Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A silver 2021 Chevy Blazer is shown from the side driving on an open road.

The Blazer vs the Competition: Which Midsize SUV to Go For?

The Chevy Blazer is an impressive machine. But we bet you know that already if you’re in the market for a used Chevy Blazer for sale. First, we have to say, great choice! The Blazer is known to be a safe and dependable midsize SUV and is the perfect family hauler and commuter vehicle.

It’s easy to find a car when you have your mind set on exactly what you want. But then you arrive at the dealer and see not only the Chevy Blazer but a dozen other vehicles that look pretty similar, all at varying prices. At that point, you may ask yourself, what’s the difference? What’s the Chevy Blazer compared to the Toyota RAV4 or the Ford Edge?

Because the midsize SUV market is so fierce these days, it can be tough to tell the real deal when so many vehicles look similar. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve done the research and decided to pick out a few of the Chevy’s Blazer top contenders to see what is what.

Shopping for a new vehicle is a big commitment when it comes to time and money, so making the best choice for you and your lifestyle is important. If your heart says Chevy Blazer, but your brain is wondering if that Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the better value, you need to read on and find out why the Chevy Blazer is one of the top SUVs on the market year after year and how it stands apart from some of the best midsize SUVs on the road today.

Chevy Blazer vs Toyota RAV4

Both the Chevy Blazer and Toyota RAV4 rank high in driver satisfaction. While the Blazer has a sleek and stylish appearance modeled after Chevy’s high-performance Camaro, the RAV4 is understated but modern. Both SUVs sit up to five passengers and are known for having ample leg and headroom for a comfortable ride. But overall, the Chevy Blazer is larger than the RAV4, with the Blazer having a passenger volume of 107.8 cu.ft. compared to the RAV4’s 98.9 cu.ft.

Looking at performance, the 2022 Chevy Blazer comes standard with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that puts out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With a nine-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides a satisfyingly smooth ride every time. The 2022 RAV4 isn’t too shabby but lags slightly behind the Blazer. Toyota’s 2.5L engine only offers 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and comes with an eight-speed transmission. If you need a little extra hauling power, the Blazer can help, offering a max tow rating of 4,500 lbs compared to the RAV4’s 3,500 lbs. It’s tough to compete with Chevy, a company that’s made its name producing tough top-performing engines that are known to be some of the best out there.

The black interior of a 2019 Chevy Blazer shows the steering wheel and infotainment screen.

Chevy Blazer vs Honda Pilot

Now we’re looking at the Blazer and the Honda Pilot. Honda is a company famous for its first-class engineering. Can the Blazer hold its own against the Honda Pilot? What about when it comes to space or style? Style might be subjective, but there are some objective details to consider.

One of the first things we notice is the prices. While they are close, a new 2020 Chevy Blazer started at $28,800 compared to the Honda Pilot, which had a starting price of $31,650 when new. A few thousand can make a real difference if you’re shopping on a budget. Does the Pilot make up the difference somehow?

We will note that while both vehicles offer high reliability and safety, there is a difference when it comes to fuel efficiency. You can expect the 2020 Blazer to deliver up to 24 MPG combined with its 2.0L turbocharged engine. Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot lags a bit behind at 23 MPG combined. When two vehicles are top performers, small differences like price and fuel economy can help you decide which works for your needs.

Chevy Blazer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

While the Blazer is a Chevy icon, the same goes for the Grand Cherokee’s position in the Jeep lineup. In fact, the Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Both vehicles have great style that gives off a fun and sporty vibe. We can see why these models appeal to active families who want an SUV to accommodate their adventures.

When comparing the Blazer and Grand Cherokee, it’s worth noting that while the Blazer stops at five seats, customers who need more space have the option of leveling up to the Grand Cherokee L. This larger variant was introduced in 2021 and offers an extra row of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers and offering additional flexibility families might want.

However, we once again notice a considerable price difference between the Blazer and its competition. New, the 2020 Blazer started at $28,800, and the Grand Cherokee started at $34,000. That price difference still exists when shopping used. One reason for this difference may be the power. Since Jeep is a brand popular with nature lovers, it ensures its vehicles can take drivers where they want to go, which is often off the beaten path.

When it comes to the Chevy Blazer, drivers can upgrade to a 3.6L V6 engine producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Blazer also includes a Drive Mode Dial that lets drivers effortlessly switch between different performance modes for increased traction or control. But when it comes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, there are more engines to choose from, meaning more power. The 2020 model offers a standard 3.6L V6 and a 5.7L V8, as well as a pair of ultra-high-performance engines.

Setting aside the two expensive and hard-to-find engines, you will see the base 2020 Grand Cherokee is a little less powerful than the Blazer, with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, upgrading to the 5.7L V8 will provide 357 hp and 390 lb-ft. Maybe you need this kind of power, maybe you don’t. But knowing these options are out there when searching for a vehicle can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.

Because the Grand Cherokee offers larger engines, the Blazer comes out on top as the more fuel-efficient model. The 2020 Blazer offers up to 24 MPG combined, compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 21 MPG combined with its V6 and 17 MPG combined with its V8. If commuting, long road trips, or endless errands keep you in the driver’s seat, the Blazer is a great way to help stretch your dollar at the pumps. However, if you need a workhorse to take you off the beaten path and into nature, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is up for the challenge.

A popular used chevy blazer for sale, a silver 2019 Chevy Blazer, is shown from the side.

Blazing Forward

As you can see, there are a lot of impressive options out there when it comes to midsize SUVs. This is great because it means there is a vehicle for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you need a basic ride for running errands or you’re looking for a more rugged model for off-road adventures, there is an SUV waiting for you.

If you have trouble choosing, then think about flexibility. That’s what we love about the Chevy Blazer, its flexibility. It’s not too big or too small, but perfect for an expanding family. Its flexible seating options make it easy to bring along weekend extras or everyday essentials, so nothing gets left behind.

Never a brand to comprise style for performance, the Chevy Blazer isn’t just nice to look at but reliable and fun to drive. You can choose any midsize SUV out there, but it’ll be tough to beat the multifunction Blazer that fits in around town, out of town, and everywhere in between.