Spy Shots: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer to be Reborn as Crossover

General Motors is preparing to relaunch its Chevrolet Blazer SUV as an all-new model, but don’t expect it to have the rugged lines of the old Blazer.

The revised 2019 Blazer will continue the vehicle’s tradition as a two-row SUV. However instead of utilizing a traditional body-on-frame chassis, the new Blazer will sport a unibody design and look like a curvy crossover.

The new Blazer will share its platform with the GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5. That fits the Blazer between Chevrolet’s two-row Equinox and its three-row Traverse in size.

Power will likely come from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6. Both are expected to be mated to GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission also found in the Traverse and Buick Envision.

Spy photographers captured the 2019 Blazer testing on public roads near Troy, Mich. The images show the vehicle clad in heavy camouflage to disguise its design. The Blazer shares a familiar silhouette with other crossovers on sale today, especially its Acadia and XT5 siblings.

Visible features include a wide grille with horizontal bars, a strip of LED headlights, roof rails and dual exhaust tips. Interior photos show styling on the steering wheel and gear shifter that are consistent with current GM crossovers.

It returns to the U.S. market after more than a decade absence. GM introduced the nameplate in 1969 and, after many variations, discontinued the model in 2005.

The new Blazer will add another weapon to Chevrolet’s already robust crossover lineup. Through the first quarter of 2018, sales of the compact Trax are up 11.6 percent compared with the same period last year, according to industry research firm Autodata Corp. Equinox sales have soared by 31.4 percent and sales of the Traverse jumped by 30.4 percent.

The Blazer will face stiff competition from a number of established competitors. The Nissan Murano, Ford Edge and Mazda CX-5 all saw sales growth in the first quarter of 2018. Honda is reportedly planning a new two-row crossover of its own.

GM is expected to continue testing the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer before its public debut by the end of this year.

Read Next: GMC Sierra All Mountain Concept Is a Snowmobile on Steroids

Learn more about Specs & Pricing

Research