Chevy Blazer vs. Jeep Cherokee
1. Introduction
The basic Blazer has a 193 HP 2.5L inline 4-cylinder with FWD, not exactly a rock crawler engine but this points towards the idea that Chevrolet had for the Blazer. The main idea was to make it look 'off-roady' but in fact just be a larger version of the Equinox to fill the gap between the said vehicle and the Traverse. This plan is further evidenced by the fact that the V6 model must upgrade to AWD, as if the 4WD system is an afterthought for the better engine. This contrasts with the Cherokee in the sense that the Jeep is a bonafide smaller version of the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep is available in a 271 HP inline-4, or an upgraded 3.2L Pentastar V6 with 271 horsepower. The four-cylinder diverges from the Chevy in the sense that the smaller engine is available with the 4WD and 9-speed transmission that the larger six has. The Cherokee has three available 4x4 systems, the Jeep Active Drive I and II, and the Trailhawk-exclusive Active Drive Lock. All this equates to a vehicle that is as capable if not more capable off-road than its bigger brother and consumers who are looking for a smaller SUV to save on gas would probably still choose the four-cylinder Jeep over the smaller engined Blazer. Now that we have compared the engines and the mission of both vehicles, let's move onto sizes and other features.
The midsize two-row crossover market has seen many great vehicles, one of the latest coming in the form of the reinvented Chevrolet Blazer. Every modern vehicle has to be compared to a Jeep and we have had a few requests for this one.
1.1 Overview of Chevy Blazer
The all-new Chevy Blazer offers drivers a stylish and versatile crossover SUV with off-road capabilities. The Blazer fits comfortably between the small Equinox and the larger Traverse. The Blazer comes in 5 trims: L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, and RS. The new design features both an athletic and sophisticated look, with the RS model providing a more sporty, aggressive, and well-equipped style. The SUV also offers cargo space close to the top of its class due to its adjustable rear sliding seat. The Blazer fills the gap between the compact and midsize utility vehicles in an attempt to provide the best of both size classes. The Chevy Blazer provides a new culture for off-road enthusiasts. It offers two powerful engines to push the crossover SUV through various terrains, with an estimated 4,500 lb. max towing capability. An advanced twin-clutch AWD can be added to provide the driver with excellent handling and stability, off-road mode, and an automatic locking rear differential. The new design features the exploration of "couples and singles looking for adventure, and empty-nesters" with the off-road capabilities to provide limitless possibilities. The Blazer is designed to not only stand out on pavement but also offer well-balanced on-and-off-road drivability. This makes it the perfect SUV for someone who wants a vehicle that is both efficient for insulated urban highways and reliable for remote destinations. All with a starting price of $28,800 for the base L model, the Chevy Blazer provides a crossover SUV rich with amenities and style that aims to provide the best value in its class.
1.2 Overview of Jeep Cherokee
With the tremendous success, Jeep brought up the all-new "Jeep Cherokee KJ" model. It was introduced to the public in 2001. It was only a 5-door SUV model. It had a look alike to the Jeep Liberty, but the features available in Cherokee KJ were far more superior. In the year 2003, the Cherokee model was given a new reformed look comprising of redefined fascias, new and improved fog lamps, door panel, and many other features. But with much disappointment in the year 2004, Jeep announced that due to the amelioration of Jeep Grand Cherokee model, there would be no more production of Cherokee.
The introduction to the Cherokee model was brought forward by a company called American Motors Corp (AMC). It was a compact SUV with unibody construction, one of its first kind. It was introduced to the public in 1974. The all-new Cherokee, for the first time, had a two or four-door SUV body style being introduced to the SUV market. The new Cherokee design made the Jeep engineers very busy. The traditional designs were maintained and modified to have a modern effect. It was a very successful model. The company kept the production of the "Cherokee XJ" model for almost 18 years, the highest time span any Jeep model has had. It was designed in a way that it was equally good for both off-road and on-road performances. In its last year of production in 1999, it was made available with Jeep's new "4.7L Power Tech V8" engine. It was also voted as "4x4 of the Year" award by 4x4 magazine. It was a very respected SUV of its time.
2. Exterior Features
Both vehicles offer a plethora of wheel options as well. The new Blazer comes with 5 different wheel types ranging from 18-21 inches. 3 of the 5 options are dual tone. Jeep offers up an unmatched seven different wheel choices at a variety of sizes and styles, and the Trailhawk trim adds in a signature 17-inch off-road wheel. This likely won't be super important to the average consumer, but it goes to show that Jeep is sticking to its off-road heritage and the classic design of the Cherokee while Chevy is trying to appeal to those wanting a sportier looking vehicle. If a 4x4 looking vehicle with a rugged style is what you're looking for, then the new Cherokee will certainly win out here. But for people more into the modern designs of crossovers and SUVs, the Blazer may be the way to go.
