When you think of the Chevy Blazer name, an image of a burly full-size SUV may come to mind. That representation would be correct, especially if you had in mind the first model sporting the Blazer inscription.

Indeed, when the Chevrolet K5 Blazer rolled out in 1969, it immediately made a name for itself as a traditional body-on-frame utility vehicle with standard rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive. Like all models of that period, the Blazer was derived from a full-size truck platform, in this case, the same GM architecture supporting Chevrolet and GMC trucks.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

Fast forward to today and Chevrolet has plans to bring the Blazer name back for the 2019 model year. The new model has aggressive looks, but it is now a crossover based on the same platform underpinning the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia. While the original had strong off-road chops, the new model is chiefly for on-road service with its standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

Thus, you may be able to safely head down a clearly marked path with the new Blazer, but you won’t follow that Jeep as it works its way through a slough or fords a shallow creek. Instead, the all-new Blazer is all about giving Chevrolet and its fans something it really needed: a competitor to the midsize, two-row Ford Edge.

Chevrolet introduced the this month, offering photos and details we’ll examine here. The new model will arrive at Chevrolet dealers in early 2019 and slot between the Equinox and the three-row midsize Traverse. Other competitors in this segment include the Jeep Cherokee, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano and the Kia Sorento.

A Matter of Design

As the photos reveal, Chevrolet strived to make the Blazer aggressive without carrying that look too far. The front fascia features a gaping grille, offset by slender lights and pronounced cut-outs housing the available fog lamps. The hood turns downward into the grille, giving this model a powerful appearance.

Front to back, the new model projects strength, imbuing it with an attitude that underscores its aggressiveness. Take note of the high beltline, which abruptly pulls up at the rear door handles. It is a look Volvo rolled out with the 2019 XC40. From the rear is an available liftgate spoiler with dual-element tail lamps.

Moving inside, the emphasis is on accommodating five passengers with ease. That’s something the Ford Edge does and we expect the Blazer will manage. Chevrolet describes the cockpit as driver-centric, making note of the various color and trim choices. Further, the Blazer’s cabin features a padded knee area, round air vents and grab handles on each door. Behind the front bucket seats is a sliding rear seat.

Importantly, the Chevrolet Blazer offers up to 64.2 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat folded flat. This compares to 73.4 cubic feet in the Edge and 67 cubic feet in the Murano. The two top trim models also come with a unique cargo management system.

Under the Hood

If you’re looking for something different under the hood, you won’t find it. At least not yet. GM does have a turbo-diesel offered in select models such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Colorado, but it won’t find its way into the 2019 Blazer.

Instead, the automaker’s trusty and ubiquitous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard, delivering 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. If that isn’t enough power, the popular 3.6-liter V6 is another choice. This one makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet pairs both engines with its new nine-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel-drive system offers an optional twin-clutch engagement on the two top trim models.

Chevrolet says that the Blazer will pull up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. That beats the Edge (3,500 pounds) and is well ahead of the Murano. On the other hand, it trails the Kia and Hyundai as the pair top out at 5,000 pounds.

Chevy Blazer Miscellany

So, what are the other finer points about the all-new Blazer?

Well, let’s look closer at towing. Not only can this new model pull your camper or skiff, but it will offer available hitch view and hitch guidance to aid you as you make a connection without a second person present.

You’ll also find a Chevrolet-first electronic locking glove box with valet mode, available automatic heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, wireless charging and up to six USB ports. Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system with an 8-inch color touch screen comes standard. You’ll also find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility and 4G LTE Wi-Fi.

Your New Chevy Blazer

Chevrolet’s new Blazer isn’t anything like that first model or any other that once sported the name. The original Blazer was popular, with more than 8 million units sold. That said, we think the new one will find its own place in the market and enable Chevrolet to compete effectively against all comers.

See Also — Book Review: Car Marques

All-new Chevy Blazer photos copyright GM. 1979 Chevy Blazer photo per and copyright 79k5driver, CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

The story behind car marques and the trademarks that define them.

They are almost always easily recognizable with just one glance. What am I talking about? Car logos and emblems, “symbols” that tell you what a car brand is, usually without words. Every manufacturer has them with some maintaining their logos and emblems for decades without nary a change. Others, like Oldsmobile, went through multiple changes across its 107-year history, which may explain in part why that once storied brand is no longer around.

It would be nice to have a collection of stories about some of our favorite logos, would it not? Well, Simon Heptinstall, an author, broadcaster, writer, editor and blogger, did just that. I was presented with a review copy of, “,” and learned much about the history of some 90 such designs and much more. Published by Motorbooks (Quarto Knows), “Car Marques” is a soft-cover book with a suggested retail price of $19.99 and is available through most bookstores (224 pages; ISBN: 9780760362457).

Car Marques: The Top 90

Heptinstall painstakingly went through all of autodom to look at most of the logos in use today or at least within the past 20 years. Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Ford and Toyota were among the current brands featured. Recently retired brands such as Pontiac, Rover, Mercury and Daewoo were also mentioned. Even then, Plymouth (retired in 2001) did not receive a mention, while DeLorean (retired in 1983) did. Marques of antiquity, such as Pierce-Arrow, Packard and Duesenberg were not covered. But for the 90 marques Heptinstall did review, he was thorough in both his research and description. Indeed, “Car Marques” typically offers one page featuring the logo, the company’s founding information as well as the best-known models of each brand. He then spends another page giving us brand background information and explaining what the logo means.

For instance, the three-pointed star representing the logo for Mercedes-Benz is recognized the world over. The company traces its origins to 1886, when Karl Benz developed the first gas-powered car, the Motorwagen. Parent company Daimler had the star first, but when Mercedes-Benz was formed following several mergers, the circling ring was added in 1926. And it isn’t just any star you’ll see. Indeed, it has a three-dimensional look, which gives it the “richness” we expect.

The Color Choices

As much as I’m steeped in all things automobiles, there were a few brands mentioned that I never heard of. For example, Perodua is a Malaysian brand founded in 1992. In fact, it is the country’s largest automotive brand, ahead of the better known Proton marque. The company utilizes an unusual P symbol and offsets that with hues of red and green. A silver shade cuts through the middle to form the letter and also surrounds the logo. Color choices are so particular that manufacturers adhere to the six alphanumeric digit hex color code to define the “real thing.” You’ll then find logos fixed to the front of the vehicle and sometimes to the sides and rear. Inside, logos typically are on the face of the steering wheel. We’ve also found logos in puddle lamps, on seatbacks and, of course, in company documentation and advertisements.

Logos and emblems aren’t the only subjects of this book. The author dug deep to give us back stories on some of the best-known names in the industry. No, not just brand names, but the individuals who founded these companies.

In one example, we learn about the entrepreneur William Durant, who was a pioneer in the US auto industry. Durant accumulated riches through his Durant-Dort Carriage Company, funds he used to acquire the struggling Buick Motor Company. Durant eventually gained control of GM, founded Chevrolet, got booted from both and eventually left the industry. Always an innovator, Durant saw how bowling alleys were the trend of his time, providing families with an affordable recreational pursuit. Alas, Durant died in 1947, just as the trend began to set in. Your Brand, Their Logo

What about your brand? Do you know when it started and what are its most popular models? As for the logo or emblem, do you understand why it was used and what it means? These are the kind of questions that should draw you to “Car Marques,” to uncover the mystery behind the vaunted trademark.
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