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What is the difference between the K5 Blazer and the S-10 Blazer?

The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV that has been produced in various models over the years. The key difference between the K5 Blazer and the S-10 Blazer lies in their size, design, and the platforms they were built on.


The K5 Blazer


The K5 Blazer was Chevrolet's full-size SUV model, first introduced in 1969. It was built on the same platform as the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks and shared many of their components. The K5 Blazer was known for its rugged, boxy design and was available with either a removable hardtop or a soft top. It was offered with a range of V8 engines and was primarily marketed as a capable off-road vehicle. The K5 Blazer was larger and more powerful than the later S-10 Blazer.


The S-10 Blazer


The S-10 Blazer was introduced in 1983 as a mid-size SUV, replacing the K5 Blazer. It was built on the smaller S-10 pickup truck platform, making it more compact and maneuverable than the K5. The S-10 Blazer had a more modern, aerodynamic design and was available with either a two-door or four-door body style. It was offered with a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines, making it more fuel-efficient than the K5 Blazer. The S-10 Blazer was designed to be more of a family-oriented SUV, rather than a hardcore off-road vehicle like the K5.


Key Differences



  • Size: The K5 Blazer was a full-size SUV, while the S-10 Blazer was a mid-size SUV.

  • Platform: The K5 Blazer was built on the same platform as the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks, while the S-10 Blazer was built on the smaller S-10 pickup truck platform.

  • Design: The K5 Blazer had a more rugged, boxy design, while the S-10 Blazer had a more modern, aerodynamic design.

  • Engine Options: The K5 Blazer was available with a range of V8 engines, while the S-10 Blazer was offered with four-cylinder and V6 engines.

  • Purpose: The K5 Blazer was primarily marketed as a capable off-road vehicle, while the S-10 Blazer was designed to be more of a family-oriented SUV.


In summary, the K5 Blazer and the S-10 Blazer were two distinct models of the Chevrolet Blazer, differing in size, design, and intended use. The K5 Blazer was a larger, more powerful, and more rugged off-road vehicle, while the S-10 Blazer was a more compact, fuel-efficient, and family-oriented SUV.

What are the different levels of Chevy Blazers?


The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer has four different trim levels: 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. All trims are available with either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).



What's the difference between a K5 and K10 Blazer?


The original K5 Blazer was built on the K10 pickup truck platform with a wheelbase shortened to 104 in (2,600 mm), designed and marketed to compete with the International Scout (which had been introduced in 1960 for the 1961 model year) and the Ford Bronco (1965/66) utility vehicles.



What does K5 mean in Blazer?


The following year, 1970, Chevrolet introduced a two wheel drive version of the K5 Blazer. In usual Chevrolet nomenclature this should really have been designated a “C5” Blazer as Chevrolet use the “K” for four wheel drive vehicles and “C” for two wheel drive.



What was the last year of the S10 Blazer?


2005
The S-10 was produced through 2005. In the United States retail sales after 2004 were limited to two-door Blazer models. All other models were sold to fleets until April 20, 2005. In the Canadian market, four-door models of the Blazer and Jimmy were sold until the 2004 model year.



What does the k in K10 stand for?


The Chevy C/K pickup line was composed of two different designations, “C” and “K”. The “C” designates the two-wheel drive trucks in the line, while the “K” designates four-wheel drive.



What was the Dodge version of a K5 Blazer?


Ramcharger
The Ramcharger was mostly produced as a two-door, 4×4 vehicle, although a two-wheel-drive version was available. As a full-size SUV, it competed with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the 1978–1996 Ford Bronco. The Ramcharger was discontinued at the end of the 1993 model year in North America.



Why are K5 Blazers so expensive?


With huge numbers produced, K5 Blazers flew under the collector radar for years while other '80s and '90s SUVs saw skyrocketing prices. Now, Blazers have been caught up in the frenzy: 1988 models that went for $10,000 to $35,000 in 2021 now fetch $14,000 to $57,000.



What is the GMC version of the S-10?


The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma.



What does R and S mean in blazers?


Suit and sport coat sizes have one number and one letter (for example, 38S, 40R, 42L). The number is your chest measurement and the letter refers to the jacket's length ' short, regular or long. Check your own measurements and follow our men's suit size chart to help determine the right size for you.



Are S10s and Blazers the same?


The Chevrolet (S-10) Blazer and its badge engineered GMC (S-15) Jimmy counterpart are compact/mid-size SUVs manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet and GMC from the 1983 through 2005 model years, over two generations – until the early 1990s alongside these brands' full-size SUVs with near identical nameplates, but ...


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.