Jeep has taken the traditional SUV formula and turned it on its head, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the design of its latest vehicles. The company that invented the 4x4 now has a lineup full of crossovers and SUVs, and it's time to compare two of the latest entries on the market, the 2019 Chevy Blazer and the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Gone are the days of Wranglers and Cherokees that looked almost identical; the Cherokee has been given an even more radical facelift for the 2019 model year, and it's bound to turn heads. The Blazer is no longer a squared off, mid-size truck based SUV but rather a sporty looking vehicle that rides on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5. While the new look of the Blazer has turned off many critics and fans of its predecessor, there's no denying that it's a much more modern design compared to its old body-on-frame counterpart.
2.1 Design and Styling
As for the body design, the Blazer has a much sleeker profile and the fenders sit higher, which makes it look wider. The more aggressive front end has been designed to resemble the Camaro, and the rear features a roof spoiler and a dual exhaust integrated into the rear bumper. The Blazer is available with 3 different wheel sizes, including the base model 18" and available 20" and 21" options. Overall, the Blazer offers a modern and aggressive look that targets a different market to the traditional SUV buyer.
Chevrolet Blazer: The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer has a completely new look with no resemblance to its predecessor. It looks a little out of place with the rest of the Chevy models, and I can't help but think it looks like a mix between a Kia Sorento and a Hyundai Santa Fe. Unlike the Cherokee, the Blazer offers 3 different looks which are: the regular Blazer with a black grille, the Blazer RS with a blacked-out sporty look, and the Blazer Premier with more chrome and a more luxury look. All models offer LED headlamps and daytime running lamps, with the Blazer RS offering High-intensity-discharge lamps and the Blazer Premier offering LED.
Jeep Cherokee: The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has provided a different look to the traditional boxy design with its previous models. It features a front design that could almost be mistaken with the Chevrolet Malibu. The rear of the Jeep, however, resembles the Honda CRV with the design of the tailgate. The Cherokee consists of Bi-LED headlamps, amber-colored DRLs, and fog lamps that provide good visibility for night driving. The curvature of the hood and the 7-slot grille keeps that iconic Jeep design, but the details on the grill make it look overcrowded and the front end ends up looking a bit overstyled. In the design of the body, Jeep has decided to curve the bottom of the doors, which has been controversial for a Jeep design. It adds more style to the vehicle but can decrease off-road performance by making it easier for rocks to make contact and potentially damage the doors or pinch welds. At the back of the vehicle, there is a hands-free liftgate that makes it more convenient for loading items when in the reverse position and helps when you have your hands full.
2.2 Size and Dimensions
Cargo space is a wash, too. The Blazer's extra length and wheelbase yield an additional two cubic feet of overall cargo space compared to the Cherokee. But the Chevy's extra space is trimmed from the rear seat and added to the rear cargo area. The result is that both vehicles offer virtually the same 29" x 37" x 30" cargo area. The Blazer's extra width does yield an additional three inches of interior cargo width.
In theory, the larger Blazer offers somewhat better passenger capacity and cargo space than the Cherokee. In practice, however, both vehicles offer nearly identical interior room. The Blazer offers two inches more front seat leg room than the Cherokee, but the Jeep counters with two inches more rear leg room. The two vehicles offer the same head room and shoulder room dimensions at both seating locations.
Both the Cherokee and Blazer are five-passenger sport utilities. The Blazer is more than 10 inches longer than the Cherokee, and it also has a longer wheelbase. When it comes to overall width and height, the two vehicles are within a few tenths of an inch.
2.3 Wheel Options
Wheel options separate these two vehicles apart. The Blazer offers drivers five different choices of wheel size for customization. The six different wheel choices for the Cherokee top out at a smaller maximum size. The Blazer offers wider, larger tires for drivers that attempt any off-road driving. Depending on the Blazer model, the tire aspect ratios range from 65 to 65 for the standard size tires and 60 to 65 for the sport size tires. Traction life and cornering capabilities will be improved with the larger tire sizes. The tire sizes for the Cherokee are smaller. The aspect ratio for all the Cherokee model wheels is 65. The Blazer offers drivers larger wheel options for better handling and traction on any driving surface. Wheel options are an important feature, especially for individuals that enjoy customizing their vehicle's appearance and performance. The larger wheel options and wider tires for the Blazer add more variety and are an advantage for enthusiasts wanting to get the most out of their off-road driving experience. Step bars are a bit outdated and they decrease the ground clearance between the vehicle body and the driving surface. This does not assist drivers looking for optimal traction while off-road. The Blazer does not have any step bars mounted at the bottom of the door openings. This provides easier access to the vehicle while maintaining ground clearance. Step bars are an older feature that the Cherokee holds onto. Step bars are only an amenity for easier vehicle entry and exit from higher ground clearances. Although there are a few drivers that consider step bars to be a styling option, the elimination of the step bar feature by the Blazer keeps more focus toward off-road capabilities with easier access and improved ground clearance.
