We knew it was coming. Chevrolet made the Equinox smaller so there would be a midsize hole in the crossover lineup between it and the full-size Traverse. And talk about bringing back the Blazer name has been rampant for a while.

General Motors finally gave us our first look at the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer at an event in Atlanta, but unlike the Blazers of the past, this one is not a body-on-frame SUV, or a two-door, nor does it have a removable roof. Instead, it rides on the same C1 architecture as other car-based crossovers including the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia. One difference: a wider track to give it more girth and character.

The five-passenger crossover comes in three trim levels including the sportier and blacked-out RS and the more upscale Premier, both with optional 21-inch wheels instead of the standard 18s. Chevy tried to give each trim a distinct look with changes to the grilles and trim pieces.

The Blazer name, which dates back to 1969, has not been used since 2005, but the auto industry is going through a retro phase with other discarded names coming back, including the Ford Bronco, Lincoln Continental, and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Automakers save a ton on marketing when known names are repurposed, and they have shown they have no qualms about putting past names on vehicles vastly different from their original namesakes.

"I don't think there will be push back on the name," said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and head of Global Chevrolet. In 2003 almost 70 percent of the mid-size SUV segment was body on frame but today more than 90 percent are unibody because that is what customers want. Chevy did not want to get stuck on heritage and the Colorado pickup is there for those wanting body on frame, he said.

The 2019 Blazer has little in common with its predecessor two-door truck-based SUV, but "the Blazer has attitude," said John Cafaro, executive director of Global Chevrolet Design. The crossover has a high beltline, bolder front, dual exhaust outlets, and an integrated tailgate spoiler. The lines are busy especially the rear quarter panel with black trim sweeping up to the spoiler to create the appearance of a floating roof.

Design chief Mike Simcoe said no Blazer cues went into the design. The goal was to create the character of a Blazer with a mix of boldness and sport.

Of the 17 competitors in the segment, most offer a third row. The Blazer will not, joining the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the body-on-frame Toyota 4Runner.

The base engine is GM's 193-hp, 188-lb-ft 2.5-liter inline-four, and buyers can opt for the 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and have stop-start technology. There are no plans to add a hybrid.

Also optional is all-wheel drive including a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system on the RS and Premier trims. The Blazer can tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V-6. Opt for the Hitch View to accurately back the hitch up to the trailer.

Touches buyers can appreciate include a padded knee area, round air vents, and an available panoramic dual-pane power sunroof. There is an automated heated steering wheel and automated heated/cooled front seats while the second row seats fold flat, slide 5.5 inches, and adjust. You can use the key fob to roll down the windows and let the heat out before getting in the vehicle.

There is an electronic-locking glove box and a new cargo management system, standard on RS and Premier, with rails and cargo fences to keep gear in place. The liftgate is hands-free.

For connectivity there is an 8-inch touchscreen and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. It's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Outlets are well positioned above the rubberized wireless charging mat. Inside there is nice contrast stitching and accents on the vents and shifter. The center console has a glittery black glossy finish in the Premium.