2024 Chevy Blazer vs. Ford Explorer

The 2024 Chevy Blazer and Ford Explorer are midsize, four-door SUVs that are similar in some ways but also very different. Let’s take a closer look at how these SUVs stack up.

To start, the Ford Explorer is the larger of the two SUVs, with three rows of seats to accommodate seven passengers. The Chevy is a two-row SUV with seating for five.

Price Points and Options: What You Get for Your Money

Both SUVs start at similar price points, with the Blazer coming in a bit lower than the base Explorer. However, with Ford models, the price can jump pretty high as you move up the trim levels. The Explorer’s base trim is RWD with a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four power plant, while the FWD Blazer starts off with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine.

While Ford offers a wider range of trim levels, the Blazer’s choices are more streamlined, topping out with the Premier AWD trim. The RS AWD trim  is roughly comparable to the ST-Line 4WD trim of the Explorer, but the latter has a higher sticker price. In this configuration, the Blazer powertrain upgrades to a 3.6-liter V6 engine, while the Explorer sticks with a 2.3-liter turbo-four, which also serves as its base engine.

Performance Specs: Power in Your Hands

Despite the Explorer’s larger size, its fuel tank capacity is only 17.9 gallons vs the Blazer’s 21.7-gallon capacity. That difference will likely mean that you won’t stop at a gas station as much with the Chevrolet SUV. Especially considering that both SUVs have very similar fuel economy numbers in the above configuration. The Explorer gets 27 MPG on the highway and the Blazer gets 26 MPG.

Both SUVs make similar horsepower, but the Blazer has slightly higher numbers at 308 versus the Explorer’s 300 horsepower. The Explorer’s engine produces more torque, which helps to give it a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. With the trailering package, the 3LT, RS, and Premium trims of the Blazer can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

The Blazer is comfortable and capable on long road trips. On the highway, it has a range of nearly 100 miles more than the Explorer. The Ford Explorer’s larger width and length make it less maneuverable than the Chevrolet Blazer in the city as well.

Features and Options: The Best Blend of Comfort and Capability

The Chevrolet Blazer has more standard creature comforts than the Ford Explorer. It has a standard hands-free liftgate, leather seats on most trims, and optional cooled front seats.

The Ford Explorer offers a third row; however, its rear seating area is pretty cramped for adults. Most buyers looking for a third row would be better off moving to something larger.

However, if a two-row SUV with plenty of power and handling is what you’re after, the Chevrolet Blazer fits the bill a lot better. You can get the V6 engine without spending a ton of money, while the Explorer requires a move up to its higher trims for this privilege.

The Chevy Blazer is also the sportier of the two SUVs. It offers sharp styling that helps it stand out from the SUV crowd. All trims come with a 10-inch diagonal center screen; buyers can choose from 18, 20, or 21-inch wheels.

While the Ford Explorer is in need of a redesign, at Ray Skillman Chevrolet, we recommend the fresh and sporty Chevrolet Blazer—which got a more recent mid-cycle refresh—as a modern, efficient, and powerful midsize SUV. Visit us today to find out more about the trims and features.