Video: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS: First Impressions

Under the hood of the blazer, a couple different engine options. There's a 2.5 liter four cylinder, but the more exciting option is a 305 horsepower 3.6 liter V6. That's standard on RS and Premier Models. Now we're here with an RS. This is the sportier version of the Blazer and it's also notable for one big reason and that is it comes with a more advanced all-wheel drive system. So all-wheel drive is only available with the V6 and on the RS and Premier it's a twin clutch all-wheel drive system, so if you want the best all-wheel drive you can get with a Blazer, you're gonna have to pay for it. Behind the backseat of the Blazer, 30.5 cubic feet of cargo room. And that's a little bit less than some competitors like the Nissan Murano and the Ford Edge. But in this case, the numbers don't tell the full story because how the Blazer uses this cargo area really makes it stand out. And that starts with this rail system. Now a rail system is usually something you'll find in the bed of a pickup truck that allows you to kind of compartmentalize a cargo room, add in accessories. Having one in the back of an SUV is a really smart idea. It allows you some more flexibility in the cargo area that you don't get in other SUVs. Now, the Blazer's interior kind of lives up to its sporty exterior, especially in RS versions. We got two tone stitching, red accents that really give it kind of a sporty feel, though probably not really a sporty drive. Now, multimedia system. It's a touchscreen mounted high up here on the dash and we generally like this interface. It's pretty simple, it's pretty easy to use, kind of like something that you find in a Hyundai or a Kia. Two systems that we've really liked in the past. Now, there is one thing about this system that we don't like and that is, it's kind of placed a little bit weird. The lip here that kind of houses the volume control and a few other buttons kind of cuts into the bottom of the screen. And that's exactly where Chevy has placed a few shortcut buttons. So those shortcut buttons will be kind of hard to use unless you kind of kink your arm and get it in there in that weird kind of angle. Now, second row, like most other vehicles in this segment, the second row, pretty spacious. If you have a mid-size SUV and you don't try to cram three rows into it, that means you get a lot of passenger space for up to five people. Now, the second row can actually slide forward and back a few inches to open up more cargo area if needed. And there's two USB ports and a household outlet in the back for good charging options. What's interesting about the Blazer is you can actually get up to six USB ports and it only carries up to five people. So if someone has two phones, they're covered too. The new blazer has a lot of things going for it. I like the styling, I like the technology inside and I like the flexibility in the cargo area. However, there's one thing holding it back and that's kind of true about other GM vehicles as well, and that's if you want automatic Ford emergency braking, adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist, you're gonna have to get an RS or a Premier. Those features aren't even offered on lower trim levels and those things are now standard on a lot of other vehicles, not only in this class, but in more affordable classes as well. So Chevrolet really needs to step up in this regard for us to take them more seriously on safety. Now the Blazer starts at 29,995 including destination, and is on sale now.