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  • 2022 Chevy Traverse has three rows of seats
  • 2022 Chevy Blazer has above-average handling for an SUV of its size
  • The Traverse has great cargo capacity and standard safety features

The 2022 Chevy Traverse is the 2022 Chevy Blazer’s bigger brother. If we know anything about sibling rivalries, it’s that these two must compete against one another. The two midsize SUVs share plenty but differ in really significant ways. Which of them is right for you?

Specification2022 Chevy Traverse2022 Chevy Blazer
Price Range$34,895-$52,395$34,595-$42,295
Engine Options3.6L V62.0L I4, 3.6L V6
Horsepower310 228, 308
Torque266 lb-ft270 lb-ft
TransmissionNine-speed automaticNine-speed automatic
MPG Rating20 combined mpg21 combined mpg
NHTSA Safety RatingN/AFive stars
Specifications from CarAndDriver.

2022 Chevy Traverse vs. 2022 Chevy Blazer

A red 2022 Chevy Blazer midsize SUV drives through a tunnel at night
2022 Chevy Blazer | Chevrolet

Although the Traverse will have apparent advantages due to its larger size, the Blazer remains a formidable opponent. The starting prices for each SUV are very similar, but the higher Blazer trims are much more affordable. Since the two share much of the same tech, this is a significant advantage for the Blazer. The Traverse becomes the better option if you require an SUV providing a lot of space.

Just like the price points, the Blazer and Traverse are very similar in terms of fuel economy. The two SUVs use an identical V6 engine, which is the only option for the Traverse. The Blazer’s mpg is just a bit better using the turbocharged four-cylinder, but not by much.

The 2022 Chevy Traverse provides more space

A maroon 2022 Chevy Traverse High Country midsize SUV is parked on the road, it received a few new features this model year.
2022 Chevy Traverse High Country | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevy Traverse is much more spacious than its smaller brother. Though this is a pretty obvious advantage, it is crucial to most people looking at midsize SUVs. The Traverse provides 157 cubic feet of passenger space and 23 cu ft of cargo volume. The Blazer sits at a lowly 108 cu ft of passenger space but has more cargo volume at 31 cu ft.

The Traverse prioritizes passenger space but is also more versatile in its configurable interior. Although the cargo volume is minimal with three seats, it moves up to 57.8 cubic feet behind the second row. From the first row, the space rises to 98.2 cu ft, much more than the Blazer’s offering. The Blazer’s second row can go down, increasing cargo space to 64.2 cu ft.

The 2022 Chevy Blazer has more fun

Brown 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer midsize SUV parked on desert terrain
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer | Chevrolet

The Traverse has the advantages in ways that it’s meant to, space, safety, and family-oriented features. The Blazer is just flat-out more fun to drive. Firstly, it comes with two engine options, the turbocharged four-cylinder or the same V6 the Traverse uses. Either way, a smaller SUV using these engines is bound to drive a little faster, not to mention the critically-acclaimed handling.

The Blazer is a sporty little SUV that can be a great daily driver or serve a similar purpose to the Traverse. Even looks-wise, it’s the more handsome little brother in this particular situation. Now standard on all-wheel drive models, the Trailering package makes it so this beast can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

The Traverse has more capability

The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the biggest midsize SUVs available. It’s certainly more extensive than its smaller brother, but it outsizes many other brands’ offerings as well. With great size comes excellent capability, and the Traverse is no exception to that rule. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and fits seven or eight passengers.

In contrast, the Blazer can fit only five passengers and tows 1,500 pounds maximum. Although with the extra Trailering package, it can move that number up to 4,500 pounds. Unfortunately, it still falls short of its big brother and costs a lot more to reach that number. The Traverse’s 5,000 pounds is its standard towing capacity.

Which Chevy midsize SUV is right for you?

The two of these Chevy midsize SUVs are great options for a variety of different reasons. The Traverse is more family-oriented with plenty of space, capability, and luxurious features. The Blazer consists of some of the same aspects, but looks better, drives better, and falls short of space. Since the Traverse is a three-row SUV, those in need of a well-priced spacious vehicle will be happy with one.

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