General Motors’ moving in the gas-powered crossover segment shows that they are thinking to shock their competitors. The previous version of the Blazer had a one way ticket to its grave. GM decided to kill that version and fully commit to EVs.
But recent trends in the market show that there has been a resurgence in demand for mid-size crossovers and the trend of urban commuters adopting EVs is all but dead. With a recent spike in interest for the Blazer line, I wanted to see what rumors were surfacing for the new line, specifically the 2028 Chevy Blazer, and began to search the latest info’s like leaks, patent, spy shots or any other reports and i have found the spy shots unveiled by the top auto publisher.
What i know from spy shots?
Seeing the 2028 Chevy Blazer development model wrapped in two different types of camouflage, heavy vinyl mesh cladding, and a tight checked print, shows us where these vehicles are covered most heavily, and it is most likely being tested for performance flaws.
From this, I think the 2028 Blazer won’t be a ground-up complete redesign, but a considerable refresh. It looks like the current door and roof pillar sheet metal will remain and I think this is a phenomenal budgeting tactic by GM. It brings the vehicle face and tech to a more modern time without having to spent billions on a completely new vehicle architecture.
Change in exterior design
When the 2019 Blazer model released with the design cues from the Chevy Camaro, it had aggressive lines. I personally liked the sporty lines and aggressive looks of the Blazer, although I think the 2028 refresh is looking to incorporate more rugged and squared-off lines that Chevy is releasing into their newer trucks and SUV lineups. Look for this as a major player in the refresh like the Trax and Traverse.
Following is the complete details on what i think is going to change:
- The Front Fascia: The nose is going to be more upright and blocky. The split-lighting setup is still intact, but in my opinion the top “high brow” lights are more defined and now LED DRLs will come with turn signals. They are now positioned lower compared to current EV model and are flanking an updated grille.
- The Wheels: The prototypes were seen with 21” High Gloss Black wheels. I personally like this because they carry over from the sporty RS trim and indicates the street-performance trims are here to stay.
- The Rear End: The aggressive camo hides a more sculpted profile, however, I can see the slim LED taillights. Judging by the amount of camouflage, I think we can assume a redesigned rear bumper with probably a new exhausts.
Prediction on the Powertrain
The biggest mystery for me and you all is, what is going to power this thing? The current Blazers come with a V6 and a turbo four cylinder, both of which I have to guess are bound to get scrubbed because of how rapidly fuel standards are changing.
So, what are the options? GM has a lot of options when it comes to their new, improved turbo I4s. For example, the new 2.7L inline-four from the Colorado that has a ton of torque that would fit perfectly in a midsize crossover.
Another guess of mine is that we could see the 2.5L turbo inline-four that has also come out, and has the potential to be great for the new models when we compare them to older models.
What’s up with interior?
Spy photographers haven’t captured a good look at the interior, but based on GM’s latest designs, I’d guess that the 2028 Chevy Blazer interior features a center screen, similar to the all-new Blazer EV.
I also think that, due to this refresh, we might actually see GM hands-free driving features like Super Cruise on models with upper trims like the RS and Premier. This might be the first time GM includes its hands-free driving tech on lower trims.
Made in USA?
One critical point or question i would say is where will be 2028 Blazer produced and assembled. Current gas Blazers are manufactured in Mexico. However, GM decided to move production to Spring Hill, Tennessee. This move is a $4 billion investment in domestic manufacturing.
I want to specifically address this complex factory relocation and major factory retooling. Chevrolet is using this to their advantage and completely skipping the 2027 model year for the gas Blazer. I think it is a bold move, but I would say it is a good one.
The cheaper 2026 gas Blazers will be sold off by the dealerships, and the major upgrades in the 2028 gas Blazers will be on the manufacturing lines in Tennessee by the first half of 2027. I think the configuration upgrades will be well worth the wait.
Be First to Comment