Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Portland Area Chevy Dealers but all opinions are entirely my own.
Chevrolet has updated and refreshed many cars in their lineup for 2020 including the 8th generation Corvette, Blazer, Silverado, and Colorado. We got an up-close look at two of them thanks to the Portland Area Chevrolet Dealers at the Portland Auto Show, the Corvette and Blazer.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette
I was already completely in love with the 2019 Corvette after driving it last year, so I couldn’t wait to see the new one. I swear just driving it around for 30 minutes was so much fun. They always joke about the midlife crisis, buying a sports car. Well, I can certainly see why. I felt younger, thinner, and my self-esteem spontaneously went up. Okay, so that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but when you are driving a car this hot, you feel hotter. 
For 2020 the Corvette Stingray Coupe and Convertible have been completely redesigned from the ground up to deliver a thrill on every drive! It’s longer and lower. For the first time ever the 2020 Stingray has a retractable hardtop.
They even swap the trunk for the engine. That’s right the engine is now in the back of the car and when you pop the hood, it’s your trunk (or “frunk”). Moving the engine to the back has changed the weight distribution which means better straightline and on-track performance, more responsiveness and an overall sense of control for the driver. And don’t worry, they left enough room that there’s still a trunk in the back of the car as well.
3 Trim Levels
The 2020 Corvette comes in three trim levels and the price starts at $59,995 and goes up to $78,945 depending on the features you choose.
1LT is the car for driving purists who want the lightest Stingray possible, but one that’s still very well equipped.
- Bose premium 10-speaker system
- Standard 8-way power GT1 seats
- Driver Mode Selector
- All-season performance tires
2LT adds a number of comfort and convenience features in addition to color-matched interior options. Includes everything in 1LT, plus:
- Front curb view cameras (This is the version you get at a minimum. Those cameras are a big deal when the car is as low to the ground as this one was. What it costs you to upgrade, you will save by not paying for a new fender.)
- Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system
- Heated/vented seats and heated steering wheel
- Available GT2 seats in Napa leather
3LT is the most luxury-performance, with a leather-wrapped interior. Includes everything in 2LT, plus:
- 13 interior color options (some cost addition $)
- Custom leather-wrapped instrument panel and door
- Suede-microfiber upper interior trim
- Standard GT2 seats in Napa leather
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch
Cargo: 12.6 cu. ft.
EPA-estimated city/highway MPG: Fuel economy estimates not available at this time. But if we are honest, if you’re driving a Corvette do you even care what the MPG is?
2020 Corvette Features We Love
- Door handles and the hatch and hood releases have been hidden for a perfectly clean appearance and improved aerodynamics
- The all-new LT2 V8 engine is visible through a rear hatch window
- Retractable hardtop roof
- 0-60 in less than 3 seconds (with Z51 Performance Package)
- Handcrafted cockpit surfaces
2020 Chevy Blazer
The 2020 Chevy Blazer is a sleek and sporty two row, 5-passenger CUV with luxurious interior design and details. It starts at $28,800 and goes up to almost $50,000.
I’ve had the opportunity to drive the 2019 around a few times and I must say it was quite enjoyable. I definitely preferred driving it in sport mode over the other options. Until the Portland Auto Show I had not seen the new 2020, but since it just came back a year ago, there seems to be little to no changes.
With 64.2 cu. ft of cargo space (with the back seats folded flat), the 2020 Chevy Blazer is a comfortable mid-size SUV with the “soul of a sports car”. There’s a cargo management system, a moveable rail in the back so you can change the size of the trunk.
There are the well-appointed L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, sporty RS and classy Premier models with front- and all- wheel drive (available).
There’s an HD color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot is available for a fee. The air vents are pretty cool. You just twist the ring around the air vent to increase or decrease the temperature. This model has USB and USB-C ports front and in the center console, as well as a wireless cellphone charging pad. I recently got a Mophie case for my phone that will wirelessly recharge, so I no longer see this feature as a waste of space.
The leather shown on the red and black RS version looks good. They achieved this look by layering black leather on top of red leather. The small holes in the black leather allow the red leather to be seen. And of course, the red stitching looks great as well. Granted, it’s possible I am biased since I’m a Red Raider and those are the school colors.
The back row folds flat and splits 60/40. Second row heated seats are an option. The beige leather also looks nice and feels more luxurious. The back row has a USB port, a USB-C port, and a household plug-in.
Safety: Chevrolet’s Rear Seat Reminder is included on the Blazer. As well as, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
Towing: The 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive version of the 2020 Chevy Blazer can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Performance: 308-horsepower V6 or a new turbo-charged 2.0L engine.
MPG: The V6-powered AWD Blazer is EPA rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
2020 Blazer Features We Love
- Panoramic sunroof
- Lots of power outlets
- Bose sound system
- Heated steering wheel
- OnStar
- Touchscreen responsive like a cell phone
- Ability to customize the dash, including showing the map.
- Ability to use adaptive cruise control or normal cruise control.
