In most car brand lineups, larger vehicles typically cost more than their smaller counterparts. The Kia Telluride, for instance, is more expensive than the smaller Kia Sorento. There are a few exceptions, such as the curious case of the Nissan Murano. However, one particularly curious example is the Chevy Blazer.

The Blazer has a higher price tag than the much more spacious and powerful Chevy Traverse. So, what’s the reason?

Chevrolet Blazer and Chevy Traverse: Pricing

The starting price for the 2023 Chevy Blazer is $35,100, which will get you the 2LT base trim, according to Chevrolet. This translates to $36,495 with destination fees.

There are three other Blazer trims, including the 3LT, RS, and Premier models, and each is available with either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive system. The 3LT’s MSRP is $40,695, with both the RS and Premier options starting from $44,195.

Engine options for the Blazer include a 2.0-liter base turbocharged engine and a 3.6-liter V6 alternative coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The bigger Traverse SUV starts at $34,520 or $35,915 with the delivery fee. Trim options include the LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. Starting prices for the trims are $38,440, $42,135, $46,440, $48,595, and $53,395 from the LT Cloth to the High Country model, respectively.

Unlike the Blazer, which has two engine options, the Traverse can only be had with a 3.6-liter V6, although it’s paired with the same automatic transmission.

Chevy Blazer and Chevy Traverse: Power output

The smaller turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Chevy Blazer produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It has a 3,250 lbs maximum towing capacity when paired with the available trailering equipment package. The 3.6-liter V6 is rated at 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 4,500 lbs with the trailering package.

As for the Chevy Traverse, its solitary 3.6-liter V6 can produce 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Overall, both V6 options are impressive and have similar performance figures. However, the Traverse comes out ahead, given it can handle a 5,000-lb tow while being slightly heavier than its counterpart.

Chevy Blazer vs. Chevrolet Traverse: Fuel economy

Having the option of the smaller turbocharged engine in trims like the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier for the Chevy Blazer does come in handy concerning fuel economy. According to Edmunds, it achieves 22 and 29 mpg on city roads and highways for a combined 25 mpg.

On the other hand, the Blazer’s V6 is slightly less fuel-efficient achieving 19/27 city/highway mpg for a combined rating of 22 mpg.

As for the fuel efficiency in the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, all models offer a combined 21 mpg. In the city, buyers get a measly 18 mpg; on the highway, you can get up to 27 mpg.

Chevy Blazer vs. Chevy Traverse: Seating and cargo

The Chevy Blazer is a two-row SUV with seating for five. The total interior volume is 138.3 cubic feet, with cargo capacity taking up 30.5 cubic feet of the space. You can also fold the second-row seats and double the storage capacity to 64.2 cubic feet.

As a three-row SUV, the Traverse has significantly more space on the interior. That said, the cargo capacity with all seats in place is fairly small at 23 cubic feet. However, it more than triples to 98.2 cubic feet if you fold the last two rows of seats, making it more practical for the price.

Chevy Traverse vs. Chevy Blazer: Warranty

The warranty is an area where everything is equal for both Chevrolet SUVs. This includes a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, five years for roadside assistance and drivetrain maintenance, and six-year rust coverage.

Why the Chevy Blazer costs more than the Traverse

Except for fuel economy, the Chevrolet Traverse seems equal to or better than the Blazer in almost every way imaginable. Being the larger SUV, it even offers more space for seating and comfort. However, one reason the Blazer costs more is its style, with the vehicle looking sleeker than the Traverse. Additionally, it has a more refined interior and more standard features, e.g., a bigger infotainment screen and higher quality materials on the interior and exterior.