At 24 MPG combined, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer with its front-wheel drive and 2.5L four-cylinder engine isn’t breaking any efficiency records, nor is it aiming to. This specific configuration caters to a particular buyer: someone prioritizing upfront cost and interior space over performance or the prestige of higher trim levels. Think young families on a budget, urban dwellers who need SUV practicality without venturing far off-pavement, or those who value Chevrolet’s reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance more than ultimate fuel savings.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Blazer FWD 2.5L will achieve 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the realities of the engine and transmission pairing. The 2.5L engine, while adequate, needs to work a bit harder, especially in stop-and-go city driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel efficiency on the open road, allowing the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, don’t expect great results if you frequently engage in aggressive acceleration or high-speed maneuvers. The transmission is tuned for smoothness and efficiency, thus favoring gentle power delivery.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this configuration of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer at $1,800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, location, and prevailing fuel prices. For example, someone who does mostly highway driving and takes advantage of lower fuel prices in certain states could potentially spend considerably less. It’s critical to remember that the EPA figure serves as a standardized benchmark, not a guaranteed outcome.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, terrain, and vehicle maintenance can all impact the numbers you actually see on the dashboard. Expect to achieve figures close to the EPA ratings if you maintain a steady pace, avoid excessive idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. Aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, or neglecting regular maintenance can easily drop your MPG by 2-3 MPG, or even more. Also, colder weather can slightly reduce fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size SUVs in the same class, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer FWD 2.5L’s fuel economy is generally average or slightly below average. For example, the Honda Passport, while offering more space and V6 power, delivers a combined MPG of 22 MPG for the FWD model. The Nissan Murano achieves a combined MPG of 23 MPG with its standard V6 engine and FWD. A similarly equipped Hyundai Santa Fe offers around 25 MPG combined. For buyers focused primarily on maximizing fuel efficiency, hybrid options like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (40 MPG combined) or the Ford Escape Hybrid (41 MPG combined) offer significantly better numbers, but at a higher initial price point. Explore BLAZER MPG across all years to understand historical trends and variations.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. The 2.5L engine responds best to smooth, gradual inputs. By maintaining a steady speed and looking ahead, you can minimize the amount of fuel wasted on unnecessary acceleration.

Regularly check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure, and check it at least once a month, or more often if the temperature fluctuates significantly.

Minimize idling. Letting your engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts without excessive wear and tear.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long highway drives. However, be mindful of using cruise control in hilly terrain, as it may cause the transmission to downshift frequently, negating some of the fuel savings.

Keep up with routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other maintenance tasks help ensure that your engine is running efficiently. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on this site to compare and contrast for other models.