Chevy Blazer RS vs Premier Trim: Sporty Styling vs Luxury Features – Which Should You Choose?
Introduction
Standing in a Chevrolet showroom, staring at two nearly identical Blazers, you might wonder: should I grab the aggressive, sporty RS with its blacked-out badges and bold stance, or should I treat myself to the Premier’s leather-wrapped luxury and upgraded tech? It’s the classic American automotive dilemma—choosing between head-turning performance styling and refined comfort.
Understanding the Chevy Blazer’s Two Personalities
The Chevrolet Blazer returned to the market in 2019 as a midsize SUV that bridges the gap between the compact Equinox and the full-size Traverse. But Chevy didn’t just create one version for everyone. They gave buyers two distinct flavors: the RS trim for those who want to make a statement, and the Premier trim for drivers who prefer sophistication over flash.
Both trims sit near the top of the Blazer lineup, sharing the same reliable platform and powertrain options. Yet they couldn’t feel more different when you’re walking up to them in a parking lot or sitting behind the wheel.
RS Trim: The Bold Statement Maker
The RS package transforms the Blazer into something that looks like it just rolled off a racetrack. This trim is all about attitude.
From the front, you’ll immediately notice the black grille with black Chevy bowtie emblem—no chrome here. The RS adds black roof rails, black exterior mirrors, and those eye-catching 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that grab attention everywhere you go. Even the RS badges get the blackout treatment.
The RS doesn’t just look sporty—it announces itself with visual confidence that turns heads at every stoplight.
Inside, the RS continues the performance theme with sport bucket seats featuring cloth and leatherette upholstery with red accent stitching. The flat-bottom steering wheel feels purposeful in your hands, like something borrowed from Chevy’s performance car heritage. You’ll find RS-branded floor mats and a leather-wrapped shift knob that completes the driver-focused cockpit.
The RS comes standard with dual exhaust outlets that give the Blazer a more aggressive rear profile, even though the sound doesn’t change dramatically from other trims. It’s about the visual statement—and it works.
Now here’s the fun part: despite all this sporty styling, the RS doesn’t actually include performance upgrades to the suspension or steering. The handling remains the same as other Blazer trims. You’re paying for the look, not track-ready dynamics.
Premier Trim: Refined Luxury and Comfort
If the RS is the athlete, the Premier trim is the executive. This version focuses on premium materials, advanced technology, and comfort features that make every drive feel upscale.
The Premier greets you with chrome accents around the grille and windows, along with body-color door handles and mirrors that create a more refined, sophisticated appearance. The standard 19-inch aluminum wheels have a polished, elegant design that fits the luxury theme perfectly.
Step inside, and you’ll immediately feel the difference. Perforated leather-appointed seatingcovers both rows, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel coming standard. The driver gets eight-way power adjustment with lumbar support, while the passenger gets four-way power adjustment. These seats are designed for long highway cruises, not canyon carving.
Premium leather wrapping extends to the steering wheel and shift knob, creating a cabin that rivals luxury brands costing thousands more.
The Premier also includes dual-zone automatic climate control (the RS gets single-zone), a power liftgate with programmable height, and ambient interior lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at night. The attention to comfort details becomes obvious during longer trips—your passengers will notice the difference.
Technology receives upgrades too, with wireless device charging coming standard on the Premier. The 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen gets the same Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but the Premier adds navigation capability right out of the box.
Chevy Blazer RS vs Premier: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | RS Trim | Premier Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$38,000 | ~$39,500 |
| Exterior Style | Black grille, black wheels, sporty | Chrome accents, polished wheels, refined |
| Seating Material | Cloth/leatherette sport seats | Leather-appointed seating |
| Seat Heating | Front seats | Front seats + steering wheel |
| Climate Control | Single-zone automatic | Dual-zone automatic |
| Wheels | 20-inch gloss black | 19-inch polished aluminum |
| Navigation | Available upgrade | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Available upgrade | Standard |
Note: Prices are approximate and vary by region, dealer, and current incentives. Always check with your local Chevrolet dealer for exact pricing.
Performance and Capability: No Real Difference
Here’s something important: both the RS and Premier share identical powertrain options and driving dynamics.
The standard engine across both trims is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine handles daily driving confidently but feels underpowered when merging on highways or climbing steep grades with passengers aboard.
Most buyers upgrade to the available 3.6-liter V6 engine, which cranks out a much healthier 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Blazer into something genuinely quick, with smooth acceleration and plenty of passing power. You’ll want this V6 if you plan on towing (up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped) or frequently carry a full load of passengers and cargo.
Both trims offer front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an upgrade. The AWD system uses an active twin-clutch setup that can send power to the rear wheels instantly when traction drops. It’s a smart system for handling rain, snow, and light off-road trails—though the Blazer is really designed for pavement, not rock crawling.
