Three Months With My 2025 Chevy Blazer Mid-Size Sporty SUV From Willis Chevrolet Of Granger
View InventoryWhen my lease was up on my previous SUV last fall, I headed to Willis Chevrolet of Granger with an open mind. After test driving several options, I signed the papers on a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer RS, and three months later, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Let me walk you through my experience with this midsize SUV that's become my trusted companion for everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures across Iowa.
Quick Specs Worth Knowing
| Engines: | 2.0L Turbo (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) or 3.6L V6 (308 hp, 270 lb-ft) |
| Towing Capacity: | Up to 1,500 lbs (2.0L) or 4,500 lbs (3.6L V6) |
| Cargo Space: | 30.5 cu. ft. behind rear seats; 64.2 cu. ft. with seats folded |
| Technology: | 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Safety: | Standard Chevy Safety Assist package with six advanced features |
| Trims: | 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS |
| Drivetrain Options: | FWD standard; AWD available (standard on RS) |
First Impressions: That Camaro-Inspired Design Turns Heads
I still remember the first time I saw the Blazer lineup at Willis Chevrolet. The RS trim's aggressive stance immediately caught my eye—those 21-inch gloss-black wheels and the blacked-out grille give it a presence that stands out in the school pickup line and the Hy-Vee parking lot alike.
Before deciding on the RS, I test drove all the available trims. Each has its own character, but they all share that unmistakable Camaro-inspired styling. The sharp LED headlights and sculpted body lines make this SUV look like it's moving even when parked in my driveway.
I ultimately chose Sterling Gray Metallic for my Blazer, and I'm constantly getting compliments on how it shifts in different lighting conditions. Whether it's reflecting the golden hour sunlight on a drive back from Des Moines or gleaming under the lights at the Granger community center, the color has a depth that standard silver lacks.
Power When You Need It: The V6 Experience
My Blazer RS comes with the 3.6L V6 engine, and the 308 horsepower has made merging onto I-80 a genuinely enjoyable experience. Coming from my previous underpowered crossover, the Blazer's acceleration feels downright sporty. During a weekend trip to Iowa City, I had to make a quick pass on a two-lane highway, and the V6 delivered confidence-inspiring power exactly when I needed it.
I've also test driven the 2.0L turbo engine in the 2LT model when my cousin was shopping for her Blazer. While it doesn't have quite the same oomph as my V6, it still feels responsive and lively, especially around town. For most daily driving situations in Granger and Polk County, it's more than capable.
The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly that my passengers rarely notice gear changes. The all-wheel drive system has already proven its worth during an unexpected late-winter storm that hit while I was driving back from a meeting in Ankeny. I simply switched to Snow mode using the drive mode selector, and the Blazer handled the slick roads with reassuring stability.
Hauling People and Gear: Real-World Versatility
One of the main reasons I chose the Blazer was its flexible cargo space, and it hasn't disappointed. Last month, I volunteered to pick up supplies for the Granger Days festival, and with the rear seats folded down, I managed to fit four folding tables, several boxes of decorations, and even a small tent in the 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
For daily life, the 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats easily accommodates my weekly grocery haul, my daughter's soccer gear, and our golden retriever. The hands-free liftgate has become one of those features I didn't know I needed—approaching the back of the vehicle with armfuls of shopping bags, a simple kick motion under the bumper opens the gate automatically.
The rear seats offer plenty of legroom for adult passengers. When my in-laws visited from Cedar Rapids, even my father-in-law (who's 6'2") commented on how comfortable he was during our drive to dinner in Des Moines. The sliding rear seats let me adjust the balance between passenger legroom and cargo space depending on the situation.
Living with the Tech: Daily Convenience
The 10.2-inch touchscreen has become command central for my daily life. The wireless Apple CarPlay connects automatically when I start the vehicle, so my podcasts pick up right where I left off during my morning commute to the office in West Des Moines.
I was initially skeptical about how much I'd use the available Wi-Fi hotspot, but it's proven surprisingly useful. During a weekend camping trip to Jester Park, my kids were able to stream movies in the evening while I enjoyed the campfire—a nice compromise that kept everyone happy.
The myChevrolet app has also become part of my routine. On cold Iowa mornings, I start the Blazer from my phone while still finishing my coffee, so the cabin is warm and the windshield is defrosted by the time I get in. It's one of those small luxuries that makes winter much more bearable.
Trim Experiences: Something for Every Iowa Lifestyle
Before settling on my RS, I spent time with each Blazer trim at Willis Chevrolet. Each has distinct personalities that match different needs:
Real-World Capability: Towing and All-Weather Performance
While I haven't used my Blazer RS for heavy towing, I did pull a small fishing boat to Saylorville Lake last month. The V6 engine's 4,500-pound towing capacity made the job effortless, and the Tow/Haul mode adjusted the transmission behavior to handle the load smoothly.
