2019 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
By Jakob Hansen, 7/16/2020
Manufacturers are releasing more and more SUVs every day, making it hard to keep up with the current vehicle line-up. What are the differences between the Chevy Blazer vs Chevy Equinox, and which is right for you?
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When I was 15, I saw a burgundy 1999 Chevrolet Blazer ZR2 that I fell in love with. I begged my parents to let me buy it, but since I wasn’t old enough to drive, and didn't have enough money, they made a deal to go in halfway with me and let my brother drive it until I was old enough. Well low and behold, I never got to drive that car, my brother took it sideways into a pole on I-75. He was uninjured, thank God. Chevrolet hasn't had a Blazer available for sale for some time, but now, gratefully, it is back. Perhaps I’ll have the opportunity to drive my burgundy Blazer after all.
Today, there is a seemingly endless amount of SUVs and crossovers on the market. In what seems like a constant rotation, manufacturers are releasing new SUVs left and right, flooding the market with SUVs in every size and shape. But is it arbitrary? Or do these different SUVs hold value in the size range which they are released?
The difference between the 2019 Chevy Equinox and 2019 Chevy Blazer may be difficult to see at first besides some major stylistic differences, but deep down these are two very different vehicles with different applications.
Platform
The overall size of the two SUVs is the first noticeable difference. The Chevy Equinox is a mid-size SUV based on the GM D2XX platform, which is shared with small vehicles like the Chevy Volt and Chevy Cruze. The Blazer, on the other hand, is built on the C1XX platform, which is a shared vehicle platform used with vehicles like the Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and Cadillac XT6. This difference in platform is highly noticed when looking at interior space. The Blazer has a slightly larger cabin, but several inches throughout the cabin add a significant amount of space. Overall passenger volume is up in the Blazer over the Equinox from 103.2 to 107.8. Even more important, cargo space is increased.
Not to mention the overall size, the ride is noticed as well. A dedicated SUV platform, such as the one used for the Chevrolet Blazer, is designed from the ground up to be used with SUVs. This means that the fundamentals of the platform are engineered to accompany vehicles that have a larger weight, ride height, and more cargo. The SUV dedicated platform will provide a better ride, more rigidity, and better on-road and off-road handling over any terrain.
Styling
The first thing you notice on the new Chevy Blazer is the aesthetics. It is perhaps the biggest difference that sets it apart from other SUVs in its class. Both the Equinox and the Blazer are well-designed SUVs, with attractive body lines and thought out interiors.
The Equinox is classically styled within the realm of Chevrolet design features. It is easy to tell that it is a Chevy and looks modern and attractive on the road. It does not particularly stand out in traffic against the sea of SUVs, but that can go both ways. It’s not particularly exciting, but not overly unattractive either. The interior is comfortable and practical, providing a perfect space for a family SUV.
The Blazer, on the other hand, is radically styled. The thin headlights and massive front grill are appropriate in today's design language, but will most likely look outdated in a few years. The rellies heavily on the Camaro for inspiration and the similarities continue inside. The large circular vents front and center on the dash are directly out of Chevrolet’s sports car and dabble with new and refreshing interior design for SUVs. The materials are also of a higher grade, better feeling buttons and switches and higher-end materials make the interior a more special place to be. The Blazer will definitely stand out in traffic for now, but as they gain in popularity, the excitement will die down. The styling of the Blazer is a nice change of pace from traditional SUV styling, but the daring design language is not for everyone.
Price
Price is clearly a concern on everyone's mind. For two SUVs that are so similarly sized, value for your dollar is something everyone is asking. The Equinox is a very modestly priced SUV, as it competes in the most competitive automotive market at this time. With an MSRP that starts at $23,800 and tops off at $31,100, not including extra options or destination, the Equinox is a lot of SUV for the money. The Blazer is not far off but does have a bit of a price jump. Starting at $28,800 and going up to $42,600, the Blaser will demand a bit of a premium.
Is the price gap worth the jump? In our opinion, yes. The Equinox’s small size is a large downfall, especially when it comes to rear space. The exciting styling of the Blazer is an added bonus, and not losing your SUV in the mall parking lot will be a nice change of pace.
For more information on new car pricing, visit our Car Buyers Guide to Invoice Pricing and More.
Closing
Sometimes finding the right vehicle for you and your family can be tough, but knowing what SUVs are available and the differences between them are important. The Chevrolet Blazer is a vehicle that holds nostalgic value to many of us and has a lot to live up to. The Equinox, on the other hand, has been battling it out in the toughest segment in the market today, and its experience shows. It's a tough, reliable family SUV that lives up to its name. Which vehicle is right for you? Well, that's for you to decide. Take a look at what's important to you, and if the extra space and styling are things that are worth the extra money to you.