Almost everyone knows by now that Ford is resurrecting the Bronco. That name resonates with a lot of people, and the expectations are high that it will be great at off-roading; otherwise it would not represent what the Bronco once was. With Ford resurrecting that name, Chevy is responding in kind by reviving the Blazer name.

When most of us think of the Blazer, we think of the K5 Blazer: body-on-frame, V8 engine, and solid axles. Although the 2019 Blazer is attractive in its unique ways, it does not at all represent what the Blazer once was, which is sure to upset a lot of Chevy fans.

As soon as you look at the new Blazer, you know that it’s not designed as a throwback to the Blazer of old. Midsize SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, and that’s the segment the new Blazer is intended for. The design is pretty cool and is sure to catch the eyes of many midsize SUV buyers, but it’s nothing exciting to an off-road enthusiast. Under the hood is either a 2.5-liter I4 or 3.6-liter V6 engine, both of which are a far cry from the V8 used in the K5. However, a V8 would be overkill in an SUV this size.

If you were expecting solid axle suspension, you’d be disappointed to find that it’s independent suspension front and rear. This has become the standard for anything that’s not dedicated to hardcore off-road usage. Realistically, there is nothing about this new Blazer that makes it good for off-roading. It’s just another midsize SUV with cool styling designed for street use, and that’s not entirely a bad thing, but it probably shouldn’t carry the Blazer name.

But enough of the comparison to old Blazers. The new Blazer has a lot of cool design features, such as the massive and aggressive grille with those sleek running lights up top. The HID headlights are placed lower like the Nissan Juke. All the body lines are very sharp and modern. The twin-clutch AWD system may not be as die-hard as a proper 4WD system, but it’s cool nonetheless.

What are your thoughts on the new Blazer? Let us know in the comments below.