The suspension tuning, steering feel, and braking performance remain identical between RS and Premier. Despite the RS’s aggressive appearance, Chevy didn’t include sport-tuned suspension components or performance brakes. If you want genuine performance handling from Chevrolet, you’d need to step up to something like the Camaro SS or Corvette.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
Both trims include Chevy Safety Assist as standard equipment, which bundles essential driver assistance features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
These systems work quietly in the background, intervening only when necessary. The forward collision alert can feel sensitive at first, but you’ll appreciate it during distracted moments in heavy traffic.
Always remember: driver assistance technology supports safe driving but never replaces your attention and responsibility behind the wheel.
Available upgrades on both trims include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors and camera
- HD rear vision camera
The Premier doesn’t gain any exclusive safety features over the RS—both trims offer identical equipment and upgrade options in this category.
Interior Space and Practicality
Regardless of which trim you choose, you’re getting the same midsize SUV dimensions with comfortable space for five adults and their gear.
Front seat passengers enjoy generous headroom and legroom. Even taller drivers around 6’2″ can sit comfortably without their heads brushing the ceiling. The sport bucket seats in the RS hold you more securely during cornering, while the Premier’s seats prioritize all-day comfort with extra cushioning.
The second row offers good space for adults, with 39.6 inches of legroom—better than many competitors in this class. The seats recline slightly for passenger comfort on longer trips. Three adults can fit back there if needed, though the middle seat passenger won’t be thrilled about the firm, narrow cushion.
Cargo capacity measures 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.2 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. That’s enough room for a week’s worth of groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for a family road trip. The cargo floor sits fairly high, which can make loading heavy items a bit challenging.
Both trims include clever storage solutions throughout the cabin:
- Deep center console bin with movable dividers
- Door pockets sized for water bottles
- Covered bin ahead of the shifter
- Cupholder space for large travel mugs
The Premier adds a power liftgate with programmable height as standard equipment—incredibly useful if you have a low garage ceiling or frequently park under low clearances. The RS requires you to upgrade to get this feature.
Technology and Infotainment
Modern Chevrolet vehicles excel at user-friendly technology, and the Blazer continues that tradition.
Both RS and Premier include the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system displayed on an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen. The interface is clean, responsive, and intuitive—even if you’re not tech-savvy. Large icons and straightforward menus mean you’ll spend less time searching and more time driving.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with both wireless and wired connection options. You can mirror your smartphone’s navigation, music, messages, and compatible apps directly on the Blazer’s screen. It’s seamless and works reliably.
The difference appears with navigation. The Premier includes built-in GPS navigation as standard equipment, while RS buyers must purchase it as part of an upgrade package. If you rely heavily on smartphone navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze anyway, this difference might not matter much to you.
Wireless device charging comes standard on the Premier but requires an upgrade on the RS—a nice convenience for keeping your phone battery topped up without cables.
Both trims offer an available Bose premium audio system with eight speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. Music lovers will appreciate the improved sound quality and bass response compared to the standard six-speaker system.
The Driver Information Center behind the steering wheel displays trip information, efficiency data, and vehicle alerts on a crisp digital screen. You can customize what information appears and cycle through different views using steering wheel controls.
Fuel Economy: Practical Considerations
Neither the RS nor Premier wins any fuel economy awards, but they’re competitive within the midsize SUV segment.
With the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and FWD, expect:
- 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Choose AWD with the four-cylinder:
- 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
Upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 with FWD:
- 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
The V6 with AWD delivers:
- 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
These numbers are honest but not impressive. The Blazer prioritizes comfort and style over maximum efficiency. If fuel economy is your top priority, consider the smaller Equinox or explore Chevy’s electric options.
The Blazer accepts regular unleaded gasoline—no premium fuel required even with the V6. That saves money over competitors requiring premium.
Chart: Chevy Blazer Trim Comparison – Key Features Score
Blazer RS vs Premier: Feature Comparison (Rated 1-10)
Making Your Decision: Which Trim Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Blazer RS and Premier comes down to your personal priorities and how you want others to perceive your vehicle.
Choose the RS if you want:
- Bold, aggressive styling that stands out in parking lots
- Sporty visual elements like black wheels and blacked-out badges
- A driver-focused cockpit with sport bucket seats
- To save a bit of money compared to the Premier
- A vehicle that looks fast even if it drives the same
The RS appeals to younger buyers, enthusiasts who appreciate performance aesthetics, and anyone who wants their SUV to make a visual statement. It’s the choice for drivers who park near other vehicles and want theirs to be the one people notice first.
Choose the Premier if you prefer:
- Genuine luxury materials including perforated leather seating
- Enhanced comfort features like dual-zone climate control and heated steering wheel
- Standard navigation and wireless charging
- A sophisticated, upscale appearance with chrome accents
- The power liftgate for daily convenience
The Premier suits buyers who prioritize comfort over flash, professionals who want refined transportation, and families who’ll appreciate the improved materials during years of ownership. It’s the smart choice if you value substance over style—though it still looks handsome in its own elegant way.
“The beauty of the Chevrolet Blazer lineup is that you don’t have to compromise on capability or reliability—you’re simply choosing which personality matches yours.”
