Not all SUVs are created equal. Even those in the same class can have vast differences in performance and features that can make or break a deal. If you’ve been considering purchasing a brand new mid-size crossover, there are two that you should take a closer look at, the 2020 Chevy Blazer vs 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
Size Matters
When searching for a new vehicle, people are typically looking for something in particular. Generally, buyers are looking at mid-size crossovers for their convenient size, seating, and versatility. Compact models lack the necessary storage space, and full-size SUVs are far too bulky. Finding a ride that offers a great balance of seating and storage space shouldn’t be challenging, and it isn’t with the Chevy Blazer or the Jeep Cherokee.
Both models offer comfortable seating for up to five passengers. As for cargo room, the new Blazer has 30.5 cubic feet of space behind the back row. By folding down the rear seats, you can expand this area to 64.2 cubic feet. On the other hand, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is quite a bit smaller, with only 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum cargo area of 54.7 cubes.
With this information, small families and folks who love to travel may find the Blazer to be the better option due to storage space.
What’s Under the Hood?
What’s the point of having an SUV of any size if it doesn’t perform well when you need it to? Finding a balance between dynamic city driving, fuel efficiency, and off-roading abilities is a tricky business. However, with the Chevy Blazer, buyers are presented with more engine options and better handling.
The standard powertrain system on the Blazer L and 1LT models is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. It gets approximately 24 mpg combined (21 city/27 highway) and comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and FWD. Next is the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with the same transmission and drivetrain. This combination is equipped on the 2LT and 3LT trims and makes 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the 3.6-L V6 engine pumps out 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. You’ll find this robust motor under the hoods of RS and Premier models, and it gets about 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway). AWD is optional for any trim level, and the maximum towing capacity is about 4,500 pounds.
Now let’s peek under the hood of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. It is available with three engine choices as well. First is the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission and FWD, this powertrain has a fuel economy set at 26 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway). The second option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor that makes 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the most powerful engine is a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. It only gets about 21 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway). Each model can be upgraded with AWD, but they all come with the standard 9-speed automatic transmission. Buyers should also note the towing capacity for the Cherokee is set between 3,500 and 7,200.
The takeaway here is that the Blazer is more fuel-efficient, which is optimal for folks who live in urban or suburban areas. It’s also fully capable of performing well on adventures as well, which means that it is more well-rounded in terms of capability than the Jeep Cherokee.
Advanced Safety Features
Another aspect that folks tend to look for when browsing the car lot for a new set of wheels is innovation in safety features. The type of advanced systems that you will get on your vehicle will depend heavily on the trim level. Let’s take a closer look.
The new Chevy Blazer is well-equipped with safety features. The base trim only has a rearview camera, but the 3LT sub-trim is where things start to pick up. This model comes with numerous systems such as rear parking sensors, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety add-ons for higher trims include forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-departure mitigation, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
Jeep has cultivated a persona of being geared more for off-roading, causing some folks to have a few doubts cast across the Cherokee. However, the base model comes with a rearview camera, and higher trims are equipped with some safety features such as blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors on the Latitude Plus model. Up to this point, the Blazer and the Cherokee are similar in safety. The Technology package is available for the Limited, Trailhawk, and Overland trims. These upper-level models can include forward collision warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, and an automated parking system.
Entertainment Options
No one wants to spend hours in the car listening to radio commercials. Entertainment is no longer a luxury and is not a necessity. The new Blazer is well-equipped even at the base level with an infotainment interface that is displayed on a 5-inch touchscreen. This system operates with Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar telematics, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You can send and receive texts and make calls without taking your hands off the wheel. You can also integrate your favorite apps and listen to your top playlist through seamless audio streaming. All trims also come standard with a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot and at least four USB/USB-C ports. The top-tier Premier model gets an upgraded 8-speaker Bose stereo as opposed to the standard 6-speaker system, and it also gets a navigation system.
The Jeep Cherokee features standard entertainment equipment that is comparable to the Blazer. The slightly larger touchscreen measures 7-inches, and it is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. It is lacking the OnStar telematics. A 6-speaker stereo is standard as well, but the Cherokee only has two USB ports as opposed to the Blazer’s standard four ports. Higher trim levels get a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 9-speaker stereo, and a navigation system.
Paint Colors
We all know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t care what color our new car is. Having the option to customize what the outside of your new ride looks like is a privilege. That’s why the 2020 Chevy Blazer is available in nine beautiful shades. These color options include Black, Iridescent Pearl, Nightfall Grey, Graphite, Midnight Blue, Bright Blue, Silver Ice, Red Hot, and Cajun Red.
On the other hand, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is available in seven shades, including Diamond Black Crystal, Bright White, Blue Shade, Billet Silver Metallic, Light Brownstone, Velvet Red, and Olive Green. Some trims may also be available in additional shades like Granite Crystal, Sting-Gray, and Hydro Blue.
The Final Result
While both vehicles offer many options in terms of size, power, safety, entertainment, and color, the Blazer has a step up in the competition with more and better choices. The crossover market is competitive, but the Blazer stands out from the crowd.
