​​The Chevrolet Blazer vs Trailblazer: What‘s In a Name​?  

Do you know the difference between the Chevrolet Blazer and the Trailblazer?  

It may seem confusing at first since they share the “Blazer” name. We can assure you that they are two very different vehicles.  

The shared name came from Chevrolet’s very first SUV, which launched in 1969 as a shortened version of the K-Series pickup truck. The original full-size Blazer went to compete in the emerging off-road vehicle scene of the time, and variations remained in Chevrolet’s lineup until 1995, when it evolved into the Tahoe. 

In 1983, a smaller S-10 Blazer arrived, built off Chevrolet’s compact pickup platform, and would remain in production through 2005. Confusingly, its replacement – a midsize SUV badged as the Trailblazer – arrived in 2001, and lasted through 2008.  

Chevrolet kept these names in its back pocket all these years and opted to revive them for its latest generations of midsize and compact SUVs. In 2018, the Blazer was introduced as a midsize two-row crossover, while the Trailblazer name reappeared on a small crossover starting in 2021.  

Still confused? According to Autoblog, there are five main differences between the two crossovers. Let’s dive into what makes them different.  

If you’re looking for the difference between the two, it should start with size.  The Blazer is clearly the larger of the two. On the outside, the larger crossover has an 18-inch length advantage, a nine-inch longer wheelbase, and is both five inches wider and roughly two inches taller than the Trailblazer.

Predictably, the Blazer has an edge over the Trailblazer when it comes to interior space. Blazer has about nine more cubic feet of interior volume in its passenger area, and holds an advantage when it comes to shoulder and hip room.  

Another big difference between the Blazer and Trailblazer comes down to what’s underneath the hood. Overall, there is more horsepower and torque between the two pair of engines for each vehicle. The Trailblazer offers a pair of three-cylinder turbocharged, whereas the Blazer offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an optional V-6.   

Where the Trailblazer gains an advantage is in fuel economy and pricing. It can achieve up to 33 MPG on highway, compared to the Blazer’s 29 MPG highway rating, and is considerably less expensive than the Blazer while still delivering many of the same features one expects of a modern Chevrolet. 

If you’re still wondering whether a Blazer or Trailblazer would best suit your needs, contact us at McFarland Chevrolet. We can show you which will fit you the best for you, your family, and your lifestyle.