What are the differences between the Chevy Equinox and the Chevy Blazer?
The Chevrolet Blazer is larger, more powerful, and pricier than the Equinox, while the Equinox prioritizes efficiency and value. This article compares size and space, engines and performance, interior technology, safety features, and pricing to help you decide which SUV best fits your needs.
Both models occupy Chevy's SUV lineup but target different buyers: the Equinox is a compact, versatile family vehicle with strong fuel economy and affordability, while the Blazer leans toward a sportier vibe with more cargo and power. The details below reflect typical configurations for recent model years; exact specs can vary by year and trim.
Size, seating and cargo
Here's how the two Chevy SUVs compare in overall footprint and practicality:
- Exterior size: The Blazer is longer and typically wider than the Equinox, giving it a more substantial road presence.
- Passenger capacity: Both seat five people across two rows, with similar rear-seat legroom in most trims.
- Cargo behind the second row: Both offer roughly similar space behind the rear seats, with the Blazer sometimes feeling a touch roomier due to a wider opening.
- Maximum cargo space: Both SUVs offer a competitive max cargo footprint (roughly in the low-to-mid 60 cubic feet range with the rear seats folded), with the Blazer sometimes providing a more flexible layout on higher trims.
- All-wheel drive availability: Both models offer all-wheel-drive options across multiple trims.
In short, the Blazer delivers more interior presence and cargo flexibility for a larger vehicle, while the Equinox remains the easier, more nimble choice for urban parking and daily commuting.
Powertrains and performance
Engine choices and how they affect everyday driving:
- Equinox: Typically offers a smaller turbocharged engine as the base option, with a more powerful turbo available on higher trims. The emphasis is on efficiency and a balanced daily drive.
- Blazer: Positioned with stronger engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder in most trims and historically a larger V6 in earlier years. The Blazer generally delivers quicker acceleration and higher towing potential than the Equinox.
- Drivetrain and transmission: Both models use modern automatic transmissions (often 9-speed) and offer optional all-wheel drive, but the Blazer’s tuning tends to favor a more engaging, sportier feel.
- Fuel economy and performance: The Equinox is typically more fuel-efficient in similar configurations, while the Blazer trades some efficiency for stronger power and capability.
Overall, choose the Equinox for efficiency and everyday practicality, or opt for the Blazer if you want more power, a bolder feel, and greater towing potential (depending on engine choice and year).
Interior, technology and features
Technology, comfort, and convenience features across trims:
- Infotainment: Both models run Chevrolet’s modern infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims often bring larger touchscreens and more premium materials.
- Display and controls: The Blazer typically offers more upscale interior finishes and emphasis on a sporty cabin, while the Equinox focuses on practicality with straightforward controls and durable materials.
- Comfort and convenience: Both offer multiple USB ports, seating comfort options, and available features like heated seats and wireless device charging on higher trims; the Blazer tends to push for more premium options.
- Technology packages: The Blazer can include enhanced sound systems, larger displays, and advanced driver-assistance tech on premium trims; both vehicles offer GM safety tech at various levels depending on trim.
In short, the Blazer aims for a higher-end, more premium feel with advanced tech on certain trims, while the Equinox prioritizes straightforward usability and value with solid standard features.
Safety and driver-assistance
Which SUV keeps you safer and how the features differ by trim:
- Standard safety: Both bring a solid set of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control on select trims.
- Availability by trim: More advanced or additional safety tech (like enhanced collision warnings or advanced cruise options) tends to appear on higher trims or as part of optional packages on both models.
- Active safety emphasis: Both models rely on a combination of sensors and software to support driver awareness; the Blazer’s higher-end trims can offer more premium or optional packages with upgraded safety tech.
For drivers prioritizing robust, value-oriented safety, both vehicles offer competitive packages, with more advanced tech typically found on the Blazer’s upper trims.
Pricing, value and ownership
A snapshot of cost considerations and ownership value:
- Starting price: The Equinox generally starts lower than the Blazer, reflecting its compact size and emphasis on value.
- Trim progression and features: As you move up trims, both SUVs gain more power, tech, and luxury-like touches, with the Blazer climbing faster in price due to its sportier positioning.
- Fuel costs: The Equinox typically delivers better fuel economy across similar configurations, which can translate to lower operating costs over time.
- Towing and capability: The Blazer offers higher potential towing capacity with certain engines, contributing to higher ownership costs for those who need this capability.
In terms of overall value, the Equinox is often the pragmatic choice for daily drivers and families on a budget, while the Blazer appeals to buyers seeking more space, stronger performance, and a more premium feel—often at a higher price.
Which should you choose? Scenarios
Family daily driver and budget-conscious shopper
If you prioritize efficiency, lower upfront cost, and easy urban maneuverability, the Equinox is typically the better fit. It offers solid cargo capacity for its class, good fuel economy, and a straightforward feature set that covers most needs without breaking the bank.
Desire for space, power, and a sportier vibe
For buyers who want more interior presence, higher horsepower options, and a more premium cabin experience, the Blazer is a stronger contender. It sacrifices some efficiency and price point for greater capability and a bolder design language.
Summary
In brief, the Chevrolet Equinox is the more compact, efficient, and budget-friendly option, ideal for daily commuting and practical family use. The Chevrolet Blazer is larger, more powerful, and more expensive, offering more cargo versatility and a sportier, premium feel. Your choice depends on whether you value efficiency and price (Equinox) or space, power, and a more upscale experience (Blazer). Always verify model-year specifications and trim details for the exact features and numbers that apply to the vehicle you’re considering.
