Chevy Blazer vs. TrailBlazer: Key Factors To Consider
Jason Crosby
· 4 min read
The
Chevy
Blazer and TrailBlazer both stand respectively as the company’s entries into the midsize SUV market. And on the surface, they both appear quite similar. But as Consumer Reports indicates, looks can be deceiving, and there are a handful of key differences. If you’re hunting for a new vehicle, or are eyeing either model as your next choice for an SUV, it could be helpful to compare.The tough part?
Consumer Reports
breakdown puts these two models neck and neck, with the TrailBlazer narrowly falling short in several categories.Potential owners could be split between either vehicle: The Blazer’s superior road handling skills, owner satisfaction rating, and power may not appeal as much as the TrailBlazer’s better fuel economy, reliability score, and cheaper price. Depending on your mindset, either of Chevy’s midsize SUVs could become your next vehicle. Let’s dive further into the matchup of the Chevy Blazer vs. Trailblazer.
A tale of two Chevys
The American car manufacturer offers potential buyers two very different vehicles to choose from.
At first, the Blazer seems to be the better choice, offering a superior road test that beats the TrailBlazer in acceleration time: 0-60 in 6.4 seconds compared to 9.5 seconds.
The Blazer also pulls ahead with only slightly superior braking ability, at 60mph to 0mph in 130 ft, with the TrailBlazer stopping in 133 ft.
For those wanting a quieter, roomier, ride on the highway or in town, the Blazer’s higher quality interior ensures that you’ll get just that.
For those wanting a larger engine, luxurious interior, and superior handling, Chevy’s Blazer is the clear winner. But with a 13 mpg rating in town, and a 27mpg highway rating, the Blazer barely manages to compete with the Silverado in terms of fuel economy, let alone the TrailBlazer.
The Chevy Blazer vs. TrailBlazer matchup might be decided by whether potential buyers are looking to save at the pump. Those who aren’t looking for a quieter ride or larger engine may want to skip over the Blazer in favor of its more economical sibling.
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Power, or economy?
The TrailBlazer is the clear winner in terms of savings, starting with the curb price on the base models. At $21,600, it’s over $11,000 cheaper than the bottom-trim Blazer.
The top of the line TrailBlazer maxes out at $27,000—but it’s still $17,000 cheaper than its luxurious big brother. As stated, the TrailBlazer suffers slightly in terms of handling, but owners can expect to pay less at the pump. The TrailBlazer’s smaller engine ( a 3-cylinder, as opposed to the Blazer’s V6) earns 19 mpg in town and an impressive 37 mpg on the highway.
The
savings on fuel
alone between the two models is significant, and potential owners may be swayed towards the TrailBlazer in this regard. TrailBlazer owners will be projected to spend $1,050 on fuel annually, whereas the Blazer is projected to cost $1,485 annually, over $400 more.Chevy Blazer vs. TrailBlazer: SUVs aimed at different audiences
Though the Blazer’s overall Consumer Reports score is rated 6 points higher (82/100, compared with the TrailBlazer’s 76/100), owner satisfaction is higher in the Blazer, which may speak wonders about what ownership will feel like.
But the Chevy Blazer vs. the TrailBlazer matchup runs closely in terms of reliability, with the TrailBlazer pulling ahead with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, compared to the Blazer’s still admirable 4 out of 5.
The Chevy Blazer vs. TrailBlazer debate is a tough one—both are recommended vehicles from Consumer Reports; ultimately the choice will be up to the consumer.
Power and luxury, and a superior driving experience? Or is it worth it to prioritize fuel economy and increased savings down the road, by sacrificing handling, cabin noise, and engine size?
These two models are aimed at different audiences—those who prefer a larger engine and performance over fuel economy. And with both being recommended vehicles, it seems like there’s no wrong decision.
