Starting at
Starting at
193-308 | Horsepower (HP) | 180-271 |
64.2 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 54.7 |
188-270 | Torque (lb-ft) | 171-295 |
When it comes down to mid-size American SUVs, few brands out there can compete like the Chevy Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee. Both of these names date back decades and have a large following of passionate owners. While the Blazer has just returned to the automotive scene, it has come back in full force. The mid-size SUV segment is now one of the most competitive segments of the industry, so if you're considering a new SUV, the Blazer and Cherokee are likely two at the top of the list. But which one should be the apple of your SUV buying eye? Let's dive deeper into the 2020 Chevy Blazer vs 2020 Jeep Cherokee comparison to find out.
Both the 2020 Chevy Blazer and the 2020 Jeep Cherokee offer a number of trims. These different trims allow you to update the available engine while boasting numerous features, design tweaks, and entertainment improvements. The base 2020 Blazer has a starting MSRP of $28,800 while the base Cherokee has a starting MSRP of $25,935.
Both the Blazer and the Cherokee come with three engine options, and each follows a rather similar performance path. There is a base I4 engine, then an available 2.0L turbo I4, followed by a V6 (although the Blazer V6 and base engines are slightly larger).
The base engine in the 2020 Chevy Blazer is a 2.5L I4 that produces 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. For the Cherokee, the base engine is a 2.4L I4. This engine puts out 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. So right out of the gate, the Blazer's base engine has slightly better performance numbers.
The 2.0L turbo I4 on the Blazer produces 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0L Turbo I4 on the Cherokee puts out 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With the secondary turbo engine, the Cherokee does get a leg up in specs. However, if you want to go with the larger V6, the numbers lean in the Blazer's favor. For the 3.6L V6, the Chevy Blazer's engine puts out 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque while the Cherokee's engine offers 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. You really can feel the difference of 30 horsepower when accelerating, especially when attempting to merge onto the highway. Both engines are good, but the Blazer V6 gives you the added kick of 308 horses that always come in handy.
Towing is one area both the Chevy Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee thrive in. While some mid-size SUVs fall flat on their chromed noses in this category, both Chevy and Jeep understand the importance of being able to tow gear and equipment with your sport utility vehicle. You might not ever have the need to hitch up a horse trailer, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to hook up a camper or small boat. With both of these SUVs, there is that option.
You will need to make sure you opt for the right trim and towing package upgrades, but for both the Chevy Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee, you can max out at 4,500 pounds. This max is available for certain trims when combined with the larger torque producing engines and combined with towing upgrades, so if you want to make sure you hit this 4,500-pound weight you'll want to talk with your dealer about all the specifics.
In terms of cargo space for the Chevy Blazer, you will have 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space when all the seats are upright. If you fold down the rear row of seating, you'll increase your cargo volume up to 64.2 cubic feet. With the Jeep Cherokee, you will start out with 25.8 cubic feet of cargo volume when all of the seats are upright. This number increases to 54.7 cubic feet.
As you can see, you will have far more cargo space when going with the Blazer (regardless of trim). This starts with about five more cubic feet with all the seats up and umps to almost eight cubic feet when the seats are down.
It doesn't matter if you plan on spending a few minutes or several hours a day in your vehicle, chances are you will eventually turn on the radio. Thankfully, you will have plenty of options when it comes to the Blazer and Cherokee SUVs.
The 2020 Chevy Blazer's base trim comes with an AM/FM stereo, an AUX input, MP3 compatibility, smart device integration via Bluetooth, and even a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The hotspot (which does require a data package plan) allows you to stream your favorite applications without relying on your phone's data. It also creates this internet hotspot so you can do work on your laptop or stream music or videos for the kids. The base Jeep Cherokee doesn't have the same features. It has an AM/FM stereo, AUX input, MP3 compatibility, smart device integration, and optional satellite radio. Satellite radio is nice, but it doesn't offer the same bonuses as a Wi-Fi connection.
On the top-tier Blazer, you have the same standard features, plus a premium speaker system, satellite radio, a navigation system, and an optional entertainment system. As for the top-tier Cherokee, you have all the same base features, plus HD radio, Wi-Fi, a premium sound system, and navigation. You do now have wireless internet, but you don't have the entertainment option for the back seats.
The base Chevy Blazer comes with a driver, front head, passenger, and rear head airbags, four-wheel ABS and disc brakes, plus electronic stability control, child safety locks, traction control, and daytime running lights. The base Cherokee brings a number of nice features, including a driver, front head, front side, passenger, rear head, and rear side airbags. It has four-wheel ABS and disc brakes, plus brake assist, daytime running lights, child safety locks, traction control, and electronic stability control. You can also upgrade to include lane departure warning, integrated turn signal mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
As for the top-tier Chevy Blazer trim, it has the same features as the base trim, plus integrated turn signal mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and electronic stability control. It also comes with optional brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. The top-tier Jeep Cherokee mainly has the same safety features as the base. Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning are still optional, although the other optional safety features are all standard on this trim.
A huge benefit for the Blazer, and Chevy vehicles in general, is the Teen Driver safety system. All trims include this excellent feature for your new driver. The system lets you customize vehicle settings and set limits for certain drivers based on their specific key fob. You can even view a report with a record of their driving habits, allowing you to help encourage better driving behavior.