What else is a Chevy Blazer known by?
The Chevy Blazer is also known by the K5 Blazer (full-size) and the S-10 Blazer (mid-size); its badge‑engineered twin was the GMC Jimmy.
Across its decades of production, the Blazer has shifted platforms and branding as GM reorganized its SUV lineup. Early generations carried distinct K5 and S-10 prefixes to denote size and chassis, while GMC offered a closely related counterpart under different badging. In the modern era, Chevrolet has returned to the single Blazer nameplate for its current mid-size SUV, though some readers still reference the historical prefixes when discussing vintage models.
Historical names by generation
Two major eras and their aliases
Before listing the common historical names, note that the Blazer lineage spans two primary eras: the original full-size K5 Blazer and the later mid-size S-10 Blazer, each with its own era of popularity.
- K5 Blazer — full-size, introduced in 1969, widely associated with the classic two- and four-door Blazers through the early 1990s.
- S-10 Blazer — mid-size, built on the S-10 pickup platform, produced from the 1980s into the mid-1990s as a smaller alternative.
- GMC Jimmy — badge-engineered cousin sold by GMC during the same periods as the Blazer’s full-size and mid-size generations.
Concluding: These names reflect GM’s badge engineering and platform shifts, with K5 and S-10 identifiers most commonly used by enthusiasts and collectors when referring to specific generations.
Related models and potential confusions
Confusions and close relatives in GM’s SUV family
In the GM lineup, several models share lineage or naming that can cause confusion if you’re shopping or researching historical models.
- TrailBlazer — a separate Chevrolet SUV produced from the early 2000s to the late 2000s; though it contains the Blazer name, it is not a direct successor to the original K5 or S-10 Blazers.
- GMC Jimmy / GMC S-15 Jimmy — the GMC badges used on twin models corresponding to the Blazer’s full-size and mid-size generations.
Concluding: TrailBlazer should be treated as a distinct model from the classic Blazer lineage, even though marketing materials and casual references may blur the distinction.
Modern branding and what to call it today
Today’s Chevrolet Blazer is marketed simply as “Blazer,” without the K5 or S-10 prefixes for the current generation. Enthusiasts will often reference the historical names to distinguish generations (K5 for the original full-size era, S-10 for the mid-size era), while everyday buyers simply call it the Blazer.
Summary: The Chevy Blazer’s identity has evolved through generations, adopting K5 and S-10 prefixes for older full-size and mid-size forms, and sharing a family lineage with the GMC Jimmy. In contemporary markets, Chevrolet uses the streamlined “Blazer” branding, while TrailBlazer remains a separate model and should not be mistaken for the original Blazer lineage.
What is a Chevy Blazer compared to?
Competitors for the Chevy Blazer include other mid-size, two-row SUVs like the Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Blazer's electric version, the Blazer EV, competes against electric SUVs such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla Model Y. Less direct competitors can also include the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento.
This video compares the Chevy Blazer with the Ford Explorer: 1mDaily MotorYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Gasoline-powered Blazer competitors
- Honda Passport
- Nissan Murano
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Ford Edge
- Kia Sorento
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Buick Envision
- Ford Explorer
You can watch this video to see a comparison between the Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer: 58sAdam's Everything EVYouTube · Aug 3, 2025
Electric (Blazer EV) competitors
- Tesla Model Y
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Toyota bZ4X
- Subaru Solterra
- Nissan Ariya
- Honda Prologue
What car is similar to a Blazer?
Cars similar to 2025 Chevrolet Blazer
- 2025 Chevrolet Blazer. #15 in Mid-Size SUVs. Get Your Price.
- 2025 Honda Passport. #21 in Mid-Size SUVs.
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. #13 in Mid-Size SUVs.
- 2025 Kia Sorento. #11 in Mid-Size SUVs. Get Your Price.
What Buick is the same size as a Chevy Blazer?
The Buick Envision offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Chevrolet Blazer, with comparable head- and legroom. The Chevrolet Blazer offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Buick Envision, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.
What is the Chevy Blazer known for?
The Chevy Blazer has been a part of the American automotive scene since 1969, when it was introduced to compete with other popular off-road vehicles like the Ford Bronco and Jeep CJ. It began as a rugged, full-size SUV and, over the years, has evolved into a modern, mid-size crossover, balancing capability and comfort.