Real-World Ownership Costs
Beyond the initial purchase price difference (roughly $1,500 between trims), consider these ownership factors:
Insurance costs typically run slightly higher for the RS due to its sportier profile, though the difference is usually minimal—maybe $50-100 annually depending on your provider and location.
Maintenance and repairs cost the same for both trims since they share mechanical components. Chevrolet’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years, though it still trails brands like Toyota and Honda slightly. Expect routine maintenance costs comparable to other American midsize SUVs.
Depreciation hits midsize SUVs fairly hard. Both trims will lose similar value over time, though the Premier’s additional standard features might help it retain slightly better resale value. Special edition or blacked-out packages like the RS often appeal to specific buyers, which can work for or against you when selling.
Fuel costs remain identical between trims since they share the same powertrain options. Budget around $2,000-2,500 annually for fuel based on 12,000 miles of mixed driving with the V6 engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add RS styling to a Premier, or Premier features to an RS?
A: Partially. Chevrolet allows some individual options and packages to be added to either trim, but you can’t get the complete RS appearance package on a Premier or vice versa. The core visual differences (black vs chrome grille, wheel designs, interior trim colors) remain exclusive to each trim. However, you can upgrade an RS with navigation, wireless charging, and other Premier tech features through option packages.
Q: Does the RS trim include any actual performance upgrades?
A: No. Despite the sporty appearance, the RS uses the same suspension tuning, brakes, and steering components as other Blazer trims. You’re getting visual upgrades only—the flat-bottom steering wheel, sport seats, and aggressive styling. The driving dynamics remain identical to the Premier. If you want genuine Chevrolet performance, look at the Camaro SS or Corvette instead.
Q: Which trim holds its value better over time?
A: Historically, the Premier typically retains slightly better resale value due to its standard luxury features and broader buyer appeal. Leather seats, navigation, and comfort features attract used car buyers more than blacked-out styling. However, the difference is modest—maybe 2-3% after five years. Choose based on what you’ll enjoy during ownership, not purely on resale calculations.
Q: Can both trims tow the same amount?
A: Yes. When properly equipped with the V6 engine and available towing package, both the RS and Premier can tow up to 4,500 pounds. This is enough for small boats, jet skis, utility trailers, or lightweight camping trailers. The four-cylinder engine reduces towing capacity significantly, so get the V6 if you plan to tow regularly.
Q: Is the Blazer considered reliable compared to competitors?
A: The current-generation Blazer has shown average reliability in owner surveys and third-party testing. It’s not class-leading like Toyota or Honda products, but it’s improved significantly from older Chevrolet SUVs. Common complaints include occasional transmission hesitation and minor electronic glitches. Overall, expect reliability similar to other American midsize SUVs like the Ford Edge or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Q: How does the Blazer RS compare to the Ford Edge ST?
A: The Ford Edge ST offers genuine performance upgrades including a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 335 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes. It’s a true performance SUV, while the Blazer RS focuses on styling. If you want actual sporty handling, the Edge ST delivers better. If you prefer the look without track-ready dynamics, the Blazer RS costs less and still looks aggressive.
Q: Are there other Blazer trims I should consider?
A: Yes! The base Blazer 2LT offers solid value with good standard features at a lower price point. The Blazer 3LT adds more luxury touches while staying below Premier pricing. If budget is tight, start with a well-equipped 2LT or 3LT with the V6 engine—you’ll still get a capable, comfortable midsize SUV without paying for RS or Premier exclusivity.
Final Verdict: Style or Substance?
The Chevrolet Blazer RS and Premier represent two sides of the same coin—both are well-built, comfortable midsize SUVs with solid capability and modern technology. Neither is objectively “better” than the other.
If you’re shopping with your heart and love making visual statements, the RS trim delivers aggressive styling that genuinely stands out. You’ll enjoy the reactions you get pulling up to restaurants, the confidence of driving something that looks sporty, and the savings compared to the Premier. Just understand you’re paying for appearance, not enhanced performance.
If you’re shopping with your head and prioritize daily comfort and convenience, the Premier trim provides superior materials, better standard features, and a refined atmosphere that improves every drive. The dual-zone climate control alone makes a difference on family road trips, and the leather seating holds up better over years of use.
Most buyers should test drive both trims back-to-back, spend time in each interior, and see which one feels right—because at this level, the decision is emotional as much as practical.
Personally? I’d probably choose the RS with the V6 and AWD, then upgrade to add the features I actually use daily—navigation, power liftgate, and maybe those heated seats for winter mornings. You get the head-turning looks plus the functionality you need without overpaying for luxury touches you might not appreciate.
But that’s just one opinion. The right answer depends entirely on whether you value turning heads or pampering yourself.
Which Chevy Blazer trim speaks to your personality—the bold RS or the refined Premier? Drop a comment below and let us know which features matter most to you!
References
- Chevrolet Official Website: www.chevrolet.com
- Car and Driver Blazer Reviews and Comparisons
- MotorTrend Chevrolet Blazer First Drive Reviews
- EPA Fuel Economy Data: www.fueleconomy.gov
- J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Studies
Disclaimer: Prices, features, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Chevrolet dealer before making a purchase decision.
