Demystifying the 2019 Chevy Blazer Towing Capacity

The 2019 Chevy Blazer is one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, offering a great combination of style, performance, technology, and utility. As an automotive expert with over 10 years of experience reviewing and analyzing vehicles, I often get asked about the Blazer’s towing capabilities. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll demystify the 2019 Chevy Blazer’s towing capacity, helping you understand exactly what it can tow.

An Overview of the 2019 Chevy Blazer

Before diving into the specifics of the Blazer’s tow rating, let’s quickly review the vehicle itself. Introduced in 2019, the all-new Chevy Blazer is a stylish 5-passenger SUV slotted between the smaller Equinox and larger Traverse in Chevy’s lineup. It’s offered in three trim levels:

• L – The base L trim starts at an affordable $29,995 MSRP and comes decently equipped with features like an 8-inch infotainment system and LED daytime running lights. The standard engine is a 193 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder.

• RS – The sporty RS trim has a starting MSRP of $33,495 and adds upgrades like a 308 hp 3.6L V6 engine, dual exhaust tips, and 20-inch wheels.

• Premier – The top Premier trim starts at $43,895 and brings more luxury with leather seats, navigation, a hands-free liftgate, and other high-end amenities. The 3.6L V6 comes standard.

With its modern style, refined interior, and choice of efficient 4-cylinder or powerful V6 engines, the 2019 Blazer competes directly with vehicles like the Ford Edge, Honda Passport, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Now let’s look at how much it can tow.

What is the 2019 Chevy Blazer’s Max Towing Capacity?

The 2019 Chevy Blazer’s maximum towing capacity is 4,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available 3.6L V6 engine and trailering package.

Here’s a breakdown of the Blazer’s tow ratings by configuration:

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine – 1,500 lbs max towing capacity

• 3.6L V6 engine without trailering package – 2,000 lbs max towing capacity

• 3.6L V6 engine with trailering package – 4,500 lbs max towing capacity

The trailering package includes an upgraded cooling system, trailer hitch, and wiring harness. It’s a $200 option on V6 RS and Premier trims.

How Does the Blazer’s Tow Rating Compare to Competitors?

Now that we know the Blazer’s max towing capabilities, how does it stack up against rival SUVs? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Ford Edge – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
• Honda Passport – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
• Hyundai Santa Fe – 3,500 lbs max towing capacity
• Nissan Murano – 1,500 lbs max towing capacity

The Blazer clearly outpaces competitors like the Murano and beats the max tow ratings of the Edge, Passport, and Santa Fe when properly configured. The Blazer’s 4,500 lb max towing capacity gives it a small but meaningful advantage over most other midsize crossover SUVs.

What Can You Tow with a 2019 Chevy Blazer?

Now let’s look at some examples of items and trailers that can be towed within the limits of the Blazer’s capabilities:

• Small fishing boats – 14 ft aluminum boats can weigh around 1,500 lbs, well within range. Even modest 18-19 ft fiberglass fishing boats typically fall between 2,500-4,000 lbs.

• Personal watercraft – Jet skis and wave runners average 600-1,200 lbs. Easily towable.

• Small/midsize campers – Teardrop and small pop-up campers often weigh 2,500 lbs or less when empty. Some midsize hard-side campers configured for family camping can weigh up to 4,500 lbs fully loaded.

• ATVs/powersports – ATVs and dirt bikes are typically well under 1,000 lbs, presenting no issue for the Blazer. Even side-by-side UTVs range from 1,000-2,000 lbs in most cases.

• Small utility/cargo – Small 5×8 and 5×10 enclosed cargo trailers usually weigh 2,500-3,500 lbs. The Blazer can handle them fine.

While you can’t tow a huge 5th wheel RV or large pontoon boat with the Blazer, it can certainly handle modest recreational towing needs like smaller watercraft, campers, ATVs, and enclosed trailers. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended towing practices.

Towing Capacity Key Things to Know

If you’ll be using the Blazer for towing, there are some important things to keep in mind:

• Stick within the maximum towing limits for your configuration. Exceeding the tow rating can overload the chassis, drivetrain, and brakes.

• Consider a weight distribution hitch for better stability and weight transfer to the front axle when towing heavy loads near the max limit.

• Verify tongue load is in spec – this is the downward force the trailer coupler applies to the hitch ball. Too much or too little tongue weight can affect handling.

• Load the trailer properly with 60% of the cargo weight in the front half. And distribute weight evenly side-to-side.

• Check rear axle ratio. The available 3.42 ratio helps give the Blazer its robust tow rating on V6 models.

• Equip your Blazer with a trailer brake controller if the trailer has its own brakes – this activates them electronically via a controller mounted in the cab.

Following the manufacturer’s towing recommendations will help ensure a safe towing experience with the 2019 Chevy Blazer.

Is the Blazer Good for Towing?

The 2019 Chevy Blazer makes an excellent light duty tow vehicle for the following reasons:

• Strong V6 power – The available 3.6L V6 produces 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing confident acceleration even when towing near the 4,500 lb max rating.

• Proven 9-speed transmission – The smooth 9-speed automatic provides optimal gearing whether towing or driving solo. It’s a proven transmission refined over years of GM use.

• Excellent braking – All Blazer models have 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and available features like trailer sway control for confident braking while towing.

• Solid unibody chassis – The Blazer utilizes car-like unitized construction that provides a more comfortable ride than truck-based SUVs – especially helpful on long towing trips.

• Upgraded towing package – The available trailering package brings upgraded radiator, transmission cooler, hitch receiver, wiring harness, and more for capable towing.

While it doesn’t offer massive towing like a full-size pickup, the 2019 Blazer brings an excellent blend of power, braking, chassis engineering, and available towing equipment. Overall, it’s a very capable midsize crossover SUV for towing needs.

Tips for Safe Towing with the 2019 Chevy Blazer

Here are some quick tips to make sure you tow safely and effectively with the 2019 Blazer:

• Verify curb weight and ensure combined vehicle/cargo/trailer weight stays under max limits
• Load the trailer correctly – heavier items toward the front and distribute evenly side-to-side
• Check rear axle ratio on window sticker – 3.42 optimal for towing
• Use a weight distribution hitch on heavy loads for stability and weight transfer
• Allow extra braking distance while towing – avoid abrupt inputs
• Activate integrated trailer brake controller if trailer is so equipped
• Check tongue weight with bathroom scale – verify it’s in spec
• Adjust side mirrors out to see down the sides of the trailer
• Take turns and cornering slowly – use small steering inputs
• Make frequent stops on long trips to allow brakes, engine, transmission to cool

While the Blazer is up to the task, towing requires extra caution. Following these tips will allow you to tow safely and enjoyably.

Closing Thoughts on the Blazer’s Towing Capabilities

In closing, while the Chevy Blazer isn’t built for extreme heavy duty towing like some truck-based SUVs, it brings an excellent blend of power, braking, chassis capabilities, and available towing provisions to handle light recreational towing very effectively. When properly equipped with the V6 and trail