2023 Ford Bronco vs Chevy Blazer: A Comparison

Ford Bronco Vs Chevy Blazer

Table of Contents

The 2023 Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer are two iconic American SUVs that cater to different driving preferences and needs. With the Bronco’s rugged design and off-road capabilities, it appeals to adventurous drivers looking for a vehicle that can handle challenging terrains. In contrast, the Blazer showcases a sleek, sporty design with a focus on on-road driving dynamics and luxury features. 

This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the key differences between these two vehicles to determine which one best suits your lifestyle and requirements.

Exterior Design:

The 2023 Ford Bronco boasts a modern and rugged design that pays homage to its legendary past. Its aggressive stance, boxy silhouette, and bold grille are accentuated by round LED headlights and prominent wheel arches. The removable roof and doors make for an enjoyable open-air driving experience while adding to the Bronco’s off-road appeal.

The Chevy Blazer, on the other hand, sports a sleek and athletic look. Its dynamic lines and sculpted body give it a contemporary appearance that stands out in the SUV segment. The Blazer’s slim LED daytime running lights and aggressive front fascia, inspired by the Camaro, make a bold statement.

Interior Design:

Inside, the 2023 Ford Bronco stays true to its off-road-focused nature with a durable, easy-to-clean cabin featuring a blend of rugged materials and modern amenities. The minimalist dashboard design allows for easy access to controls, and the available waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery is designed to withstand even the toughest conditions.

The Blazer’s interior is designed with comfort and luxury in mind. High-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and a refined layout create a premium atmosphere. Its user-friendly infotainment system and an array of available features, like a panoramic sunroof and heated/ventilated seats, add to the upscale feel.

Seating:

The Bronco offers seating for up to five passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. Higher trims provide leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable options. Rear legroom is ample, making it suitable for long journeys with adult passengers.

The Blazer also seats up to five passengers, with spacious and comfortable seating. Higher trims offer plush leather upholstery and a range of power-adjustable options for enhanced comfort. Although rear legroom is slightly less generous than the Bronco, the Blazer still provides a comfortable experience for passengers.

Storage:

With the rear seats up, the Bronco offers a generous cargo space of 35.6 cubic feet, which expands to 77.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The Bronco’s boxy shape allows for easy loading and unloading of items and provides ample room for adventure gear.

The Blazer has a slightly smaller cargo capacity, with 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet when they’re folded down. However, it does offer a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims, making loading and unloading a breeze.

Performance:

The 2023 Bronco comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.7-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, is also available. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Bronco provides robust acceleration and off-road prowess.

The Blazer offers a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Two additional engine options are available: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. All engines come paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and lively acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency:

Fuel efficiency for the 2023 Ford Bronco depends on the engine and drivetrain configurations. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine offers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, while the more powerful 2.7-liter V6 delivers 18 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Keep in mind that off-roading and towing will likely affect these numbers.

The Blazer’s base 2.5-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, making it the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the 3.6-liter V6 offers 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Overall, the Blazer has a slight edge over the Bronco in terms of fuel efficiency.

Safety:

The 2023 Ford Bronco comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rearview camera. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The Blazer also offers a suite of standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Additional available safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

Trim Levels:

The 2023 Ford Bronco is available in seven trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, and First Edition. Each trim offers unique features and options, catering to different off-road preferences, comfort levels, and budgets.

The Chevy Blazer comes in six trim levels: L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. Each trim is designed to cater to varying preferences for luxury, performance, and technology features.

Pricing:

The 2023 Ford Bronco has a starting price of around $29,300 for the base model, with higher trims like the Wildtrak and First Edition reaching up to $50,000 or more, depending on options and packages.

The Chevy Blazer starts at around $28,800 for the base L model, with the top-of-the-line Premier trim reaching up to $45,000 or more, depending on additional features and packages.

Key Differences

Design Philosophy:

The Ford Bronco is designed with a focus on off-road capability and ruggedness. Its boxy, aggressive exterior and durable, minimalist interior showcase its off-road pedigree. The removable roof and doors add to its adventurous spirit.

In contrast, the Chevy Blazer is designed with a sleek, athletic appearance, drawing inspiration from the Camaro. Its exterior is more contemporary, while the interior focuses on comfort and luxury with high-quality materials and a refined layout.

Off-road Capability:

The Ford Bronco is built for off-road adventures, with features like standard 4×4 systems, a solid rear axle, and available off-road packages. Its ground clearance, approach, departure, and breakover angles are optimized for tackling challenging terrain.

