Let’s face it; the 2021 Chevy Blazer isn’t the first SUV that comes to mind when you’re shopping for a new family vehicle. However, there’s something about Chevrolet’s relatively new model that’s resonating with shoppers.

The midsize SUV has even reached the point of newfound popularity that dealers are having trouble keeping up with demand. So, what’s so great about the Blazer, and is it worth the money? Let’s take an in-depth look at the model to find out what the hype is all about.

2021 Chevy Blazer sales skyrocketed at the end of 2020

Just because dealers sell many units of a particular product doesn’t mean it’s an excellent car. However, sales often line up with name recognition, and the 2021 Chevy Blazer isn’t one of the most widely known models in its segment.

So, it’s eye-opening that Chevrolet’s midsize SUV, which debuted for the 2019 model year, is now a best-seller.

Chevrolet witnessed a boom in Blazer sales during the third quarter of 2020. According to GM Authority, 2021 Chevy Blazer sales increased in the U.S. once again during Q4.

That makes the 2021 Chevy Blazer the fourth-most popular vehicle in the two-row midsize mainstream crossover segment for the quarter. Only the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Edge, and Hyundai Santa Fe performed better during this time.

The publication’s data shows that Chevy sold 1.02% more Blazers during Q4 2020 than Q4 2019. In total, the American automaker sold 94,599 units during the 2020 calendar year, which is nearly a 63% increase from 2019.

Notably, all the other models ahead of the Blazer in its segment fell in 2020 sales compared to 2019.

Is the 2021 Chevy Blazer a good SUV?

This vehicle isn’t terrible, but it’s not one of the best in its class. The Blazer has reliability concerns, and families may be disappointed by its limited safety offerings.

Notably, Chevrolet made cutting-edge technologies more accessible on lower trims via packages. However, you’ll still have to shell out extra money to add these features. Regardless, this addition could explain the model’s popularity surge over the past year.

Critics consistently rank the 2021 Chevy Blazer in the middle or toward the back of the midsize SUV class. For example, the U.S. News & World Report place it 17th among the 22 models within its segment.

The publication commended the two-row SUV’s potent engine lineup, fuel-efficient performance, and agile handling. However, it found fault with the Blazer’s cheap materials and that it had smaller interior dimensions than its rivals.

Consumer Reports gave the Chevrolet Blazer a more favorable overall vehicle rating of 67/100. That was good enough to make the 2021 Blazer the 11th-best SUV in its class. 

The publication gave similar praise and condemnations as the U.S. News. However, it also took note of the Blazer’s relatively quiet cabin and lambasted the SUV’s limited visibility and lack of standard safety technologies.

Is Chevrolet’s midsize SUV worth the money?

The 2021 Chevy Blazer has difficulty living up to its hype – at least at the base level. Chevrolet gave it a starting MSRP of $28,800 – making it $1,950 more expensive than the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Unfortunately, you won’t get better-quality materials or more features for the money. The Santa Fe offers an impressive suite of safety systems. Plus, the Blazer’s performance isn’t remarkable enough to warrant the increased cost.

Chevrolet’s SUV makes either 193, 230, or 308 hp, depending on which engine you equip it with. Meanwhile, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe’s standard four-cylinder delivers 191 hp, while its available turbocharged engine kicks out 277 hp. Additionally, its higher-end powerplant generates significantly more torque (311 lb-ft vs. 270 lb-ft) than the Blazer’s top-end 3.6-liter V6.

Based on these factors, it’s no wonder why the U.S. News ranked the Santa Fe near the top of the midsize SUV class.

For now, it’s best to choose one of the 2021 Chevy Blazer’s more complete competitors. Alternatively, you could wait for a future Blazer model, as Chevrolet will likely add more standard safety equipment to its family SUV in the coming years.