The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer will see a minor refresh for the 2023 model year. As previously expected based on spy photos, the 2-row midsize SUV will get an updated front fascia, a newer infotainment system, and other changes such as wireless charging, sleeker headlights, and more this year.
The front of the new 2023 Chevrolet Blazer features a sharper look akin to the restyled 2022 Equinox. An updated grille design, as well as new LED headlamps and taillamps, give the SUV a more premium look than before whether you’re choosing the LT, RS, or Premier trims.
Inside, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer‘s infotainment system will get a new 10-inch touchscreen. Wireless charging will be standard in the Blazer RS and Premier but is also available on higher-spec LT models. Like other GM SUVs, 4G LTE WiFi is available with a compatible data plan.
For 2023, Chevy gives the Blazer a facelift that makes the mid-size SUV look even more distinctive. The updates apply largely to the front end, with a new grille design and fresh lighting elements. Outback the taillights also have a new look and there’s a set of newly designed wheels, in sizes 18 to 21 inches.
The exterior of the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer also benefits from more paint colors with the addition of Fountain Blue, Sterling Gray, Copper Bronze, and Radiant Red; Nightshift Blue is now available on the RS trim level, too. The interior is upgraded with new standard tech features such as a new 10-inch touchscreen and a wireless charging pad.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Blazer features a standard 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an optional 308-hp 3.6-liter V-6. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive, turbo-four version has sufficient power for getting around town and highway duty.
However, the V-6 delivers impressive acceleration and provides added confidence when passing on the highway. Quick as the last Blazer RS we tested was, the automatic transmission was slow to downshift when we wanted a quick burst of acceleration.
The four-cylinder can tow up to 1500 pounds, while the V-6 version can handle up to 4500 pounds. With steady composure and accurate steering, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer is easily the best-driving crossover to wear the Chevrolet bow tie.
It was confident and responsive on twisty sections of road, especially the RS model, which has exclusive steering and suspension tuning. Even without the sportier setup found on the RS, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer is more engaging than many competitors.
Its standard 18-inch wheel-and-tire combo provided a smoother and quieter ride than the RS model that wore large 21-inchers, which thudded over bumpy roads. Thankfully, both models remained hushed on even surfaces and at highway speed.
The steering’s precise feedback was satisfying during spirited sessions yet fluid at low speed. The firm brake pedal immediately responded to our inputs, and the brakes brought our Blazer RS test vehicle to a stop from 70 mph in an impressive 165 feet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Blazer with the standard turbo four is rated at up to 22 mpg city and 29 highway. The V-6 version is slightly thirstier, with estimates up to 20 mpg city and 27 highway.
We haven’t tested the four-cylinder version on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, but the all-wheel-drive, V-6 Blazer earned 24 mpg during our real-world test.
The Honda Passport and Hyundai Santa Fe both earned 27 mpg in the same test. For more information about the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Blazer design is heavily inspired by the Chevy Camaro, with an intuitive climate-control system that features round air vents below the center stack. These vents can be twisted to adjust the temperature settings. The visual flourishes include soft-touch plastics and a two-tone color scheme.
While the fancier models receive leather surfaces and flashier materials, our mid-level test car had several cheap pieces and mostly grayscale colors. The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer also offers desirable content, such as ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
The front seats on our test vehicle had small cushions that lacked support, but the back seat had plenty of stretch-out space that should comfort everyone on long trips. With 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64 with the seats folded, we were able to fit 11 and 26 carry-on suitcases, respectively.
There are several storage solutions for small items, including ledges on the front-door panels that are perfect for smartphones. There’s a decent-size cubby at the front of the center console, too, and the bin has good space, albeit without organization. The back seat is less remarkable, with a bin at the back of the center console and small door pockets.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Blazer comes with a 10.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as wireless charging for compatible phones. The system’s interface is attractive and easy to operate, but a rotary controller would be helpful to reduce distractions.
A pair of USB ports located at the front and on the back of the center console is standard; a 120-volt outlet is also available on certain models. The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer also can be equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot, eight-speaker Bose audio system, and built-in navigation.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Chevy equips every Blazer with standard driver-assistance technology that includes forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, automatic high beams, and more. There are also other optional driver assists, and the top trims come with the most standard content.
For more information about the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Photos
Full Specifications
2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$50,765 (base price: $44,695)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
223 cu in, 3649 cc
Power
308 hp @ 6700 rpm
Torque
270 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 265/45R-21 104V M+S TPC Spec 3115MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.7 in
Length: 191.4 in
Width: 76.7 in
Height: 67.0 in
Passenger volume: 108 cu ft
Cargo volume: 31 cu ft
Curb weight: 4293 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 6.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 17.0 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 29.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mph
Top Speed (C/D est, governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 165 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/18/25 mpg