My neighbor has a 2LT with the 2.0L turbo, which he uses to tow a small pop-up camper to Jester Park on weekends. The 1,500-pound capacity is perfect for his needs, and he's been impressed with how well it handles the job.
Iowa weather can be unpredictable, but the Blazer's all-wheel drive system has proven itself capable in everything from heavy rain to light snow. During a particularly heavy downpour on my way home from Ankeny, the system provided reassuring traction on slick roads.
Peace of Mind: Safety Features in Action
The Blazer's safety features have already proven their worth several times. Just last week, the forward collision alert warned me when a car ahead suddenly braked on Highway 141. The alert gave me that extra split second to react safely.
The lane-keep assist gently nudges the steering wheel if I drift out of my lane without signaling—a helpful feature during those early morning commutes when I'm still working on my first coffee.
With teenage drivers in the family, I particularly appreciate the Teen Driver mode. It allows me to set speed alerts and limit certain features when my daughter is behind the wheel, giving me peace of mind when she's out with friends.
Three Months In: The Little Things That Matter
After three months with my Blazer, it's the little things that continue to impress me. The dual-zone climate control means my wife and I no longer argue about the temperature. The wireless charging pad keeps my phone topped up without fumbling with cables.
The ambient lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere during night drives back from Des Moines events. The cabin stays remarkably quiet even at highway speeds on I-80, making conversations easy and road trips pleasant.
Storage is thoughtfully designed throughout the cabin, with clever spots for sunglasses, water bottles, and even a hidden compartment that's perfect for stashing valuables when we're at the beach at Big Creek State Park.
The Willis Chevrolet Experience
I have to mention that my experience at Willis Chevrolet of Granger has been exceptional from test drive to maintenance. There's something refreshing about working with a dealership that feels connected to the community.
When I bring my Blazer in for scheduled maintenance, I'm greeted by name, and the service team always takes time to explain exactly what they're doing. They've even helped me set up features in the myChevrolet app that I hadn't discovered on my own.
If you're considering a Blazer, I'd recommend stopping by Willis Chevrolet for a test drive. Experience each trim level to find the one that fits your lifestyle—whether you're after the value-packed 2LT, the balanced 3LT, the refined Premier, or the sporty RS like mine.
Three Months Later: Would I Choose the Blazer Again?
Without hesitation, yes. The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer has exceeded my expectations in every way. It handles the practical demands of daily life in Granger while making even routine drives enjoyable.
From school pickups to weekend adventures at Saylorville Lake, highway commutes to Des Moines, and impromptu road trips across the Midwest, my Blazer has proven itself the perfect companion for Iowa living. It's an SUV with personality and capability in equal measure—exactly what I was looking for.
Stop by Willis Chevrolet of Granger to experience the 2025 Blazer for yourself. Just be prepared to look at your current vehicle differently afterward. Like me, you might find yourself signing those lease papers sooner than you expected!
Questions I Get Asked About My Blazer
How's the fuel economy?
With the V6 engine and AWD in my RS, I'm averaging about 24 MPG on highway trips to Des Moines and around 19 MPG in town. My cousin with the 2.0L turbo in her 2LT reports numbers closer to 28 MPG highway and 22 MPG city. For a midsize SUV with this much space and capability, I'm satisfied with the efficiency.
Is it comfortable for long road trips?
Absolutely! My family took a weekend trip to Chicago, and the Blazer proved to be an excellent road trip companion. The seats remained comfortable after hours on I-80, and the quiet cabin meant we could actually talk without raising our voices. The adaptive cruise control (available on Premier and RS) made the highway portions practically effortless.
How's the tech for someone who isn't tech-savvy?
My father, who still uses a flip phone, had no trouble figuring out the Blazer's infotainment system. The physical controls for climate and volume are intuitive, and the touchscreen responds quickly with logical menus. Google built-in makes navigation a breeze—just say "Hey Google" and tell it where you want to go.
Can it handle Iowa winters?
This past winter was my first with the Blazer, and it performed admirably through several snowstorms. The AWD system with selectable Snow mode provides confident traction, and the heated seats and steering wheel make cold mornings much more bearable. The remote start function through the myChevrolet app means I never have to get into a cold car.
How does it compare to other midsize SUVs?
I test drove several competitors before choosing the Blazer. What set it apart for me was the combination of distinctive styling, responsive handling, and tech features. The Camaro-inspired design gives it a personality that stands out from the crowd of look-alike SUVs in the school pickup line, and the driving experience is genuinely enjoyable rather than just practical.
Is it family-friendly?
With two kids and a dog, I've found the Blazer surprisingly accommodating. The rear seats have plenty of space for car seats or teenagers, and the cargo area easily handles sports equipment, grocery runs, and weekend camping gear. The LATCH anchors for child seats are easy to access, and the rear-seat reminder has saved me more than once when I've been distracted after dropping off the kids.