Chevy Blazer Vs. Traverse Comparison Via Motor Trend: How do they Drive?

The Motor Trend team has tested the Chevy Blazer quite a bit since its release in 2019 and were very impressed by the RS trim at their SUV of the Year competition. Last week they decided to see how the Blazer stacked up against the larger 2019 Traverse Premier FWD, in some ways defying the typical comparison test. Since the Blazer and Traverse are not in direct competition with each other, it's not a classic stack up and showdown, but you will want to know which one is right for you.

Experienced writer Nick Yekikian says of the Traverse that it is “like a pair of Chuck Taylors – easy to live with and use every single day, but maybe not the best choice for any kind of exercise.” The Blazer, on the other hand, is illustrated by Nick as one that can “help you tackle the 5K” but has perhaps more limited uses as a result. One thing in common that both of these great SUVs have is that they are very similar in price range, as the Motor Trend crew compared the Traverse Premier and the Blazer RS.

There is quite a difference in interior that was pointed out here after investigation, as one issue to be immediately addressed is that the Traverse boasts three rows and seating for up to eight, and the Blazer has two rows and seating for five. As far as interior goes, this testing troupe regarded the Blazer as a “properly modern place to sit.” Climate controls are laid out in a straight line, and the temperature control knob on the larger side is so massive it's difficult to miss. The gauge clusters in the Blazer are a bit sportier, and the four-spoke steering wheel in the Blazer is has a bit sportier of an appearance.

Both vehicles derive power from 3.6-liter V6 engines, pared with nine-speed automatic transmissions. The Blazer cranks out 308 horsepower compared to the Traverse's 310 but finishes out ahead in the torque department with 270 stacked up to the Traverse's 266 lb-ft. Mainly due to its size, the Blazer is much easier to control than the Traverse, and you feel behind the wheel that the car will “do whatever you tell it to.” Even though the Traverse ranked a bit lower on the athletic side with this group, it needs to be addressed that you are carrying more people or cargo, and it is still surprisingly capable all-around for an SUV its size.

All of us on staff here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis would have to agree with Motor Trend that when you are making this decision it mostly depends on how large your family is and your daily driving habits. If there are fewer than five of you, the compact nature and competence of the Blazer is going to appeal to you and still be suitable and practical. You can test drive both of these outstanding SUVs here this spring and see which one meets your needs. We are going to go out on a limb and say that our personal favorite is the Blazer, with its slightly more aggressive stance and styling, but the task of having more to haul can be accomplished with the Traverse hands down, and with the same promise of safety, security, and longevity that every Chevy vehicle proudly offers!