When you shop for a Chevy Blazer for sale, it might be easy to be taken aback when you see there is a similarly named SUV, the Chevy Trailblazer. The Trailblazer is not another trim of the Blazer; it’s its own entity and, like the Blazer, has a new 2023 model. There are some similarities between these two SUVs, but they have far more differences than commonalities, so it would be a mistake to view them as anything close to interchangeable.
One major similarity they do have? Success. Both are popular, high-selling vehicles. SUVs are hot right now; no mistaking it. They offer drivers the best of both worlds: not large enough to be a truck but large enough that you can have more storage than with a sedan. For families, laborers, and athletes, an SUV can be the most practical option. Increasingly, SUVs arrive nicely designed, too. If you still view SUVs as the somewhat boxy-looking vehicles they were a couple of decades ago, then you need to take another look around the road. These things are stylish! Some are sporty, while others have an edge of aggression. And two of the best-looking SUVs on the market right now? The Blazer and the Trailblazer.
Different Purposes, Not Different Quality
It’d be incorrect to declare the Blazer or Trailblazer better than the other. They serve different purposes as the Blazer is a midsize SUV, and the Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV. We’ll take a look at the physical differences shortly, but let’s first discuss the different markets the two are aiming for.
The Blazer is a larger SUV, capable of towing up to 4,500 lbs. It’s more expensive than the Trailblazer, but it’s easy to see why, as it has more capability. If you want a comparison to understand its towing ability, the Blazer can essentially tow something as heavy as itself. For laborers who want to be able to trailer material or vacationers who want to bring along all the comforts of home when camping, the Blazer’s tow limit is a huge selling point. When it comes to towing, consumers often assume a truck is the only option. The Blazer shows that’s just not the case.
The Trailblazer is smaller, giving you solid storage space and a little towing power. It’d be wrong to view it as simply a small version of the Blazer, though. Its underlying structure is different, giving it a little bit more of a sedan feel. This makes the Trailblazer adept for anyone doing significant city driving as it’s better at navigating some of the downsides of city streets, such as tight turns and crowded parking.
?In short, the Blazer aims to please drivers who expect to travel with some significant luggage, either for pleasure or work, while the Trailblazer sets its sights on a driver who wants some of the benefits of an SUV without totally sacrificing the nimbleness of a sedan. Just how many people you plan to pack into the SUV can also affect which one serves you best. Certainly, for a single driver, the Trailblazer stands out as a good option, while for the suburban or rural family, the Blazer will serve well.
Fuel Efficiency: What's the Damage at the Pump?
Due to their different styles and purposes, it’s wrong to directly compare the fuel efficiency of each vehicle. Instead, let’s take a look at how they stack up for their respective classes.
Due to its towing ability, storage space, and size, the Blazer has a lower fuel economy rating than smaller SUVs that have less capability. The Blazer gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway when equipped with a 2.0L engine. If you opt for a V6 in the Blazer, you can expect 19 MPG in the city and up to 27 MPG on the highway.
The Trailblazer, on the other hand, comes with an aggressive fuel economy rating for a subcompact SUV. Drivers can expect an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway when equipped with a 1.3L engine. With a 1.2L engine under the hood, the Trailblazer has similar ratings of 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. With the Trailblazer, fuel efficiency is at the forefront of its design.
When it comes down to picking between the two, you should also consider size. The Trailblazer has 25.3 cu.ft. of cargo space available behind the second row of seats. Fold those down, and you'll be able to access 54.4 cu.ft. With the Blazer, the cargo space is 30.5 cu.ft. with all seats in an upright position; if you fold the second row down, you'll have a maximum of 64.2 cu.ft. That can make quite a difference.
Trims: Styling Your SUV to Match You
The wonderful thing about trims is that they allow you to individualize your vehicle. Just because someone else has the same model as you does not mean theirs and yours are identical both inside and out. Both the Blazer and Trailblazer come with multiple trim options that match different driving lifestyles. They both have trims aimed towards those who plan to use their SUVs a little more intensely, for instance, with the Blazer’s 3LT trim and the Trailblazer’s ACTIV trim.
Most exciting, though, are the special editions of the Blazer. The Midnight edition and the Redline edition of the Blazer will make your SUV not just stand out but wow onlookers. The Midnight (sometimes known as Sport) edition gives your vehicle a glossy, dark makeover like it’s ready to blend in with the night. It also has 18-inch high-gloss black-painted wheels along with matching black grilles. This edition mixes cool and intimidating, making certain you won’t be forgotten. The Redline edition gives your Blazer a choice between summit white coloring or black coloring, along with red accents on the wheels and decals. The subtle red coloring adds a layer of sport to your SUV that you might feel is normally missing due to the Blazer’s large size.
Similarities Are There, Too
Both of these are classy, capable Chevy vehicles, so there are some aspects they have in common. For example, both share Chevy’s hallmark safety system, Chevy Safety Assist. This system includes features like Forward Collision Alert & Automatic Emergency Breaking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Following Distance Indicator.
Both of these models are great if you find yourself driving around California. If you’re going to be going up and down California’s winding highways, camping or taking day trips all over our beautiful state, the Blazer has your back with its towing capability, passenger comfort, and storage capacity. If you’re instead usually driving through Sacramento itself, the zippy and nimble Trailblazer will have your back.
In the end, both of these SUVs are spectacular. Which one you need depends entirely on your purpose for driving. If you’re still uncertain, though, feel free to ask us at Future Chevrolet. We’re happy to help!
Stop By Our Dealership
We love our Chevy SUVs and have been placing customers behind the wheel of one for years. If you come by, you’ll see that our customer service experts stand ready to help and clear up any questions you have. It will be our pleasure to help you test drive a Blazer or Trailblazer so you can get a better sense of what each SUV offers. Stop by as soon as you can and take advantage of what we have on our lot!