-keep assist and rear-traffic alert. These additional features cost extra at the time, so finding a used model with extra safety features can mean a real bargain for you.

The 2020 model also came loaded with plenty of updated tech features like an 8-inch touchscreen and Chevy’s Infotainment 3 system, plus USB ports for charging additional devices and the ability for drivers to sync their smartphones with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a completely personalized driving experience. So while you might have to pay for a higher trim to unlock additional safety features, the great engine choices, modern styling, and lively performance make for an unforgettable ride.

The 2021 Chevy Blazer

The last Blazer we’ll check out is from 2021, so it’s fairly recent. Getting into a 2021 Blazer means you’re getting some of the latest and greatest features that Chevy has to offer without the heavy price tag of a brand-new 2022 vehicle. It continued its safety streak, earning another 5-star rating from the NHTSA, and was the year Chevy made their Chevy Safety Assist standard on the 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier models. This package came with features like automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, and more.

While the Blazer remained mostly unchanged for 2021, it’s worth considering for drivers that want a newer vehicle at a lower price. You get three engine choices, so it’s easy to pick out your level of power and performance. As with most Chevy models, expect responsive handling, a smooth ride, and premium fuel economy. With six trim levels, three engines, and loads of safety features, it’s easy to find a 2021 Blazer that fits your needs and lifestyles, all at a price that works for your budget.

Which Blazer Are You?

If you’re in the market for a used Chevy Blazer, it can be tough to decide which model year to pick. If you want to ensure you get some of the latest tech and driver assist features, looking at the more recent models from 2019 to 2021 is the best place to start. While one year isn’t better or worse, it’s worth it to do the research and find out which one will suit your needs. If you just want a flexible, fun ride without spending a lot, 2019 is a great buy. However, if you want tons of safety features and the latest technology, checking out 2021 will save you some money over buying brand new.

Whichever Blazer you choose, you won’t be disappointed. When Chevy resurrected the Blazer in 2019, they knew it would have an impact on the midsize SUV market. And now, a few years later, the Blazer only continues to improve with minor updates and new design touches to keep things fresh and modern for drivers who want a quality vehicle that won’t hurt their wallet. Whether on city roads or suburban stress, the Blazer is a 5-seater family vehicle that’s ready for anywhere your journey may take you.