Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A silver 2020 Chevy Blazer is parked at a beach after winning the 2020 Chevy Blazer vs 2020 Chevy Equinox comparison.

Convenience or Luxury for Almost the Same Price?

When looking for an SUV, Chevy is always a name that drives out on top. But what should you consider when looking at a Chevy SUV? What are the differences between a 2020 Chevy Blazer and 2020 Chevy Equinox? By diving into the engine, MSRP, fuel economy, and luxury features of the 2020 Chevy Blazer and the 2020 Chevy Equinox, we can get a big picture of what these two incredible SUVs have to offer.

Engine

Chevy has been an industry leader in engine design for adventurous family vehicles for decades. Although they have a reputation for transmission repairs that can deter some buyers, they are perfect for first-time SUV owners and for the every-day wear and tear that comes with the daily adventures of American family life.

There are five engine styles available across the Equinox and the Blazer lines and a not much sought-after diesel option in the Blazer. What it really comes down to is that between these two vehicles, it really boils down to horsepower and towing capacity.

The 2020 Chevy Equinox has two engines available, the first 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder that yields up to 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The second engine available is a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine that produces up to 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. As for transmissions, you’ll find either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic available. The Equinox has the ability to tow an incredible 3,500 lbs, which is impressive for a small SUV.

But what about the 2020 Chevy Blazer? Unlike the Chevy Equinox, the Blazer has three engines available. The first is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces up to 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The second available engine is a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine that produces 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. If those engines aren’t powerful enough for you, the third option is a 3.6L V6 that can produce up to 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are paired with a 9-speed transmission. As for towing? Well, the Blazer can tow up to 4,500 lbs without breaking a sweat.

To sum all of this up, what exactly does the Blazer have that the Equinox doesn’t in terms of engine? A 9-speed transmission, a greater towing capacity, and larger engine options. If you want to pull a small trailer, bike, or small trailer, the Equinox is a great choice. If you want to have the option to pull those things and a little bit more, the Blazer is an incredible choice.

An orange 2020 Chevy Equinox is driving on a road in fall.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is another top consideration when trying to decide whether or not the 2020 Chevy Blazer beats out the Equinox. The question is, can the Blazer with a lower fuel economy really go the extra mile? The Chevy enthusiasts say it can. Although Chevy advertises the Blazer’s fuel economy rating to be between 18 and 21 MPG in the city, Chevy reports a rating of 25 to 28 MPG on the highway. With all of that said, the Equinox is on a similar playing field with a top-fuel economy rating of 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Either SUV will get you where you need to go without breaking the bank.

Cargo and Passenger Space

As far as passenger and cargo space go, both builds are highly comparable. The Equinox holds five passengers, and the Blazer holds five passengers. The Equinox has a maximum 63.9 cu.ft. of cargo space available when all seats are folded down. With all seats upright, the maximum cargo space is 29.9 cu.ft. As for the Blazer? The maximum cargo space is 64.2 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded down, but with the seats upright, you’ll have up to 30.5 cu.ft. available. All in all, drivers will have a very hard time noticing the difference in cargo space.

Luxury Safety and Tech Features

The interior of a 2020 Chevy Blazer is shown.

This is where things really start to shake up a bit. When comparing these models, you’ll notice that the Blazer has just a bit more meat on its bones than the Equinox, but only just slightly. To keep it simple, here is a couple of features that you can find on both of these incredible models:

  • LED headlamps and taillamps
  • IntelliBeam – automatic high beams
  • Keyless Entry
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • HD Rear Vision Camera
  • HD Surround Vision
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Rear Park Assist

There are definitely a few spots where the Equinox could use a few more features. For example, the 2020 Chevy Blazer has wireless charging, an 8-speaker Bose surround sound system (the Equinox has a 7-speaker system), and a rear-seat infotainment system with or without a DVD player. While none of these features are necessary parts of a great SUV, they are important to consider, especially if you have kids or find yourself driving long distances quite frequently.

Why Choose a Chevy SUV?

Chevy’s decades-long history of innovation for luxury and keeping price point and availability forefront for the consumer makes them a very viable option for any purchase. Well known for sleek and aerodynamic design (hey, they were founded in partnership with a famous race car driver, so of course this is key), that design carries over into their SUV line especially with the Blazer; whereas once SUVs start coming in to play with other manufacturers, square-boxiness begins appearing all over the place. Overall, for the looks, the handling, the convenient tech and advanced safety features available, and the industry-old Chevy reputation to boot—why not a Chevy SUV?

However, we are left with one very important question. Which model is the right one for you? The first thing you need to do is take them both out for a test drive. They both offer up a similar amount of cargo space, relatively similar price points, and almost identical features. You won’t have problems with passenger space either. It all comes down to what you need. Do you need to tow a bit more, or can you skip that step entirely? Is entertainment features important, or are you okay with the basics? At the end of the day this is your SUV, and the decision comes down to what you need.

From the specs, it’s clear why an upgrade from the Chevy Equinox to the Chevy Blazer can be worth the money. If you’re enjoying your SUV for family use and really just need a step up or a little bit more fuel efficiency, the 2020 Equinox may be a great choice. Still, if you are truly seeking the horsepower and torque that some adventurous need, the 2020 Chevy Blazer is the way to go. Take these models out for a test drive today and really put them to the test to find out which one is perfect for you.