For many, the name Chevrolet represents value and quality. This is especially true for someone looking for a new SUV — Chevy offers seven options, not including the two new EVs, which are reviewed separately. Two popular options are the Chevrolet Blazer and Chevrolet Equinox.
These are both 2-row SUVs, so what’s the difference? The main differences are in size and price; the Blazer is a pricier midsize SUV, and the Equinox is a more affordable compact SUV. However, more differences than just size explain the price difference.
However, there are some differences between the two, and a closer look at each will help you decide which one is the better choice.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevrolet Blazer enjoys an athletic exterior borrowed heavily from the brand’s now-extinct Camaro muscle car. Despite not having a significant exterior update in several years, it’s still a head-turner.
The base model Blazer is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, putting out 228 horsepower to the front axle. However, if you want its performance to equal its looks, you can move up to a 308-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder for an additional $500. If you want all-wheel drive (AWD), that’s an extra $2,700.
The Chevrolet Blazer features a spacious cabin loaded with convenience and safety technology. The ride is good and surprisingly quiet, courtesy of active noise cancellation. A 10.2-inch touchscreen handles the infotainment needs. Pricing begins at $36,795, including destination charge.
Chevrolet Blazer Highlights
Chevy Safety Assist: This is standard technology on every 2024 Blazer and bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams.
Touchscreen: The Chevrolet Blazer features a 10.2-inch touchscreen standard. It’s easy and logical to use, with barely a learning curve. It also includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.
Available V6: An optional V6 engine adds considerable grunt to this SUV’s performance. It turns up the heat with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox is not available with a V6 and can’t deliver the kind of performance that a V6-powered Blazer does.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Blazer models near you.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox is the brand’s top seller (that isn’t a pickup truck) due to its simple, clean exterior styling, spacious cabin, impressive technology, good fuel economy, and affordable price.
Powered by a capable 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 175 hp through a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Equinox gets an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg. AWD is an option for the front-wheel-drive SUV, which is available in four trim packages: LS, LT, RS, and Premier.
The cabin offers ample space for five people, and the styling is uncomplicated. The rear cargo space is not class-leading but more than sufficient. Pricing begins at $27,995, including destination charges.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Special editions: While Equinox’s exterior styling may not be cutting edge, upgrading to the Midnight Edition or Redline Edition appearance packages injects a dose of excitement.
Confidence & Convenience Package: Standard on all but the base LS trim, this package features a power liftgate, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and safety tech features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Chevy Safety Assist: This suite of advanced driver assistance technology features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models near you.
Similarities
The Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox can carry five people and offer plenty of convenience and safety technologies that make them appealing. Plus, they boast affordable price tags for their segments.
Conclusion
Both wear the “bow tie” badge, but they are different. Walking up to both provides the first clues: size and styling. The Chevrolet Blazer exterior borrows heavily from the Camaro muscle car. It’s also bigger and more powerful than the Equinox, especially with its optional V6. However, the Equinox enjoys better fuel economy and a substantially lower price tag. Those are likely the two biggest reasons why Chevy sells more than four times as many units of the Equinox versus the Blazer. The Equinox is the better value.
| 2024 Chevrolet Blazer | 2024 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Starting Price | $36,795 | $27,995 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined |
| Also Available | 3.6-liter DOHC 6-cylinder, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 107.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 191.9 inches | 183.1 inches |
| Width | 76.7 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 67.0 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.6 inches | 55.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 30.5 cubic feet | 29.9 cubic feet |
