See Every Angle of the All-New 2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet resurrects the Blazer nameplate for 2019, but this all-new crossover prioritizes style over the ruggedness of its legendary off-road predecessors. The two-row Blazer is positioned between the compact Chevy Equinox and the three-row Chevy Traverse. Its mid-size classification pits it head to head against other two-row rivals such as the Ford Edge and the Honda Passport. While the Blazer is available with a potent 308-hp V-6 engine and all-wheel drive, entry-level models such as the one we tested for this review are available only with front-wheel drive and a dutiful 193-hp four-cylinder. We'll detail much of the content and capabilities that make this Blazer so budget friendly.

While we appreciate that the Blazer's top-tier RS model has sporty upgrades and that the top-of-the-line Premier trim has desirable features, they're not the greatest value. The base model starts at $29,995, and the next-level 2.5L Cloth (seen here) kicks off at $33,495. However, the as-tested price is $35,340.

The difference between the cheapest Blazer and the second-cheapest version, which we tested, is that the latter unlocks popular options and driver-assistance technology. The $1845 Convenience and Driver Confidence package is the only option our test vehicle had. It bundles heated front seats, remote start, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

Standard equipment on this Blazer 2.5L Cloth (yup, that's the actual trim name) includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-color door handles, lower body-side molding, heated exterior mirrors, high-intensity-discharge headlights, LED taillights, and active aero shutters that open or close at different speeds to aid aerodynamics or engine cooling.

This Blazer uses a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Although it shares a nine-speed automatic transmission with the more powerful V-6, the four-banger pairs exclusively with front-wheel drive. It can tow up to 1500 pounds, but the V-6 with all-wheel drive can handle up to 4500.

In our instrumented track testing, this four-cylinder Blazer went from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and closed the gap between 50 and 70 mph in 5.8 ticks. The V-6 AWD version we tested was a considerable 1.9 and 1.3 seconds quicker, respectively.

Despite its weaker output and slower acceleration, the four-cylinder Blazer we drove had sufficient giddyap around town and passing power on the highway. It also never sounded or felt overworked. The nine-speed automatic transmission it's saddled with was mostly to blame for the lazy reactions.

The EPA estimates that the four-cylinder Blazer will earn 22 mpg city and 27 highway. Both its ratings are 2 mpg better than those of a Honda Passport, which is available only with a V-6. The Chevy's powertrain uses stop-start technology to improve fuel efficiency, but the system cannot be deactivated. This four-cylinder Blazer returned 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route.

With steady composure and accurate steering, the Blazer is easily the best-driving crossover to wear the Chevrolet bow tie. Even the four-cylinder version we drove was more engaging than many competitors. Its 18-inch wheels provided a smoother and quieter ride than the RS model, which wore large 21-inchers that thudded over bumpy roads.

This slick-looking shifter on the center console wears an ornate Chevy bow tie. A rotary dial for selecting drive modes is located at the base of the shifter and includes settings for Normal, Snow, and Sport. None seemed to significantly alter the driving experience.

While the fanciest Blazers have ambient interior lighting and leather seating surfaces, our test vehicle had attractive visual flourishes, such as handsome cloth seats and a two-tone color scheme. Unfortunately, the only truly desirable option on our 2.5L Cloth model was the heated seats; they worked very well.

The Blazer's cabin design was partly inspired by the Chevrolet Camaro, specifically the intuitive climate-control system, which features round air vents below the center stack. These vents can be simply twisted to adjust the standard dual-zone temperature settings.

The driver's seat height measured 28.4 inches above the ground on this four-cylinder Blazer. While the view ahead was commanding and clear, there was a significant blind spot over the driver's right shoulder, created by the rear roof pillar. Otherwise, the Chevy's driving position is pleasant and ergonomically friendly.

The Blazer's front seats provide passengers with comfortable accommodations that include 39.8 inches of headroom and 41.0 inches of legroom. Those specs are about the same as those for the Honda Passport, but the Chevy has a notable 1.6 inches less legroom than the Ford Edge.

Thankfully, the Blazer's back seat provides plenty of stretch-out space that should keep most everyone happy on long trips. Its rear legroom measures 39.6 inches, which is the same as in the Honda Passport and one inch less than in the Ford Edge. The Chevy's 38.6 inches of rear-seat headroom is lower than either competitor's.

Every Blazer has air vents on the back of the center console that help keep rear-seat passengers warm or cool, depending on how nice the people sitting up front are. A pair of standard USB ports is located below the vents and even includes a USB-C plug for compatible devices.

Other infotainment features that are standard on this Blazer include an 8.0-inch touchscreen powered by Chevy's latest operating system, Infotainment 3. Its interface is attractive and easy to operate, but a rotary controller would help reduce distractions. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is standard.

Although our entry-level Blazer had an excellent standard infotainment system and modest features, only the most expensive models have the best content-and it's not all free. A power-adjustable steering column costs extra on the already-expensive Blazer RS, and only the $43,000-plus Premier model has standard ventilated front seats with faux-suede inserts.

Every Blazer also boasts a large cargo area behind the back seats, measuring 31 cubic feet. While that's several cubes smaller than in both the Honda Passport and Ford Edge, we managed to fit 11 carry-on bags back there-only one less than in the Ford. Be prepared to load luggage over the Blazer's 30.0-inch lift-over height.

To stow the Blazer's 60/40 split-folding rear bench, simply pull on the release handles in the cargo area, which swiftly creates a flat load floor. This more than doubles the Chevy's maximum cargo volume, to 64 cubic feet. In this configuration, we managed to fit 26 carry-on bags behind the front seats. The Ford Edge we tested held 29 total.

In summary, this Blazer is best appreciated by those who want distinctive styling and are happy with an above-average driving experience. While the flashier models can be very expensive, even entry-level models such as this 2.5L Cloth have enough content and character to satisfy budget-minded buyers.