3. Interior Features
The Chevy Blazer cabin is built for those looking for a bold design and interior. The seating has a driver focus in mind. It features a wraparound dash and tall ceiling to give the driver an enclosed SUV feel. It comes with an available floor-mounted rail system. The rail system features a movable cargo fence to help manage smaller items by dividing and holding them in place. The Blazer also includes an underfloor storage to help store items out of sight.
Cabin Space and Comfort The Jeep Cherokee is well known for its refined interior and comfort. It comes with upgraded materials, spacious seating, and simple yet convenient climate and audio controls. The driver seat is 8-way power adjustable with 4-way lumbar, and the premium sound system is mounted to the top to eliminate distortion. The Latitude and Limited models have a single zone temperature control. With an optional package, any of the Cherokee models can come with higher end features such as Nappa leather seating, ventilated and powered front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
3.1 Cabin Space and Comfort
When selecting a new car, how comfortable the vehicle is going to be one of your biggest questions. Observing the Chevy Blazer, it can be seen that it is actually a very spacious vehicle on the inside. It contains a lot of legroom for the passengers, especially in the rear seats. For the driver, it will be really comfortable and easy to improve the seat to the position that you most prefer. The Blazer also has a really nice headroom space for the driver and passengers. Say you are someone that is constantly hitting their head on the top of the vehicle, that is not going to be an issue in this car. Now looking at the Jeep Cherokee, it also has a very spacious cabin. Although there is a lot of legroom in the rear seats, it has been said that the seating height is a bit low which could affect people who have longer legs. This vehicle will be very comfortable for someone who is of average height. The headroom space in the Cherokee is ok, however if you are taller, you may hit your head a few times. All in all, it is a very comfortable vehicle, just based on your height you might have to avoid those big bumps! This is also going to depend on whether the car has a sunroof, as that takes up a lot of the headroom space, also affecting the person who is very tall.
3.2 Technology and Infotainment
Jeep hasn't been stingy at all, providing an adequate 7-inch touchscreen standard on all Cherokees with the option of an 8.4-inch with navigation and SiriusXM capabilities. The Jeep takes pride in the touchscreen interface with its user-friendly layout and overall functionality. Also available with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an impressive BeatsAudio Premium Sound System with Active Noise Cancellation will bring high-quality audio to all passengers in the Cherokee. Both vehicles have steering wheel controls in an attempt to keep the driver's eyes on the road while changing audio settings. However, the Jeep has a more conventional instrument panel rather than that of the Chevrolet's advanced-looking display. This aids drivers in easily seeing and interpreting information such as vehicle speed, fuel economy, audio information, and safety systems.
To enhance smooth sailing, both the Blazer and Cherokee are proficiently equipped with infotainment touchscreen interfaces to promptly fulfill every driver's needs. The Chevrolet Blazer is operated with an 8-inch touchscreen display which features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. This allows drivers to stay connected while on the move, and it is all operated using a Rotary Infotainment Controller for easy and smooth access. An available 6 USB ports, wireless charging pad, and a premium 8-speaker audio system will provide endless forms of entertainment to the whole family.
3.3 Cargo Capacity
Great, now that we're inside this vehicle, it is important for some that the cargo space meets their needs. In terms of overall cargo space, the Chevy Blazer is the clear winner. The 2019 Blazer offers 30.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row of seating, allowing for plenty of room to bring wholesalers and other items on the go. For those rare occasions where more space is needed, the Blazer is also able to utilize a hidden underfloor storage area that can be accessed by lifting the cargo floor. This is a handy feature for big lots such as storing a dirty gym bag or cleats that are usually left in the trunk and you may not want in the main cargo area. When the second row is folded flat, the Blazer is able to utilize 64.2 cubic feet of space. This is something that's hard to come by with many current vehicles, which is something that can make or break the deal for those with active lifestyles as a lot of gear is needed. The Blazer's ability to have a spacious cargo area makes it a win for people with active lifestyles, pet owners, or parents who are sick of soccer mom minivans and want a stylish alternative. In comparison to the Blazer, the 2019 Cherokee's cargo area is quite lacking. There is 25.8 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are up and 54.9 feet when the seats are folded down. While there is still a decent amount of space with the seats down, the fact that there is only around 25 cubic feet with the seats up does not make it a big winner in terms of overall cargo capacity. For the average consumer, this is still enough space for typical usage and possible weekend trips, but the available space is not as ample as that of the Blazer.
