Blazer

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
SUV

It may not be as rugged as the original, but the new Chevrolet Blazer crossover is proving to be extremely popular - so popular that Chevrolet is struggling to keep up with demand. Last year, factory shutdowns caused by the pandemic and high demand meant that the Blazer was in short supply.

Unfortunately, the situation hasn't improved much this year due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage, which also forced General Motors to suspend production of the Chevrolet Camaro. The Blazer is built at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, which is preparing to start production of the updated 2022 model.

According to sources from the factory, the production of the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer will begin on August 9. In Q1, 2021, US sales of the Blazer were down by 13 percent compared to the same period last year, so let's hope Chevrolet can ramp up production in time for the launch of the 2022 model.

For 2022, the Blazer will receive some minor updates. The most significant change will be the removal of the base L trim. As a result, the Blazer will no longer be available with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four. Instead, the 2LT will serve as the entry-level 2022 Blazer, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the 2.5-liter inline-four that powered the discontinued L trim was rated at 193 hp and 188 lb-ft, resulting in sluggish performance.

As standard, power is sent to the front wheels through a nine-speed automatic, or an optional AWD system is available for all trims. Slotting above the 2LT, the 3LT and Premier trims come with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine rated at 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

This unit also powers the range-topping RS, which is available with a new two-tone exterior featuring a black roof. The Premier trim also has new dark trim elements for the front and rear lower fascias, rockers, and wheel moldings, as well as new wheels. New eye-catching Nitro Yellow Metallic and Blue Glow Metallic options will be added to the 2022 Blazer's exterior color palette, but the Bright Blue Metallic and Midnight Blue Metallic exterior colors will be discontinued.

Pricing details haven't been announced yet, but the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer will get a price hike since the entry-level L trim has been discontinued. For reference, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT starts at $33,400, so the base price of the 2022 Blazer will likely increase by around $5,000.