What class is the Chevy Blazer in?
The Chevy Blazer is classified as a midsize two-row crossover SUV.
From its revival in 2019, Chevrolet positioned the Blazer as a larger, two-row utility vehicle within its lineup, focusing on on-road comfort and styling rather than the rugged, three-row configurations of some SUVs. This article explains today’s classification and how the Blazer’s class has evolved over generations.
Current class and market position
The modern Blazer sits squarely in the midsize crossover category, offering a two-row cabin and a practical cargo area while prioritizing car-like ride quality over three-row seating. It is widely described as a midsize, two-row SUV in consumer guides and Chevrolet’s marketing materials.
Key characteristics that define its class include:
- Size and seating: midsize with five-passenger seating and a roomy rear seat for a two-row configuration.
- Body style and platform: a unibody crossover rather than a traditional body-on-frame SUV, built on GM’s modern midsize crossover architecture.
- Market positioning: larger than compact crossovers like the Equinox, but smaller than three-row SUVs like the Traverse.
- Powertrain options: typically available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, prioritizing everyday usability and comfort.
In sum, the Blazer’s current class is a midsize crossover SUV with two rows of seating. It is marketed as a stylish, family-friendly option within Chevrolet’s midsize utility lineup.
Historical context: how the Blazer’s class has evolved
Early years: full-size SUV heritage
Originally, the Blazer name was attached to a full-size, truck-based SUV known for rugged capability. This early Blazer is associated with GM’s larger, traditional SUV lineup and was positioned well above compact crossovers in terms of size and some capabilities.
Mid-size evolution and the S-10 era
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Blazer name moved through GM’s mid-size SUV offerings—models built on truck-derived platforms that offered stronger towing and ruggedness while occupying a mid-size footprint in the market.
Revival as a two-row midsize crossover
Since 2019, Chevrolet revived the Blazer as a modern two-row midsize crossover, emphasizing contemporary styling, interior comfort, and practicality for everyday use rather than the off-road focus of earlier full-size variants.
Market landscape and competitors
Classification places the Blazer alongside other two-row midsize crossovers in the market. Typical competitors include models such as the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Honda Passport, and Toyota Venza, among others that prioritize interior space, technology, and on-road refinement rather than three-row capacity.
Buyers often evaluate the Blazer for its blend of style, cargo versatility, and available all-wheel drive, which makes it a versatile option for daily driving and light utility tasks.
Summary
Today, the Chevy Blazer is a midsize crossover SUV with two rows of seating. Its lineage reflects a shift from traditional full-size, body-on-frame SUVs to a modern, car-like two-row crossover that emphasizes comfort, style, and everyday practicality within Chevrolet’s SUV lineup.
Is the Chevy Blazer considered a midsize SUV?
Yes, the Chevy Blazer is considered a mid-size SUV. It is positioned in Chevy's lineup between the smaller, compact Equinox and the larger, three-row Traverse.
- Size: The Blazer offers more interior space than compact SUVs, but is not a full-size, three-row SUV.
- Positioning: It is designed to be a versatile and practical vehicle that provides a comfortable ride for passengers and ample cargo room, all within a mid-size footprint.
- Competitors: It competes in the mid-size SUV market with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4.
What is a Chevy Blazer classified as?
A Chevy Blazer is a mid-size crossover SUV that is known for its sporty, Camaro-inspired styling and energetic performance. It is a two-row vehicle with a focus on on-road driving, blending a practical interior with a visually appealing and athletic design.
- Vehicle Type: Mid-size crossover SUV.
- Key Features:
- Design: Sporty and bold, with styling cues from the Chevrolet Camaro.
- Seating: Typically seats up to five passengers in two rows.
- Performance: Offers a choice of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and an optional V6.
- Positioning: It occupies a unique niche in the mid-size SUV market by prioritizing a sporty on-road experience over traditional rugged, off-road capability.
- Evolution: The modern Blazer is a departure from its earlier, more rugged, and larger SUV predecessors.
What is comparable to a Blazer?
The Blazer beats popular competitors like the Honda Passport, which only offers one engine option that is good for 280 horsepower. The Chevy Blazer can also tow up to 4,500 pounds, well over competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe, which tops out at 3,500 pounds.
Why is Chevrolet discontinuing the Blazer?
The gas-powered Chevy Blazer is being discontinued after the 2025 model year to shift production to an all-electric facility, reflecting a broader move towards electric vehicles. This decision comes as internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV sales have been declining, and Chevrolet is focusing on the Blazer EV as a key part of its future product strategy.
This video explains why Chevy is discontinuing the gas-powered Blazer and focusing on the electric version: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Feb 16, 2025
- Strategic shift to EVs: General Motors is converting its factory in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, to an all-electric facility, which will produce the Blazer EV and other EVs like the Equinox EV and Cadillac Lyriq EV.
- Focus on EV growth: The company is prioritizing the Blazer EV as a more central part of its portfolio and its overall strategy to increase electric vehicle output.
- Declining gas model sales: Sales of the mid-size gas-powered SUV have been on a downward trend for several years, with many buyers opting for larger three-row SUVs or smaller compact SUVs instead.
- EV challenges: While the gas model is being retired, the Blazer EV has faced its own challenges, including initial software issues that temporarily halted sales in late 2023. However, sales of the Blazer EV have since grown significantly.
