The 2023 Chevy Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, two midsize SUVs that have become household names, continue to vie for the top spot in their category. Both vehicles, backed by their enduring legacies, offer a suite of features that appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers.
In this comprehensive comparison, we aim to help you navigate the sea of choices by providing a detailed examination of each vehicle, from their head-turning exteriors to the nuances of their performance.
Exterior Design:
The Blazer’s design is characterized by sharp angles and dynamic lines, giving it a sporty and aggressive appearance. The bold front grille, LED daytime running lights, and sculpted hood contribute to its modern aesthetic. Available 21-inch wheels further enhance the Blazer’s powerful stance.
The Grand Cherokee’s exterior features a more classic, yet refined look, with its iconic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Sleek LED headlights and taillights, as well as chrome accents, add a touch of elegance. The Grand Cherokee is also known for its off-road capabilities, and this is reflected in its rugged design.
Interior Design:
The Blazer’s cabin is spacious and modern, with a focus on comfort and convenience. Soft-touch materials and available leather upholstery create a premium feel. The dashboard features a user-friendly layout, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system at its center. Additionally, available ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof contribute to the upscale atmosphere.
The Grand Cherokee’s interior is designed with both luxury and practicality in mind. High-quality materials, such as available Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim, create an upscale environment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a standard 8.4-inch or available 10.1-inch touchscreen, offers easy access to various functions, while the available digital instrument cluster adds a modern touch.
Seating:
The Blazer’s seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing comfort during long drives. Available heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats ensure passengers remain comfortable in various weather conditions. Additionally, the Blazer offers ample headroom and legroom for adults in both rows.
The Grand Cherokee also offers comfortable seating, with available power-adjustable front seats and lumbar support. Heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats, are also available. The Grand Cherokee provides slightly more rear legroom than the Blazer, making it ideal for taller passengers.
Storage:
The Blazer offers 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Various storage compartments, such as a glove box, center console, and door pockets, provide additional space for smaller items.
The Grand Cherokee boasts 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, offering slightly more storage than the Blazer. A power liftgate is available for added convenience.
Performance:
The Blazer offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 193 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 227 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6 option provides brisk acceleration and a satisfying driving experience. All engines come with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for better traction and handling.
The Grand Cherokee offers a range of engine options, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 290 horsepower, a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe model with 375 horsepower. The 4xe model offers a unique combination of power and efficiency. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available for enhanced off-road capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Blazer’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine chosen. The base 2.5-liter engine offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine provides 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the 3.6-liter V6 delivers 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The Grand Cherokee’s fuel efficiency also depends on the engine selected. The base 3.6-liter V6 offers an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The 5.7-liter V8 yields 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The 4xe plug-in hybrid model achieves an impressive 56 MPGe combined and has an electric-only range of 25 miles.
Safety:
The Blazer comes standard with a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. Available features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system.
The Grand Cherokee includes standard safety features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Available features consist of adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
Trim Levels:
The Blazer is available in six trim levels: L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. The base L trim comes with keyless entry, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offer additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and advanced safety features.
The Grand Cherokee is offered in seven trim levels: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The base Laredo trim includes dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims offer features like premium audio systems, off-road upgrades, and luxury interior appointments.
Pricing:
The base Chevy Blazer L starts at $28,800, while the top-of-the-line Premier trim has a starting price of $45,600. Prices vary depending on the chosen trim level and optional features, but overall, the Blazer offers a wide range of price points to suit various budgets.
The starting price for the base Grand Cherokee Laredo is $34,400. The top Summit Reserve trim starts at $54,000. Just like with the Blazer, the price will depend on the chosen trim and optional features. However, the Grand Cherokee tends to be more expensive than the Blazer, especially at the lower trim levels.
Key Differences:
Styling:
The Blazer has a sportier, more modern appearance, characterized by sharp lines and dynamic angles. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, maintains a classic yet refined look, with a rugged appeal that reflects its off-road capabilities.
Performance and Capabilities:
The Blazer focuses on delivering a smooth, city-friendly drive with its three engine options, including a powerful V6. Its optional all-wheel drive can handle light off-road excursions but is primarily intended to provide better traction on slippery roads.
In contrast, the Grand Cherokee, with its range of engine options and standard rear-wheel or available four-wheel drive, is designed for both on-road refinement and off-road adventures. Its plug-in hybrid 4xe model also offers an option for eco-conscious buyers seeking performance and efficiency.
Interior Space:
While both vehicles offer comfortable seating for five, the Grand Cherokee provides slightly more rear legroom, making it a better option for families with taller passengers or adults who frequently travel in the back seat.
Fuel Efficiency:
Although both vehicles offer competitive fuel efficiency for their class, the Grand Cherokee’s 4xe model stands out with its impressive combined MPGe rating and electric-only range, offering a unique option for those prioritizing fuel economy.
Pricing:
The base Blazer has a lower starting price than the base Grand Cherokee, making it potentially more accessible for budget-conscious buyers. However, the top trims of both vehicles are comparably priced.
Trim Levels:
The Blazer offers six trims levels, from the base L to the top-of-the-line Premier, providing a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee goes a step further with seven trim levels, including the off-road-ready Trailhawk and the ultra-luxurious Summit Reserve.
Final Thoughts
The choice between the 2023 Chevy Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee boils down to individual preferences, priorities, and lifestyle. If a sporty design, city-friendly drive, and a lower starting price are high on your list, the Blazer is sure to impress. Conversely, if your heart yearns for off-road adventures, expansive rear legroom, and the option of a high-performing hybrid model, the Grand Cherokee could be your ideal match.
Whichever you choose, both vehicles promise to deliver a driving experience that combines comfort, performance, and style in one dynamic package.
2023 Chevy Blazer Features:
- Exterior Design:
- Sporty, modern aesthetic with sharp angles and dynamic lines
- Bold front grille, LED daytime running lights, and sculpted hood
- Available 21-inch wheels
- Interior Design:
- Spacious, modern cabin with soft-touch materials and available leather upholstery
- User-friendly dashboard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Available ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
- Available heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats
- Ample headroom and legroom for adults in both rows
- Storage:
- 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats; 64.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded down
- Various storage compartments for smaller items
- Performance:
- Three engine options: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and 3.6-liter V6
- 9-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 2.5-liter: 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- 2.0-liter turbo: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- 3.6-liter V6: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- Safety:
- Standard features: rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist
- Available features: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view parking camera system
- Trim Levels:
- Six trim levels: L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, Premier
- Pricing:
- Base L starts at $28,800
- Premier trim starts at $45,600
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Features:
- Exterior Design:
- Classic, refined look with iconic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches
- Sleek LED headlights and taillights, chrome accents
- Interior Design:
- Luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, such as available Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim
- Uconnect 5 infotainment system with standard 8.4-inch or available 10.1-inch touchscreen
- Available digital instrument cluster
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
- Available power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support
- Heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats available
- Storage:
- 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats; 68.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded down
- Available power liftgate
- Performance:
- Range of engine options: 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter V8, and plug-in hybrid 4xe model
- 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive standard, four-wheel drive available
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 3.6-liter V6: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- 5.7-liter V8: 14 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- 4xe plug-in hybrid: 56 MPGe combined, 25-mile electric-only range
- Safety:
- Standard features: rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning
- Available features: adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, head-up display, surround-view camera system
- Trim Levels:
- Seven trim levels: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, Summit Reserve
- Pricing:
- Base Laredo starts at $34,400
- Summit Reserve trim starts at $54,000