Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Chevrolet Blazer Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Chevrolet Blazer Model Years (Ranked)
The Chevrolet Blazer name has lived two very different lives. The original Blazer was a rugged body-on-frame SUV sold from the late 1960s through the 1990s, while the modern Blazer that returned for the 2019 model year is a sleek, car-based midsize crossover with available all-wheel drive and a sporty character borrowed from Camaro design cues.
This ranking focuses on the modern Blazer, the version most shoppers are cross-shopping today, and orders its model years by the things that matter most: reliability, powertrain choice, technology, ride quality, and value retention on the used market.
Across its run the modern Blazer has offered four-cylinder, V6, and turbocharged engines, front- and all-wheel drive, and trims ranging from the value-focused base car to the aggressive RS and the new electric Blazer EV. Below you will find ten ranked model years and trims, each with real specifications and a clear explanation of why it lands where it does, so you can match the right Blazer to your budget and your needs without guesswork.
Direct Answer
The best Chevrolet Blazer overall is the 2024 Blazer RS AWD, which pairs the strong 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with all-wheel drive, the largest and most modern infotainment screen of the gas Blazers, and a chassis tuned for genuine engagement. For shoppers focused on price, the best value is the 2021 Blazer 2LT with the V6, which delivers nearly all of the Blazer's strengths after a couple of years of depreciation and benefits from running improvements over the launch cars.
Below, all ten ranked model years and trims with real engines, specs, and the reasoning behind each placement.
1. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2024 Blazer RS is the most complete version of the gas-powered modern Blazer. It uses the 3.6-liter V6 producing 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with a driver-selectable mode. The RS adds a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and a more aggressive front fascia, while the cabin gains an 11-inch touchscreen and a digital gauge cluster.
It tows up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped and rides with a confidence the base cars cannot match. Its value is the best blend of power, technology, and all-weather capability in the gas lineup.
2. 2023 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD
The 2023 Blazer RS carries the same 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive but predates a few of the very latest infotainment tweaks. It remains a strong, sporty crossover with a well-sorted ride and a roomy interior, and it benefits from several years of accumulated reliability fixes.
For buyers who want the RS experience at a slightly lower price than the newest cars, this is an excellent choice. The value is near-identical performance to the top pick at a modest used-market discount.
3. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS
The 2024 Blazer EV RS is the electric reinvention of the nameplate, built on GM's Ultium platform. In its most popular dual-motor configuration it makes around 288 horsepower with an EPA-estimated range near 279 miles, and the available higher-output versions push well beyond that.
It offers a spacious, tech-forward cabin with a large central display and supports DC fast charging. As a brand-new powertrain it carries more long-term unknowns than the proven V6, which keeps it from ranking higher, but it is a genuinely impressive electric crossover. Its value is strong range and modern EV technology with the Blazer's sporty styling.
4. 2021 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT V6 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2021 Blazer 2LT with the optional 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp) is the value champion of the lineup. By 2021 the Blazer had ironed out its early quirks, and the 2LT trim offers a comfortable, well-equipped cabin without the price premium of the RS or Premier. With all-wheel drive available and the strong V6 under the hood, it delivers most of what makes the Blazer appealing for thousands less than a new one.
Its value is mature reliability and real V6 power at a genuinely affordable used price.
5. 2022 Chevrolet Blazer Premier AWD
The 2022 Blazer Premier is the plush, fully loaded version of the gas crossover. It pairs the 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp) with all-wheel drive and adds heated and ventilated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a premium audio system, and the most generous standard equipment of any trim.
For buyers who want comfort and features over outright sportiness, the Premier is the pick. The value is luxury-grade equipment and V6 performance in a mainstream-priced SUV.
6. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD
The 2025 Blazer RS is the freshest gas model and benefits from the latest software and feature refinements. It retains the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive, with updated connectivity and driver-assistance technology. As the newest car on the list it carries the most remaining warranty, though it also commands the highest price, which is why it sits mid-pack on value rather than at the top.
Its value is the longest warranty runway and the most current technology in the gas range.
7. 2020 Chevrolet Blazer RS V6
The 2020 Blazer RS was an early high point for the sporty trim, pairing the 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp) with all-wheel drive and the aggressive RS styling package. A model year after launch, it had shed some of the debut car's rough edges while keeping the engaging driving character that distinguishes the Blazer from softer rivals.
