Ford Explorer Vs Chevy Blazer: Which Suv Packs More Value For Your Money?

The Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer are two of the most iconic SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles have a long history of providing drivers with rugged performance, spacious interiors, and advanced technology. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Explorer against the Chevy Blazer to determine which one comes out on top.

Performance and Power: A Close Match

Both the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer offer a range of powerful engine options to suit different needs. The Explorer starts with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. However, it also offers a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that cranks out 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of performance, both the Explorer and the Blazer deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. The Explorer’s suspension is slightly more refined, providing better handling and stability. However, the Blazer’s powerful V6 engine gives it a slight edge in acceleration and towing capacity.

Fuel Efficiency: The Explorer Takes the Lead

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer has a clear advantage over the Chevy Blazer. The Explorer’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The twin-turbocharged V6 engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Blazer’s four-cylinder engine achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: A Matter of Personal Preference

Both the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer has a slightly larger interior, with 157 cubic feet of passenger volume and 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The Blazer has 148.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.

In terms of comfort, both vehicles offer supportive seats and a variety of features to keep passengers comfortable, such as heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. However, the Explorer’s interior is slightly more upscale, with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.

Technology and Safety Features: A Tie

The Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer both come equipped with a wide range of technology and safety features. Both vehicles offer a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

In terms of safety, both the Explorer and the Blazer have earned high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Blazer received a four-star overall safety rating. The Explorer also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the Blazer earned a Top Safety Pick award.

Price and Value: The Explorer Offers More for Less

The Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer are both priced competitively, with starting prices of around $35,000. However, the Explorer offers more value for your money. It comes standard with a more powerful engine, a more spacious interior, and a more upscale infotainment system. The Blazer, on the other hand, has a slightly lower starting price, but it also comes with less standard equipment.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer are both excellent choices for drivers who want a spacious and capable SUV. However, the Explorer offers a more powerful engine, a more spacious interior, a more upscale infotainment system, and better fuel efficiency. It also comes with a lower starting price. Overall, the Ford Explorer is the better choice for most drivers.

Endnote: The Explorer Emerges as the Winner

After a comprehensive comparison, the Ford Explorer emerges as the winner. It offers a more powerful engine, a more spacious interior, a more upscale infotainment system, better fuel efficiency, and a lower starting price. If you’re looking for a spacious and capable SUV, the Ford Explorer is the better choice.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more powerful engine, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more spacious interior, with 157 cubic feet of passenger volume and 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats.

Q: Which SUV has a more upscale infotainment system?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more upscale infotainment system, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a lower starting price?
A: The Chevy Blazer has a lower starting price, starting at around $35,000.