It's a Chevrolet Blazer and it's worth remembering

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I've actually had conversations like the following when test-driving the Chevrolet Blazer midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle:

He/She: "Hey, that's a nice-looking vehicle. What is it?"

Me: "It's a Chevrolet Blazer."

He/She: "A Phaser, huh? Do you like it?"

Me: "That's Blazer, and yeah, I like it a lot."

He/She: "Is the ride pretty good?"

Me: "Sure is."

He/She: "Looks pretty loaded. How safe is it?"

Me: "It gets a maximum five stars from federal government crash testers."

He/She: "What's the name of it again?"

Me: "It's a Chevrolet Blazer."

He/She: "Great. Maybe I'll have to take a closer look at the Pacer."

I suppose this is what you get when you have to compete in the same pool with popular vehicles such as the Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

And that's too bad, because the Blazer holds up well against all of those models.

I tooled a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD around the California Wine Country last year, and not only was I impressed with it, my passengers were likewise chatting it up.

The recently tested 2022 Chevy Blazer RS AWD provided an even better experience for me this time around.

Maybe my opinion was influenced by its appearance.  Striking is the word.

The exterior paint job was a darn-near-glow-in-the-dark "Nitro Yellow Metallic," a dramatic contrast from the "Jet Black" interior.

It also helped that the tester was positively loaded with top-tier comfort, convenience and safety/security features.  With plentiful options thrown in, that swelled the bottom line to $50,585 ... or about what you expect these days in the high-level midsize crossover market.

Some midsize SUVs have plenty of flash, but manufacturers save on the dash with some tepid four-cylinder engines.  That's not part of the deal with this Blazer.

The tester was driven by a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 308 horsepower.  The engine was a more-than-willing Muscle Beacher, enthusiastically digging into paved surfaces uphill and downhill in the Sierra Nevada.

You pay just a bit of a price on gasoline. Still, given the V-6 power, 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway is pretty fair.

Given everything, I'd call this Blazer an alluring choice for the California family that likes the occasional long road trip or the more regular weekend outdoor adventure.

For those folks, it's a name worth remembering.