2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $44,947–$57,978
Fuel Economy 22 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,386/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$44,947–$57,978

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL

Our scoring places the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $44,947–$57,978, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Blazer SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $44,947 starting price is about 25% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

Which Blazer SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Blazer SL model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.4/10$50,874 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$49,393 Read review →
2023 7.3/10$47,911 Read review →
2022 7.3/10$46,429 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.2/10$44,947
2020 7.1/10$43,465 Read review →
2019 7.2/10$41,983 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers

Common Questions — 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL reliable?

We rate the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL worth buying?

It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #1611 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 34% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL cost?

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SL starts at $44,947 and ranges up to $57,978 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Blazer SL

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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