When shopping for a new vehicle, a fair amount of drivers will disregard the base trims entirely, simply because stepping up a trim level or two will vastly enhance the experience. Some drivers feel that if they're already spending as much money as they are on a new vehicle, they don't want to be left with the base model. Sometimes this argument is entirely valid; however, this isn't always the case anymore. Meet the 2022 Chevy Blazer 2LT, the base level configuration of this year's Blazer, and you'll find it here at Future Chevrolet of Sacramento, your local Sacramento Chevy dealer.
The Blazer 2LT may be the base level trim, but it punches well above its weight. This midsize SUV means business, and the base trim is no exception. Starting at an MSRP of $33,400, the Blazer 2LT's price sits well below the higher trim levels, these being the 3LT, RS, and Premier. With four trims to select from when shopping, it's understandable if you might be a bit cautious about the features that you may not get. You need not worry about this when investing in the Blazer 2LT, and here is why.
Still Strong and More Efficient
One of the first things that can turn people away from a base model is performance. If you're spending over $30,000 for a vehicle, you'll be hard-pressed to buy a vehicle that doesn't offer some viable performance. However, the Blazer 2LT gives you plenty of performance. The base powertrain for last year's Blazer has been removed entirely, and in its place is a turbocharged 2.0L I-4 that used to only be available as an optional upgrade. Sure, the 3.6L V6 engine remains at the top of the list, and it's not available on the Blazer 2LT, but few drivers will be disappointed with the 2.0L I-4. In fact, many drivers will even prefer it because it is more fuel-efficient than the pricier engine. Better yet, the turbocharged I-4 that will come with the 2022 Blazer 2LT is linked with the same 9-speed automatic transmission as the V6.
With this in mind, what performance can you expect with this year's base Blazer? The turbocharged 2.0L I-4 will output 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and this gives enough power to tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs. Compared to last year's base engine, which was a 2.5L I-4 with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, this year's base-level Blazer has 18% more horsepower, 37% greater torque output, and a 133% increase to its maximum towing capacity. FWD and AWD both offer greater fuel efficiency than the available V6 engine too, with FWD models getting 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, and AWD models getting EPA-estimated ratings of 22 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.
Chevy Safety Assist Standard
In recent years, vehicles have become safer than ever before. Chevy has gone above and beyond what we have all come to know and expect from vehicle makers, and a perfect example of this is Chevy Safety Assist. This is a package of safety features, many of which are advanced, but most impressively is that it comes standard across a wide range of Chevy models. The 2022 Blazer 2LT is a perfect example since it comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist. There are a handful of different functions that make up the entirety of the safety package: Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, and more.
All of these features can save lives. The three aforementioned safety features that are related to your vehicle's brakes are prime examples. When you're driving your Blazer and you're coming up to another vehicle, an audible beeping sound will trigger, alerting you to hit the brakes. If you're approaching the vehicle in front too quickly, then Automatic Emergency Braking is applied, and your vehicle will come to a complete stop.
Lastly, Chevy knows that driving consists of many different variables. A vehicle that can adapt as quickly as the driver is the primary goal. An example of this is when a pedestrian unexpectedly walks in front of the vehicle, the driver will attempt to apply the brakes as quickly as possible. With Front Pedestrian Braking, the goal for the vehicle becomes stopping before the driver even applies the brakes.
The variables mentioned here apply to every facet of the driving experience, from suburban neighborhoods to the freeway. Traveling on the freeway is a different ballpark entirely, and a separate set of features is in place for highway travel. Firstly, staying in your lane is the main rule of highway travel, but accidents can occur, and your vehicle can stray from its lane. With Lane Keep Assist, your vehicle will provide subtle steering input to help straighten out your vehicle. However, you'll have a moment to do it yourself before this occurs, and you'll be alerted about it too, thanks to the included Lane Departure Warning.
Spacious and Ready for Adventure
A massive benefit of purchasing a midsize SUV such as the Blazer is the cargo space. The way it normally goes is midsize SUVs have a unified body size across their trims, and this means that the Blazer 2LT will offer the same cargo space as its pricier trim level counterparts. This means that the Blazer 2LT will give you a maximum of 64.2 cu.ft. when the backseats are folded down. Where many midsize SUVs begin to falter is with the cargo space that remains once these seats are back upright. However, in the case of the 2022 Blazer 2LT, you'll still have 30.5 cu.ft. of space to work with, which is phenomenal, to say the least. If you're taking the family on a road trip, then the Blazer 2LT is more than ready for the task, thanks to two things: cargo space and fuel efficiency.
An Excellent Value
While the higher trims of the 2022 Blazer offer even more features, you would be hard-pressed to argue that the Blazer 2LT isn't amazing value. When the base level model is greater than the competition, more drivers are understandably going to opt for the better value. Meanwhile, those who are interested in even more power and luxury will always have the choice to invest in one of the three other trim levels for the Blazer. What we can tell you about the Blazer 2LT is that budget-cautious drivers are finally able to acquire a vehicle with a feature set that you'll be quite hard-pressed to find on any competitors' base models. To the credit of Chevy, the success stems from a few things, these being a strong and efficient powertrain, Chevy Safety Assist, and the spacious nature of the vehicle itself.
We wholeheartedly recommend the 2022 Chevy Blazer 2LT to a couple of types of drivers. First is the type of driver who wants a Blazer but is worried that the base level trim will tamper with the overall experience. The second kind of shopper is the one who regularly goes for the base model for one reason or another. The 2022 Blazer 2LT will satisfy both of these drivers and will surprise those who pay us a visit to window shop and kick some tires. If you want a close look at the Blazer 2LT, make sure to visit us at Future Chevrolet of Sacramento and let us give you a ride!