Then and Now: The Chevy Blazer

There is no shortage of Chevy SUVs for sale, but did you know that one of them played a significant role in the popularity of this segment? That SUV-the Blazer-contributed greatly to the dominance of the sport utility vehicle and helped change the industry. Since its inception more than fifty years ago, the Chevy Blazer has gone through some wild changes, taking it quite far from the model that helped shape the market today. 

As the 2024 Blazer and Blazer EV now hit the roadways, it's interesting to take a look back and see where everything began and how that led to the Blazer today. Who would have guessed in 1969 that the bulky, beefy, truck-like Blazer would eventually become a sleek and stylish SUV complete with its own EV variant? The first round of "Blazer greatness" had a solid run, providing some thoughtful changes until its banishment in 2006. It wasn't until thirteen years later that the Blazer would return with a vengeance, completely squashing expectations. 

Where It All Began

That first Blazer is nearly unrecognizable compared to the one we see today. With affordability being a major driving factor of the Blazer, it used an assortment of components and hacks to allow the Blazer to satisfy a not-yet-obvious need in the market. A minimalistic approach made the Blazer a fantastic option for the masses, with the driver's seat being the ONLY standard feature on several trims. Can you imagine a vehicle today with the passenger seat and roof as an optional add-on? 

This decision may seem odd now, but it was genius then and allowed so many more people to experience the beginning of an awesome Chevy lineup. Not to mention, the Blazer looked just downright fantastic. A truck-like vehicle that was neither here nor there, with affordable capability and the potential for endless memories. Although the doorless, seatless, roofless oddity seems like a lifetime away from the sleek 2024 Blazer of today, it had an important role to play in the Blazer's current success. 

With time, the Blazer continued to evolve but kept adventure and memory-making at its core. Off-shoots of the O.G. Blazer-like the Blazer Chalet-experimented with off-the-wall options to cater to those who wanted more out of life. The Chalet was a Blazer at its roots, with a camper shell firmly attached to create a home away from home. Living life off the grid was a much easier concept then. 

The 1980s Blazer went a different direction, shrinking the platform to a smaller S10 layout and focusing a bit more on power and agility. Shortly after that, it was blown up to a larger size to accommodate four doors. Then it changed again… and again. 

Each change added a new and thrilling opportunity for the Blazer. Despite the obvious differences between today's Blazer and the Blazer of the past, we would not be where we are today without the incredible foundation laid down by the original line. Building upon the unique history of the SUV, the 2024 Blazer and 2024 Blazer EV are once again changing the game. 

The 2024 Blazer 

Reintroduced in 2019, the Blazer received a makeover, which allowed it to better blend into contemporary aesthetics. Aggressive styling maintained the adventurous spirit of past generations, while sleek and modern elements made it a more refined and grown-up SUV. These style elements are what adorn the latest model, resulting in a rather handsome vehicle. 

Front-wheel drive comes standard but can be swapped out for all-wheel drive-an option that was quite successful on past Blazers. Engine options have changed often over the years, but performance and reliability have been a focus on all of them. The 2024 keeps this going with a Turbo or a V6, the latter of which is definitely the most exciting, increasing towing capability and providing responsive acceleration. 

The V6 comes standard on the RS trim, an option that was introduced with the new roll-out in 2019. The RS is the sportiest option, improving handling and adding a dash more thrill. V8s were fairly standard at the beginning of the Blazer's history, but eventually, the V6 won out, becoming the more common option. The current V6 provides decent power at 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both current engine options also include Stop/Start Technology-a clear answer to today's conservation concerns. 

Beyond its performance, the 2024 Blazer is well-equipped with technology options and safety features. All of the expected options are pretty much available, like heated and ventilated front seats, the latest in infotainment apps, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Although the latest generation won't turn heads for uniqueness, it is sure to get some looks of its own thanks to its sporty styling.

The 2024 Blazer EV

There is some serious excitement brewing over the first-ever all-electric Blazer. If you had suggested a Blazer that ran solely off electricity in the late 1960s, there is a chance you would have been deemed a witch and thrown into a lake. The idea of a fully electric SUV was far from reality when the first Blazer went into production-and less than a century later, here we are. 

Similar to the non-electric Blazer, this EV is designed with sporty elements and sleek, modern tones. This is emphasized by the electric aspect, using a somewhat faux grille that highlights the futuristic appeal of the EV. On the SS trim, all exterior color themes-with the exception of one exterior option-are two-toned with a floating roof, which elevates the overall look. The other trim options have their own appeal, with unique grilles and color combinations to set them apart. 

Lacking gas power drastically inflates the EV's abilities, allowing a max of 557 hp. Read that again, please: 557 hp of all-electric power. It's estimated that this EV can go from zero to sixty in under four seconds-an outstanding acceleration rate for any vehicle, let alone a midsize SUV! 

Eliminating the gas pedal, so to speak, provides the EV with a GM-estimated range of up to 290 miles. Imagine cruising the highway or exploring the backroads without worrying about running out of gas. This rather lovely range is a great homage to the Blazers of the past and their dedication to exploration and adventure. 

Similar to the gas-powered RS, this EV offers the SS trim primed and ready to thrill. This might confuse the masses a little bit since the EV does have an RS trim, too, but the SS seems to provide the most impressive performance options. Beyond that, the EV provides much of what the gas option does in terms of infotainment, safety, and so on. 

Changing With the Times

If we are being honest, the old Blazer will be missed. It offered something that vehicles today just can't. The Blazer's original simplistic nature and inspiring design made a massive impact on the industry and the SUV craze. But, things change and so do needs. That's why the newest Blazer and Blazer EV are just as great: they address the needs of today, and they do it quite well. 

As car enthusiasts, we will forever be grateful to the original Blazer and its impact on the Blazers of today. Its sporty focus and innovative capabilities have made it popular once again. Chevy is known for hitting it out of the park with their designs, and the 2024 Blazer and Blazer EV do more than hit it out of the park… they hit it out of the century.