In another significant shift towards electrification, General Motors (GM) appears set to discontinue the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Blazer SUV after the 2025 model year. According to a report from GM Authority, citing unnamed internal sources, the Blazer will exit alongside the Cadillac XT5 and XT6. Once the current production cycle ends, only the all-electric Blazer EV will remain in production.
A GM spokesperson declined to confirm or deny these reports, telling The Drive that any claims regarding portfolio changes were “speculation.” However, industry analysts note that this move aligns with GM’s broader strategy of transitioning towards an electric future.
GM’s Ramos Arizpe Plant to Go Fully Electric
The gas-powered Blazer’s discontinuation marks a significant milestone in GM’s manufacturing strategy. Currently, the Blazer is the only gasoline-powered vehicle still being produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. The facility also assembles the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq, Honda Prologue, and the Blazer EV—highlighting GM’s accelerating pivot towards electric vehicles (EVs).
This shift is part of GM’s broader commitment to electrification, as the automaker has invested heavily in EV production, with a goal to transition its portfolio to primarily electric offerings by the next decade.
Declining Sales Signal a Shift in Consumer Preferences
The decision to sunset the gas-powered Blazer and Cadillac’s midsize SUVs may be linked to changing consumer preferences. Sales of the midsize two-row Chevy Blazer were down nearly 20% in 2024, with 52,576 units sold. However, that dip was somewhat counterbalanced by strong demand for the Blazer EV, which recorded 23,115 units sold in the same period.
Cadillac’s midsize SUVs also faced challenges. The XT5 sold 26,432 units last year, while the XT6 sold 20,225 units. Despite the XT6 seeing a modest 6% sales increase in 2024, GM appears to be streamlining its lineup to focus on vehicles with higher future potential—namely, EVs.
GM’s Midsize Crossover Lineup Shrinks
With the discontinuation of the Cadillac XT5 and Chevy Blazer, GM will no longer offer a gasoline-powered, two-row midsize crossover in U.S. showrooms. The only two remaining midsize SUVs in GM’s lineup will be the Blazer EV and Cadillac Optiq—both fully electric.
This move leaves GM without a direct internal combustion engine (ICE) alternative to compete in the still-popular midsize crossover market. Whether this decision will lead to a temporary gap in the segment or pave the way for new hybrid or EV offerings remains to be seen.
Industry-Wide Trend Towards Electrification
GM is not the only automaker undergoing a portfolio shake-up in the midsize SUV segment. Stellantis discontinued the Jeep Cherokee, leaving a void in its lineup. Meanwhile, Ford ended production of the Edge and Lincoln Nautilus at its Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada. While the Nautilus continues to be sold in the U.S., it is now being imported from China.
For Cadillac, the changes are even more drastic. The discontinuation of the XT5 and XT6 follows the recent exit of the smaller XT4, making way for the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt. Cadillac’s future will likely revolve around its EV lineup, including the Lyriq and the upcoming electric Escalade IQ.
The Future of GM’s Crossover Strategy
As the auto industry continues its transition to electric mobility, GM is making bold moves to position itself at the forefront of the EV revolution. While the departure of the gas-powered Blazer and Cadillac’s midsize SUVs may disappoint some loyal customers, the company’s investment in electric technology signals a long-term strategy aimed at sustainability and innovation.
With EV infrastructure expanding and consumer adoption increasing, GM’s shift towards an all-electric future seems inevitable. Whether the market is ready for such a drastic reduction in ICE-powered midsize crossovers remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—GM is betting big on electric vehicles.
