Battle of the best: toyota highlander vs. chevy blazer – which suv will win your heart?

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, two popular contenders emerge: the Toyota Highlander and the Chevy Blazer. Both vehicles offer ample space, advanced features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Blazer to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Toyota Highlander:

• Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque
• Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• Fuel economy: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway (FWD)

Chevy Blazer:

• Offers a variety of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
• Available with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive
• Fuel economy: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway (FWD) for the 2.5-liter engine

Edge: The Chevy Blazer offers a wider range of engine options, including a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

Interior Space and Comfort

Toyota Highlander:

• Seats up to eight passengers
• Offers spacious and comfortable seating in all three rows
• Ample cargo space with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down

Chevy Blazer:

• Seats up to five passengers
• Provides spacious front seats but cramped legroom in the second row
• Cargo space of 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down

Edge: The Toyota Highlander offers more seating capacity and a more spacious interior, making it a better choice for families or those who need to transport multiple passengers.

Technology and Features

Toyota Highlander:

• Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system
• Available features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a head-up display

Chevy Blazer:

• Standard features include a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system
• Available features include an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad

Edge: Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of technology features, but the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge with its larger touchscreen and available head-up display.

Safety Features

Toyota Highlander:

• Standard features include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control
• Available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera

Chevy Blazer:

• Standard features include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision alert
• Available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera

Edge: Both vehicles offer a comparable level of safety features, with the Toyota Highlander having a slight advantage due to its inclusion of adaptive cruise control as a standard feature.

Reliability and Resale Value

Toyota Highlander:

• Known for its excellent reliability and high resale value
• Consistently ranks highly in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study
• Strong demand in the used car market

Chevy Blazer:

• Has a mixed reliability record, with some model years experiencing more issues than others
• Resale value is generally lower than the Toyota Highlander
• May experience more depreciation over time

Edge: The Toyota Highlander has a clear advantage in terms of reliability and resale value, making it a better long-term investment.

Price and Value

Toyota Highlander:

• Starting price: $36,420
• Offers a good balance of features, performance, and value
• May have a higher cost of ownership due to its premium brand

Chevy Blazer:

• Starting price: $33,400
• Provides a more affordable entry point
• May offer better value for those looking for a basic SUV without premium features

Edge: The Chevy Blazer has a lower starting price, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Toyota Highlander offers a higher level of features and reliability, which may justify its slightly higher cost.

Which One Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Blazer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, reliability, and resale value, the Toyota Highlander is the superior choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a wide range of engine choices, the Chevy Blazer may be a better fit.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Chevy Blazer can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

Q: Does the Chevy Blazer offer a hybrid or electric powertrain?
A: No, the Chevy Blazer is not available with a hybrid or electric powertrain.

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Chevy Blazer has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.