The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer FWD 2.5L 4-cylinder gets 23 MPG combined, which isn’t award-winning, but it’s adequate for its target audience. This Blazer configuration suits buyers who want affordability and interior space more than extreme gas mileage. This could be young families on a budget or empty-nesters who sometimes haul grandkids and gear, but don’t want a full-size SUV.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway reflect the Blazer’s driving. The 2.5L engine and 9-speed automatic transmission are tuned for smooth, predictable acceleration instead of high-performance thrills. City driving, with stop-and-go traffic, decreases fuel economy. The 9-speed’s tall gearing helps keep RPMs low on the open road, leading to that 27 MPG figure. This engine isn’t fast, so expect to press the gas more when merging onto the highway, which can lower that highway number. Remember, the Blazer’s weight and purpose aren’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for this Blazer. This is based on driving 15,000 miles yearly, with a 55/45 city/highway split, using national average fuel prices. Fuel prices change depending on location, time of year, and fuel grade. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles per year, or if gas prices in your area are higher or lower than average, your fuel costs will differ.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy varies. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, frequent short trips, and bad weather can all hurt fuel efficiency. Easy acceleration, steady highway speeds, and regular maintenance can help you match or beat the EPA estimates.

Owners commonly report numbers close to the EPA’s, which means the 2.5L engine is acceptably efficient for its size and purpose. Still, expect lower MPG numbers if you consistently drive in heavy traffic or accelerate quickly.

How it compares

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer FWD 2.5L’s fuel economy is mid-pack for its class. The Honda Passport, with its larger V6, gets about 20 MPG combined. The Toyota Venza, a hybrid SUV, gets 39 MPG combined, but costs more. The Nissan Murano gets about 23 MPG combined, close to the Blazer’s number.

Some Hyundai Santa Fe trims get similar fuel economy, but the base engine can fall short of the Blazer’s 23 MPG. Buyers focused on gas mileage might consider the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (40 MPG combined), but it might not have the Blazer’s interior volume or attractive styling.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Easy acceleration helps maximize fuel economy with the 2.5L engine. Don’t floor the gas pedal, especially from a stop. The engine works hardest when accelerating hard, using more fuel. Smooth throttle inputs let the 9-speed shift efficiently and keep the engine in its most economical range.

Proper tire inflation matters for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended levels on the doorjamb sticker. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Also, rotating tires increases tire life, which saves money.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. This is especially important in cities and in cold weather when drivers idle longer.

Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use. These increase the vehicle’s profile and create wind resistance, reducing fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds. Even a little added drag can matter over long distances.

Use cruise control on long highway stretches to maintain a constant speed. This optimizes fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Cruise control works best on flat terrain, running the engine at a consistent and efficient RPM. You can view all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how the Blazer compares to other Chevrolets. For more on the BLAZER MPG across all years, check out the Blazer model page.