Other than the outstanding Silverado 1500, the compact Chevy Equinox SUV is Chevy’s best-selling vehicle—and with good reason. It’s a very affordable SUV, great for commuters and families alike. However, far too few of our customers don’t give consideration to the Chevy Blazer, which is very similar to the Equinox while giving you extra power and style. For anyone who is considering the Equinox or owns one, it might be prudent to give the Blazer an examination, as it’s one sure great midsize SUV.
We have the Chevy Blazer for sale here at LaFontaine Chevrolet Dexter because we know that it stands as a smart purchase for drivers in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas. It’s confidently able to tackle rural, suburban, and urban roads all in the same day, thanks to its different drive modes and available all-wheel drive; that’s also why it doesn’t break a sweat during summer downpours or winter snowstorms. So, let's take a look at both the Equinox and the Blazer so that you can have a better understanding of why the Blazer should be just as popular.
Capability No Matter the Road
When the geography changes as fast as it does in Michigan, you want a vehicle that can adapt at the same speed. Part of that comes from having all-wheel drive (AWD) and multiple drive modes. AWD, as opposed to front-wheel drive (FWD), allows for better traction when you’re barreling down the road and it's slippery or icy. Sometimes, it’s hard to predict when conditions will change, and slamming on the brakes isn’t a great idea; all-wheel drive provides additional traction, so you are less likely to hydroplane or swerve on the ice, so you can gradually slow down while knowing your wheels are putting in some extra effort to keep you safe.
The Equinox has available Switchable All-Wheel Drive, which automatically adjusts when the roads call for it; in other words, your Equinox will normally be in FWD but will transition to AWD if it senses it’s necessary. The Blazer comes with available full-time AWD and different drive modes, such as Snow/Ice for FWD models and Tow/Haul and Off-Road for AWD models.
The different drive modes are designed to power the engine and wheels in varied manners in order to best match the terrain you’re driving on that day, as well as the weight you’re towing, if any. AWD is popular in climates like ours where winters are rough, and you don’t want snow stopping you from dropping the kids off at school, nor do you want to be unable to commute to the office due to a few fresh inches of snow. The Blazer’s AWD and drive modes make it ideal for folks near Ann Arbor.
The other game changer in terms of power and control is, of course, the engine. A great engine produces excellent horsepower and torque, which leads to fast acceleration and a smooth ride at high speeds. However, control can be impacted as well; a vehicle that feels like it’s struggling to keep pace—as if the engine is coughing—can be uncomfortable to drive. This goes double for when the weather is poor, and you’re facing less-than-ideal conditions to begin with.
The Equinox comes with a peppy 1.5L turbocharged engine, while the Blazer comes with two options. The standard engine for the midsize SUV is a 2.0L turbocharged engine, offering you 228 hp as compared to the Equinox’s 175 hp; however, you can upgrade your Blazer for even more power with a robust V6 engine that cranks the power up to 308 hp. With the V6, in addition to better command and response, your taking off from a standstill will be easier—so, for example, you won’t find yourself stuck on the entrance ramp to I-94 if you opt for the V6.
It would be wrong to say that these facts make the Blazer “better” than the Equinox; they are two different types of SUVs, and thus, a direct comparison is not entirely fair. However, since the Blazer builds on what the Equinox offers, many Michigan drivers might find that it serves their purposes better. Who doesn’t want to know they have a vehicle that can beat winter weather and get them roaring into Detroit?
Classing Up the Place
Let’s first take a look at the Equinox. One reason it has sold so well is that it’s such a respectable-looking vehicle. In an Equinox, no one goes anywhere without feeling good about what they’re driving. Whether you’re pulling up to a club in Detroit or parked in the suburbs outside Ann Arbor, you know you’re looking classy in your Equinox.
Not only is it a glossy, sleek build to begin with, but you can also add additional fun touches, like a sunroof. You can impress your passengers with leather-appointed seats with red accent stitching. And if you really want to awe onlookers, the Equinox comes in a Midnight Edition and a Redline Edition; these special editions will have you looking cooler than everyone else on the roads.
The Blazer has a sharp look that features some of the same vibes but is still distinctly its own. As an example, just take a look at its two-toned black roof, which adds an air of mystique to this SUV. Depending on trim, you can add an element of aggression, too, with 21-inch wheels and a chrome grille. Similar to the Equinox, you can also go for the special outfits of the Midnight Edition or the Redline Edition. The Blazer’s build is a little bigger than the Equinox’s—and a little more imposing—so for those who want to look tougher on the road, the Blazer can be a treasure.
Economical Advantages
A benefit both the Equinox and the Blazer share is their affordability. These SUVs are relatively inexpensive for their class, yet, as we can see from above, have a lot to offer drivers. This has long been the case for both and for Chevy options in general. The brand has made a name for itself for offering well built automobiles at an economical price.
The Blazer costs more than the Equinox, yet when you look at how it builds upon the Equinox, it’s easy to understand why we say the difference in price is not all that drastic. For just a little more, the Blazer upgrades almost all aspects of the already great Equinox. If your budget has some wiggle room, you can magnify one outstanding SUV and get a larger, more powerful, and better-equipped version.
The Blazer Has Much to Offer
The Chevy Blazer offers more than the Equinox, and for drivers in Michigan, it might be worth considering this midsize SUV over its smaller but still impressive sibling. The Blazer gives you more power and more control, both of which you'll want for the winter, and its imposing looks will add a bit more flair to your drives.
We have the 2024 Blazer here at LaFontaine Chevrolet Dexter, and we’d be happy to let you take it for a test drive. We’d also be more than happy to walk you through the specifics of its trims so you know what each one offers. We promise you’ll be driving home with a serious upgrade to your automotive life.