Prices are now attractive. The value is genuine RS sportiness at a low used-market entry point.
8. 2023 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT Turbo
The 2023 Blazer 2LT with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) is the efficiency-minded choice. It delivers stronger fuel economy than the V6 while still providing adequate, torquey performance for everyday driving and light highway merging. For commuters who prioritize miles per gallon over outright acceleration, this combination makes sense.
Its value is better fuel economy and lower running costs in a recent, well-equipped Blazer.
9. 2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS (First Year)
The 2019 Blazer RS marked the dramatic return of the nameplate and turned heads with its Camaro-inspired styling. It offered the 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp) and all-wheel drive in a striking package, though as a first-year car it carried the most teething issues and a firmer-than-expected ride that drew some criticism.
For buyers who love the look and want the cheapest path in, a carefully inspected 2019 can be a bargain. The value is the lowest entry price for a V6 Blazer, provided you verify its service history.
10. 2021 Chevrolet Blazer L Base 2.5L
The 2021 Blazer L is the value floor, equipped with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder (193 hp) and front-wheel drive. It is the slowest and most basic Blazer, and the small engine works hard in a vehicle of this size, but it offers the lowest purchase and insurance costs of any version.
For a budget shopper who simply wants the Blazer's styling and space without performance ambitions, it gets the job done. The value is rock-bottom pricing for a roomy, good-looking crossover.
How to Choose
Begin by deciding between the gas and electric Blazer, because they are fundamentally different vehicles that happen to share a name. If you have reliable charging access and want low running costs with modern technology, the Blazer EV is worth serious consideration. If you prefer the simplicity and proven track record of a combustion engine, the gas Blazer is the safer bet for most buyers, especially those who tow or take long road trips.
Within the gas lineup, the 3.6-liter V6 is the engine to seek out, since it transforms the Blazer from adequate to genuinely satisfying and only modestly hurts fuel economy compared with the four-cylinders. Choose the RS for sport tuning and the best technology, the Premier for comfort and luxury features, and the 2LT for the smartest balance of price and equipment.
Add all-wheel drive if you live where winter is real. As always, prioritize a clean service history and a thorough inspection over chasing the newest model year, because a well-kept older Blazer will outlast a neglected newer one.
FAQ
Which Chevrolet Blazer model year is the most reliable? The 2021 through 2024 gas Blazers are generally the most dependable, benefiting from running fixes applied after the 2019 launch. The 3.6-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic combination has proven durable. The Blazer EV is too new for a long-term reliability verdict, so weigh that if you are considering the electric version.
Is the modern Blazer related to the old body-on-frame Blazer? No. The modern Blazer that returned in 2019 is a car-based unibody crossover, completely unrelated to the rugged body-on-frame Blazer of the past. It is designed for on-road comfort and style rather than serious off-roading.
Should I get the four-cylinder or the V6 Blazer? The V6 is the better choice for most buyers, offering noticeably stronger performance and a more refined feel for only a small fuel-economy penalty. The turbo four is a reasonable compromise for efficiency-focused drivers, while the base 2.5-liter is best reserved for budget shoppers with modest performance needs.
How much can a Chevrolet Blazer tow? A properly equipped V6 Blazer can tow up to about 4,500 pounds, enough for a small camper, a boat, or a utility trailer. The four-cylinder versions tow less, so confirm the rating on the specific trim and engine you are considering before counting on it for towing duty.
Bottom Line
The modern Chevrolet Blazer is a stylish, comfortable crossover that drives with more personality than most of its rivals, and its short, well-understood history makes used shopping easy. The 2024 Blazer RS AWD is the best all-around pick thanks to its strong V6, sharp handling, and modern cabin, while the 2021 Blazer 2LT V6 is the value standout for buyers who want the Blazer's best traits at a lower price.
Seek out the V6, add all-wheel drive if you need it, and let condition and service records guide your final choice within each tier.
Sources
- Chevrolet Blazer crossover overview and specifications — en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Blazer_(crossover)
- Chevrolet Blazer EV range and Ultium platform details — en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Blazer_EV
- Chevrolet Blazer engine, horsepower, and towing data — Chevrolet official materials
- Blazer trim and fuel-economy figures — EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Used Chevrolet Blazer pricing and depreciation trends — major automotive valuation guides
- Modern Blazer model-year history and running changes — automotive press coverage