Are you looking to buy a new vehicle and finding it hard to choose between the Blazer and the Equinox? If so, you aren’t alone. Both have plenty of good things about them, so you need to dig deep to see the differences. If you want a large vehicle with more power, consider the Blazer, but expect to pay more. When your budget is limited and you need something good on gas, the Equinox is the way to go. Drivers love the cargo and passenger space in the Blazer, but the Equinox is a compact crossover with lots of style. How can you make this choice?
Buyer’s Choice
While both vehicles fall under the compact crossover SUV category, there are some differences between them. Knowing these differences will make it easier to choose one or the other when you get to the Chevy dealership.
Exterior Design
When you visit the dealership and see the two models side-by-side, you will notice the Blazer has a design that is bold and aggressive. The Equinox looks sedate when they are next to one another. Some buyers will like this bold look, and others want to blend in more. The bold look of the Blazer is seen in every exterior element-from the sharp, sculpted shape to the slim LED headlights. The wheel arches on this model are muscular and are complemented by the large chrome grill. After seeing this vehicle, the small grille and understated design lines along with the rounder shape of the Equinox will provide a significant contrast.
2024 Updates
Chevy made minor exterior updates to both vehicles for the 2024 model year. Each got a revised grill and updated wheel design. The carmaker also restyled the LED lighting elements. However, only the Blazer has a new color option that drivers can choose. Ask about the new vibrant blue finish known as Riptide Blue Metallic. It may be the color you want for your new ride.
The manufacturer also offered a new option when it comes to the Blazer. Drivers who prioritize performance in their ride will want to check out the 2024 Blazer RS. This vehicle comes with a 345-horsepower V6 engine and a sport suspension. It also comes with Brembo brakes and additional upgrades. A nine-speed automatic transmission can also be found on both models for 2024.
Interior Space and Cargo Area
The Blazer is the bigger of the two vehicles, so it should come as no shock that it has more room for passengers and cargo than the Equinox. However, there are areas where the Equinox comes out on top. The Equinox offers more headroom in the front and rear but less legroom in the front. When looking at rear legroom, the Equinox comes out on top, but the Blazer has slightly more cargo space overall. Regardless of which model you choose, the rear seats slide and recline. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to seating arrangements and when you need to carry cargo.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Equinox is the smaller of the two vehicles and its engine isn’t as powerful, so it’s no surprise it gets better fuel economy. However, your choice of engine may also affect your fuel economy. You have three engine options when it comes to the Blazer. Opt for the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder version and get 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway. Upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 engine and these numbers drop to 18 in the city and 25 on the highway.
The Equinox only comes with two engine options, a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. Choose the 1.5-liter and you can expect to get 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. However, these smaller engines won’t haul as much as the larger ones found in the Blazer. The maximum towing capacity for the Equinox is 1,500 pounds. Purchase the Blazer V6 and you can tow up to 4,500 pounds with ease. Engineers focused on efficiency when designing the Equinox and performance when creating the Blazer.
Technology and Safety Features
When it comes to technology and safety features, the two models are very similar. You will get the Chevy Infotainment 3 System which features an eight-inch touchscreen. The vehicle will come with a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The vehicles are equipped with a teen driver system as well as a rear seat reminder. To keep you safe, Chevy has outfitted these vehicles with safety features such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert. You may also upgrade and get a Bose premium sound system, HD surround camera vision, and adaptive cruise control.
The Blazer does have one tech advantage buyers need to be aware of. You can pay extra for an eight-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster. However, both vehicles come with connectivity and driver assistance functions.
Pricing
When visiting the dealership, expect to pay more for the Blazer regardless of which trim level you select. Equinox pricing starts at $29.595 with the top trim level coming in at $34,795. Choose the Blazer and the starting price for the base model is $36,795 although you could pay up to $44,195 if you want the Premier trim level. Both vehicles come in three trim levels, making it easy for every driver to find the right ride for their lifestyle and budget.
Making the Choice
If you want a sporty SUV, one with aggressive styling, the Blazer is the vehicle you need. It will provide you with more space for passengers and cargo and is ideal if your priorities are performance and utility. Budget-conscious drivers, on the other hand, will find the fuel-efficient Equinox is the better choice.
Regardless of which model you choose, you are getting a reliable vehicle made by a well-established manufacturer. Visit the dealership and take each model for a test drive. Doing so will help you decide which one to buy. If you have additional questions following these test drives, don’t hesitate to ask. Your Chevy salesperson will happily answer them, as they want you to go home with a ride you love.
