2019 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2019 Blazer is priced to go, and in base model offers one of the best deals in its class. Prices start from $28,800 for the 2.5-liter FWD L, while the next trim up, the Blazer Cloth, starts at $32,300 for the four-pot, rising to $33,300 for the big six. The Blazer Leather goes for $37,500; the RS costs $40,600 and the top of the line Premier sells for $42,700. These prices exclude a destination fee of $1,195. To put these prices into perspective, the base model Ford Edge retails for $29,995, matching the Blazer, and the starting price for a Honda Passport is $31,990.

Unfortunately, the Blazer may look like a Camaro SUV but it certainly doesn't drive like one. The steering is nowhere near as engaging and the engine/transmission combination, while smooth, isn't vicious like you'll find in the Camaro. So if that's what you've come to the Blazer expecting, you will be disappointed. But if you are perfectly happy with a comfortable crossover with plenty of passing power and above-average handling, the Blazer will likely exceed your expectations - it certainly exceeded ours.

We recently tested the Edge ST - a sportier and more powerful crossover - and even though the Ford will eat the Chevy's lunch in a straight line, the Blazer's transmission felt far smoother and the ride comfort was worlds better. The Blazer shines in ride comfort, even with the optional 21-inch wheels (part of the Sun and Wheels Package) found on our tester.

So is the Blazer a crossover we'd recommend? Absolutely. It may not be what some old school Blazer fans were hoping for but honestly, those people don't make up a huge portion of the market. In the two-row crossover segment, strong looks, outstanding technology, and a nice drivetrain could be enough to sway buyers from competitors like the Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Nissan Murano. Those competitors all have major faults of their own and the Blazer just feels more solid across the board. The price is a bit high, though we can expect to see GM offer strong incentives, making the Blazer one of the strongest options on the market right now.

Just based on looks alone, the RS trim should be the highest on your shopping list. The Blazer's looks simply can't shine on the base models and even the well-option Premier trim lacks the eye-catching styling found on its RS sibling. We recommend opting for a bold color like the RED Hot hue of our tester, get the Enhance Convenience and Driver Confidence II Package for $3,575, and call it a day. If you really like getting a little more sun, the Sun and Wheels Package for $2,495 adds a panoramic roof as well as 21-inch black wheels. This package seems like an odd combination we wish Chevy would offer these features separately.

Offering good looks, a potent turbocharged engine, and good interior and cargo space, the Ford Edge is a strong competitor in the midsize SUV crossover class. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine found in the Ford produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. The Ford Edge is one of the most economical cars in its class, returning 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined. The Edge is a smaller car in terms of exterior dimensions, but surpasses the Blazer in terms of interior space, offering more legroom and headroom front and rear. The Edge also provides significantly more cargo space. With a sorted chassis that responds well to steering inputs and a good list of features, the Edge is hard to beat.

The Honda Passport has been revived to act as the company's primary midsize SUV offering. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 pushing out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. The Passport averages a class middling 20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined which is a hair better than the Blazer. The Passport is a larger car overall, but can't beat the Blazer on legroom. Where the Passport shines is in the cargo department: offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and a monstrous 100.7 cubic feet maximum behind the front seats, the Passenger is one of the class-leading cargo haulers. The Passport is a refined machine with moderate off-roading capabilities, something that the Blazer does not have.