When comparing two vehicles, it can be tempting to look at what feels like the most objective factors: numbers and specs. While the objectivity of these facts and figures can be helpful in the decision-making process, especially when it comes to considering factors such as performance, numbers and specs do not tell a vehicle’s full story. In comparing the 2022 Chevy Blazer vs 2022 Ford Edge, one of the most interesting components to consider is the difference between the way these two vehicles approach styling. This cannot be measured by a simple numerical spec. One way, however, of measuring the quality of a vehicle styling is in whether or not it offers special editions. Comparing Chevy and Ford is always difficult because both brands truly are pioneers of the automotive industry in the United States, and they are both so excellent in so many ways. Both brands are well-known for crafting vehicles that are well-rounded in terms of performance, design, and technology. When it comes to offering special editions, though, one of these vehicles does take a leg up over the other.
What Are Special Editions?
It is important to understand that when looking at a vehicle, what you see is not always what you get. Essentially, every vehicle has multiple trims, meaning that there are slight variations to the model so that drivers with different preferences can choose a trim that emphasizes their preferred features and qualities. Some trims may be especially focused on performance, some on off-roading, some on luxury, and so on. But, beyond different trims lies special editions, which really heighten the vehicle, accentuate certain features, and add certain options that take it to a new level. If you have the opportunity to purchase one of these special editions, it can be a very exciting way to go because they give you the practical features that attracted you to the vehicle but provide a more exciting driving experience. So, now that we’ve got our vocabulary squared away, let’s take a look at what the Blazer and the Edge offer in terms of special editions.
Midnight Blazer
We’ll start with the 2022 Chevy Blazer, which is a well-designed and highly-effective midsize SUV. From that foundation comes three exciting special editions. The Sport Edition and the Midnight Edition can be lumped together, as the difference between them is only in the vehicle’s color scheme (though the difference is significant, as we will discuss in just a moment). Both of them are available on the 2LT and 3LT trims of the Blazer. The Sport Edition focuses on turning the Blazer into a true sports vehicle by way of sleek accents, which add a heightened level of refinement. The Midnight Edition does this same thing but takes it to a higher level by going all-black, giving it a mysterious nighttime feel.
Seriously, the Midnight Edition includes a gloss black grille bar, a black nameplate, black Chevy bowtie emblems, black mirrors (not the glass part, you still need to see), gloss black aluminum wheels (18-inches, by the way!), and black center caps. Crunch the numbers, and the result is all-black. And that’s just the exterior. You can fully expect the interior to continue this sleek design scheme with a refined black color scheme that draws you in and makes you want to stay. If nighttime vibes are your thing, then the Blazer Midnight Edition will also be your thing.
Redline Blazer
The third Blazer special edition, which differs significantly from the first two, is the Redline Edition. However, like the other two special editions, it is also available on the 2LT and 3LT trims. The Redline Edition is available in a number of different color options, though it is well-advertised with a sharp white body, which may be its best look. Aside from making its identity clear, the white body option fits well with the Redline’s personality; the name of the game with the Redline Edition is sportiness fit for the streets, making it a very nice fit for moderately-sized urban areas. One of the reasons to go with a lighter body color with the Redline is to contrast the model’s unique color scheme, which is red and black.
With a black grille, black header bar, black window surround, black mirror caps, black door handles, and black bowtie emblems, the Redline sounds a lot like the Midnight Edition at first. The name Redline does have relevance, however, because subtle hints of red, including its Black Blazer badges outlined in red, add a flare to this vehicle that gives it an athletic and fierce mood. The red really pops with the white body color, though a red body color can also really bring the Redline theme home. The color scheme is up to you, and the most exciting part is that no matter what you choose, the exterior will look great. The interior continues the excellent design scheme, giving you a nice, sporty environment in which to enjoy your time behind the wheel.
Trimming the Edge
One of Ford’s strong suits is developing very specific and exciting special editions. The Edge, unfortunately, does not receive any specific special editions. Instead, it is given a special trim––the ST-Line––which focuses on heightening the Edge’s styling. On the outside, the ST-Line is somewhat similar to the Redline Blazer in that it offers 20-inch gloss black-painted aluminum wheels and a dark bezel, giving it a dark foundation that accentuates its sharp exterior features. ST-Line badging puts the cherry on top and always reminds you what you’re driving.
The interior of the ST-Line is exciting in that it offers a metallic pedal, giving it a sharper feeling. Front and rear floor mats make the environment more welcoming, and a red-stitched steering wheel makes the ST-Line Edge feel very sharp and driver-oriented. There is no doubt that the ST-Line Edge is a highly-stylized vehicle. But it does not amount to the specificity nor the excellence of the Blazer‘s special editions. The difference between a trim and a special edition is that a trim modifies the vehicle, while a special edition transforms the vehicle. The Edge is highly-capable, spacious, and everything you could ask for in terms of practicality in a compact SUV. But, if you’re looking for excellence in styling, there is a clear winner between the Blazer and the Edge.
Winning on Style Points
Are both the Blazer and the Edge excellent vehicles? Absolutely. But, the specific, exciting, and unique special edition options offered in the 2022 Blazer certainly exceed the stylistic approach utilized in the ST-Line trim. If you’re looking for a vehicle that pays close attention to detail in its design, Chevy is usually the brand to turn to over Ford because its color schemes, attention to detail, and understanding of aesthetics give its vehicles an ambiance that makes you stand out. This is an important factor if this is the vehicle you’ll be driving every day. Like I said in the beginning, this is not as objective as performance specs; this exists between the lines. However, the Blazer’s special editions certainly put it on a stylistic level above the Edge.