3.4 Seating Options
The Blazer and Cherokee have similar five-seat options. Both have a second-row bench seat with six-way manual adjustment. However, the Blazer offers a six-seat configuration with two individual second-row seats. What this means is that the six-seat configuration will allow for easier access to the third row compared to the bench seat. If you're in the market for an SUV with a third-row seat, then you'll have to go to the Blazer as the Cherokee isn't available with this option. In the case of the Blazer, the third row is standard on the front-wheel drive base and is an option on the two higher trims. The third row is 50/50 split and can be stowed away. For families with young children, this configuration makes it much easier to use the third row, as the individual seats can easily tilt and slide without having to remove the car seat from the second row. People intending to use this row for the long term, however, may find it tough to squeeze in between the second-row seats. It's also important to note that the amount of legroom in the third row is minimal; however, it should suit children fine. The Cherokee's bucket between the second-row seats and lack of third-row option means it trumps passenger seating flexibility. With pricing remaining the same between the two, you have a tradeoff between seating flexibility and tri-zone climate, as only the Blazer 3LT comes with the latter.
4. Performance and Capability
Jeep has four powerplant alternatives for the Cherokee. The base motor is a 2.4-liter inline 4 producing 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. This motor is paired with a front-wheel-drive and a 9-speed programmed transmission. In spite of the fact that with every one of the progressions in technologies pushing automotive designs to lighter automobile constructions. Jeep's Cherokee FWD weighs 3,590 pounds (1,629 kilograms), and using a simple equation we can estimate the potential max torque (170*5280)/(pounds rotational radius of the tire) since we do not have exact specifications on tire size and dimension, and multiplying by 0.85 (15% for complete stop to start acceleration) we get a potential torque of around 887 foot-pounds, or 1109 N-m. This confirms the ability to navigate variable terrain. Among the all-wheel-drive alternatives for the Cherokee is the Active Drive I system. This is a totally robotized all-wheel-drive framework which can be utilized in any driving condition. It works off of the front-drivershaft separation system, and can connect power to the back drive shaft consequently, there is no driveline bind or torque move requirement by the driver. It will actuate and deactivate relying on grip conditions of the front tires. The all-wheel-drive system can be disconnected from the driveshaft to conserve power and fuel when all-wheel-drive is not an absolute necessity. Active Drive I is accessible with the 2.4-liter inline-4 or the 3.2-liter V6 motor options. Other than the Active Drive I system, Cherokee Trailhawks with the 3.2-liter V6 can have the Active Drive Lock system which is basically Active Drive II in addition with a locking back differential, this is a more significant alternative for those anticipating strenuous off-road usage and also to maximize towing capacity which is up to 4500 pounds. The Trailhawk as being the more core off-road edition, can just be had with the V6 motor and all-wheel-drive system due to the fact that is what a vast majority of the Cherokee's off-road capability is predicated upon. This is a departure from the customary methodology where assorted all-wheel-drive vehicles can be paired with numerous equipment packages. The base 2.4-liter inline-4 Cherokee has fuel economy appraisals of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive and 21/27 for all-wheel-drive. The front-wheel-drive 3.2-liter has a appraisals of 20/29 and the all-wheel-drive option is 19/27.
