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2025 Subaru Impreza ReviewHead-to-Head: 2022 Chevy Equinox vs Blazer
In this Chevrolet Equinox vs Blazer comparison, we look at whether the pricier Blazer is worth it when a similarly equipped Equinox costs so much less.
A Fight Between Chevrolet SUVs
Chevrolet currently offers seven different gas-powered SUVs, segmented from tiny to massive. In between all those choices, there is the compact Equinox and mid-size Blazer. The Equinox nameplate has been around since 2005 and the Blazer far longer, but today’s unibody, crossover-style Blazer (a far cry from the full-size truck version going back to the 70s) has only been on sale since 2019. For Bowtie brand fans, these SUVs aren’t too far apart in size or features and overlap in pricing, so an Equinox vs Blazer comparison is warranted to determine which one offers the best value for you.
Chevrolet Equinox vs Blazer Specs
For 2022, the Chevrolet Equinox comes only with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder and either front- or all-wheel-drive (AWD). It produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque and is paired with Chevy’s six-speed automatic. There’s enough space behind the second row for 30 cubic feet of cargo or 64 when the seat is folded flat That is nearly the same cargo space as a 2022 Chevrolet Blazer. As is the rear seat legroom at 40”, however the narrower Equinox gives up 3” in rear hip and shoulder room to its mid-size stablemate.
A new, 2022 Blazer can be optioned with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four or a naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 motor. The four-cylinder makes enough power to move the roughly two-ton Blazer around with 228 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, the V6 adds significant scoot with its 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated with a nine-speed automatic run to the front wheels or all four optionally. Though it has nearly identical cargo volume and rear legroom as the Equinox, the Blazer has four more cubic feet of overall passenger volume and can tow up to 4,500 pounds versus 3,500 for the Equinox.
Driving & Performance
While the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a competent cruiser, stoplight drag racing champ it is not. The 170-horse engine should capably, if slowly, move this compact SUV about and the MacPherson strut front setup combined with multi-link rear suspension promises confident handling. 17” wheels are standard, though sporty RS models see size 19s that look great, but come with the likelihood of a flintier ride. Idle stop/start technology is lineup standard, helping front-wheel-drive (FWD) models achieve an EPA estimated 26 mpg around town and 31 mpg on the highway. Both figures drop by 1 mpg for AWD Equinox models.
If you lean towards more of a lead-foot, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offers more powertrain punch with either motor. The base four-cylinder is a 2.0-liter turbocharged affair churning up 228 horses while the bigger V6 tacks on another 80 for a total of 308 hp, certainly enough to chirp the tires and elicit some grins. Fitted with 18” alloys on base models, the sporty RS trim comes with 20” wheels and the option for 21” ones. More than just a badge and trim package, the Blazer RS has unique suspension and steering tuning giving it handling verve to match its taut good looks.
As usual, more power means more trips to the gas station and the more potent Blazer is not immune, even with its start/stop feature. The smaller engine is only available in FWD setup and achieves EPA fuel-economy estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. With a V6 under the hood, those figures drop to 19 and 27, respectively. When combined with AWD, city mileage stays at 19 mpg and the highway number drops to 26 mpg.
Comfort & Interior
In the fight between Equinox vs Blazer, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is smaller in all dimensions than the Blazer, but still manages to offer plenty of passenger space and cargo volume as evidenced by the aforementioned figures. While it can be spiffed up in Premier trim, base LS models are fairly simple with black cloth upholstery and manual climate controls. However, an acoustic windshield and active noise cancellation tech are standard features aimed at maintaining a quiet cabin. Cup holders abound and a hidden storage cubby is integrated beneath the rear cargo floor.
A power-adjustable driver’s seat shows up in LT trim, but you’ll need an RS to find heated front seats, dual-zone automatic HVAC, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The RS Leather package adds perforated black leather to the picture, and for $1495 a panoramic sunroof brightens things up. Sitting atop the trim hierarchy, Premier models sport an automatic heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and French stitching on the leather upholstery, which can be had in a Jet Black and Brandy two-tone getup. The Confidence and Convenience Package II unlocks ventilated front seats and heated rears.
Like the Equinox, top-spec Blazers receive the best creature comforts though entry level 2LT trim does have a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate controls with two zones, and a sliding rear bench. The Blazer does not offer a third row like some in the midsize segment, but the ample cargo space behind the second row, at nearly 31 cubic feet, makes up for that. Heated fronts seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and perforated leather upholstery are included with 3LT trim.
Sporty RS Blazers are dressed up in a black leather and red stitching interior look along with ambient lighting and a heated steering wheel. Premier models go a step further with two-tone, Jet Black and Brandy, perforated leather while the Enhanced Convenience package adds seat memory settings, ventilated front cushions, and a power-adjustable steering column. One notably absent interior amenity that can be found on the Equinox is a panoramic sunroof.
Trims & Features
A new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims ranging from $26,995 for a FWD LS to $33,795 for an AWD Premier model. A manual liftgate, heated side mirrors, LED headlights, and 17” alloys are standard exterior fare for the LS, as is the Chevy Safety Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It includes automatic high beams, front pedestrian braking, and lane keeping assist. A 7” touchscreen running Chevy Infotainment 3 software includes wireless Apple and Android integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
LT trim unlocks the $895 Infotainment Package with its 8” display and 120V power outlet. At RS level, owners will find a power-operated and height-programmable liftgate, LED tail lamps, and roof rails. Equinox Premier features hands-free operation of the tailgate, chrome trim, and fog lamps outside. Inside, the Safety Alert Seat joins the list of ADAS, the 8” screen is included, and the Infotainment II package offers navigation and an upgraded Bose stereo.
$35,090 gets you into a FWD 2LT Blazer, followed by 3LT, RS, and the top-tier Premier, which runs past $45,000 for AWD with the V6 motor. At the entry point, heated side mirrors, LED tail lamps, and the Chevy Safety Assist suite of ADAS is standard equipment. An 8” infotainment display, 6-speaker audio system, and Wi-Fi are also included. With a 3LT model, side mirrors add auto-dimming capability, the liftgate is power operated, and the optional Sound & Technology package offers navigation, HD surround vision, and a rear camera-mirror for $1400.
Along with the blacked-out, sporty styling, RS trim 2022 Chevrolet Blazers come with a 120V household power receptacle, 8” digital gauge cluster screen, and ambient interior lighting. Premier models feature more ADAS like lane change alert, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warnings. Adding the $1650 Driver Confidence II package nets the Safety Alert Seat for directional warning of incoming impacts, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and a wireless charging pad.
Conclusions About These Chevrolet SUVs
Looking at these two Chevrolet SUVs, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer easily takes the styling cake with its athletic stance and Camaro-esque front end. It also offers a whole lot more power than the compact 2022 Chevrolet Equinox can muster from its relatively underpowered 1.5L mill. However, the top-spec Equinox costs less than an entry-level Blazer while offering many of the same, in some cases more, features and technology. Interior space is a bit narrower, but otherwise quite similar from a passenger and cargo perspective. With all that considered for the fight of Equinox vs Blazer, the Equinox takes the crown over its bigger Blazer brother for this comparison.