Chevrolet and Jeep offer an assortment of engine alternatives in their vehicles. For the Blazer, there are two powerplants. The base motor is a 2.5-liter inline-4 delivering 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. This motor is mated to a 9-speed programmed transmission and comes standard with front-wheel-drive and is discretionary with all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter motor is evaluated at 21 mpg city and 27 mpg interstate. The redesigned motor is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This motor has a discretionary all-wheel-drive framework. It consists of a twin-grip framework for the L,1, or Premier trim. This motor comes standard on the 2LT and 3LT trims with all-wheel-drive. The RS and Premier trim have a more progressed all-wheel-drive framework with a twin-grasp and torque vectoring highlight, this framework is discretionary for the RS and standard for the Premier. For efficiency, the 3.6-liter motor is appraised at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway regardless of front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
4.1 Engine Options
Chevy offers two engine choices, while Jeep offers three. The base engine for the Blazer, a 2.5L 4-cylinder, is underpowered and not recommended. The upgraded 3.6L V6 is a formidable engine that is also offered in the Jeep Cherokee. The top of the line Blazer Premier comes standard with advanced engine start-stop technology, which helps the vehicle save fuel and reduce emissions. Jeep's base engine, a 2.4L 4-cylinder, is an underpowered engine and not recommended. Jeep's most fuel-efficient engine is the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which offers similar fuel economy with better performance. The Cherokee also offers a 3.2L V6 that is capable of trailering options up to 4500lbs. Both the Blazer and Cherokee offer all-wheel drive (AWD) and/or 4x4 options for all engines. The top of the line Blazer RS and Premier come equipped with a twin-clutch AWD system that can help differentiate torque across the rear wheels. Jeep's AWD and 4x4 options are designed with their Trail Rated capability in mind, including an AWD system with an auto, snow, sport, sand/mud, and rock setting. The AWD systems for both vehicles provide additional traction to 2WD with automatic engagement and are seamless in their transition. The Blazer and Cherokee also have different traction settings, as all Blazer models have a traction mode selection with 2WD, AWD, off-road, and tow modes, while the Cherokee only offers a selection with 2WD, 4x4, and low 4x4 modes. For serious off-road capability, the Cherokee's select terrain system will provide up to 5 modes exclusive to the type of terrain being driven on. This is a testament to Jeep's overall main advantage in off-road capability over the Blazer. Both vehicles have engines that offer a decent mix of fuel efficiency and power with engine choices that are similar but appeal to different customers.
4.2 Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, newer crossovers and SUVs seem to be difficult to justify with the ever-rising cost of fuel. Nonetheless, compared to their larger truck-based brethren, these newer car-based sport utilities still generally offer better fuel economy. The Chevy Blazer offers two different motors. The fuel economy in two or four-wheel drive on the base 4.3-liter V6 engine is 16/22 mpg. The top of the line 4.2-liter Vortec inline six engine should return an impressive 16/22 mpg in two-wheel drive and 15/21 mpg in four-wheel drive. Not too bad for a fairly large SUV. This is partly due to the fact that the Blazer is based off a pickup truck and still uses body-on-frame construction. The Jeep Cherokee with its 190 HP 4.0L I6 engine achieves up to 22/28 city/highway mpg. This may seem downright astounding for a vehicle classified as an SUV. Keep in mind, however, that this is a very optimistic rating and many owners of the Cherokee have difficulty achieving these numbers. A more realistic figure would be somewhere in the high teens to low twenties, especially when considering much use of the "go anywhere" four-wheel drive. Overall, in fuel efficiency, the Cherokee's straight six reigns supreme but the margin isn't as great as one would expect, given the size difference between the Cherokee and Blazer. The Blazer's available four-cylinder is no longer an option as it has been discontinued after the 2003 model year. This motor never really caught on as it was only available with two-wheel drive and fuel economy savings were minimal compared to the performance sacrifice.
4.3 Off-Road Capability
Overall, the Blazer is a more off-road worthy vehicle than a unibody SUV without being when compared to its closest rival, the venerable and highly successful Jeep Cherokee XJ.
For the rest of the Blazer lineup before being discontinued in 2004, it was a more a vehicle that was quite capable off-road, but outclassed by rival midsize SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but superior to other competing SUVs in the same class as the Honda Passport or Toyota RAV4. The unibody construction of the Jeep is lighter, more carlike and not as strong as traditional body-on-frame construction. However, the unibody is not necessarily a hindrance in an SUV intended for occasional off-road use, as unibody SUVs can be quite tough and the construction can be superior in on-road handling and fuel efficiency.
The Blazer ZR2 achieved this by adding tough off-road hardware to the standard Blazer including a 1" wider track, 3" more ground clearance, four-wheel disc brakes, an automatic locking rear differential, and front and rear recovery hooks. The ZR2 model went out of production in 2005 due to a failed attempt to redesign the Blazer, but used ZR2s in good condition are in high demand as the vehicle was considered to be ahead of its time.
When it comes to off-roading, the Blazer and Cherokee share some similarities, as both vehicles perform respectably off pavement due to their superior ground clearance and rugged construction. Nevertheless, there are some differences in their off-road capabilities largely as the result of the differences in their design intended to serve different market niches. The Blazer's off-road ability is not a priority, but a Blazer ZR2 can be a more than competent trail vehicle in the correct hands.