The Chevy Blazer, while offering all-wheel-drive options, is not as off-road focused as the Bronco. It is designed more for on-road driving, with its emphasis on performance, handling, and comfort.

Performance:

The Ford Bronco offers two engine options, both focused on providing torque and power for off-road adventures. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the optional 2.7-liter V6 engine both provide ample power for challenging terrains and towing.

The Chevy Blazer has three engine options, catering to a broader range of preferences. The base 2.5-liter engine prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged and 3.6-liter V6 engines provide a balance of performance and efficiency for on-road driving.

Cargo Space:

The Ford Bronco has a larger cargo capacity than the Chevy Blazer, with 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Its boxy shape allows for easy loading and unloading of items.

The Chevy Blazer has a slightly smaller cargo capacity, with 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. However, it does offer a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims for added convenience.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Chevy Blazer has a slight edge over the Ford Bronco in terms of fuel efficiency. The Blazer’s base 2.5-liter engine returns 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The 3.6-liter V6 engine provides 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The Ford Bronco’s base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine offers 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, while the more powerful 2.7-liter V6 engine delivers 18 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Fuel efficiency may vary during off-roading and towing activities.

Trim Levels:

The Ford Bronco is available in seven trim levels, each catering to different off-road preferences, comfort levels, and budgets. The Chevy Blazer comes in six trim levels, with options designed for varying levels of luxury, performance, and technology features.

Pricing:

The Ford Bronco has a slightly higher starting price at around $29,300 for the base model. The higher trims, such as the Wildtrak and First Edition, can reach up to $50,000 or more, depending on options and packages.

The Chevy Blazer starts at a lower price of around $28,800 for the base L model. The top-of-the-line Premier trim can reach up to $45,000 or more, depending on additional features and packages. This makes the Blazer more budget-friendly, especially for those seeking luxury features at a lower price point.

Seating and Interior:

While both vehicles offer seating for up to five passengers, their interiors cater to different preferences. The Bronco’s interior focuses on durability and functionality, with easy-to-clean materials and a minimalist dashboard design. It offers ample rear legroom, making it suitable for long journeys with adult passengers.

The Blazer, on the other hand, emphasizes comfort and luxury with its plush leather upholstery, power-adjustable options, and high-quality materials. Although its rear legroom is slightly less generous compared to the Bronco, it still provides a comfortable experience for passengers.

Safety Features:

Both the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer come equipped with a suite of standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Optional safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree or surround-view camera systems are available on both vehicles. However, the Blazer offers a high-definition surround-view camera system, providing better visibility and clarity for the driver.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer each have unique strengths that cater to different types of drivers. The Bronco’s off-road prowess, rugged design, and ample cargo space make it an ideal choice for those who seek adventure and prioritize performance in demanding environments. Meanwhile, the Blazer’s sleek design, comfortable interior, and superior fuel efficiency make it more suitable for drivers who value on-road performance and premium features.

Your choice between the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer will depend on your personal preferences, driving habits, and budget. It’s essential to test drive both vehicles to experience their performance, features, and overall driving feel. By considering the key differences outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect SUV to fit your lifestyle.

Features Breakdown

2023 Ford Bronco:

  • Exterior Design:
    • Rugged, boxy silhouette
    • Bold grille with round LED headlights
    • Removable roof and doors for open-air driving experience
  • Interior Design:
    • Durable, easy-to-clean cabin with rugged materials
    • Minimalist dashboard for easy access to controls
    • Available waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery
  • Seating:
    • Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
    • Leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats in higher trims
    • Ample rear legroom
  • Storage:
    • 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up
    • 77.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded down
  • Performance:
    • Standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
    • Optional 2.7-liter V6 engine (310 hp, 400 lb-ft)
    • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 2.3-liter EcoBoost: 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway (EPA-estimated)
    • 2.7-liter V6: 18 mpg city, 20 mpg highway (EPA-estimated)
  • Safety:
    • Standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera
    • Optional adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera system
  • Trim Levels:
    • Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, First Edition
  • Pricing:
    • Starts at around $29,300 for the base model
    • Up to $50,000 or more for higher trims with options and packages

2023 Chevy Blazer:

  • Exterior Design:
    • Sleek, athletic look with dynamic lines and sculpted body
    • Slim LED daytime running lights
    • Aggressive front fascia inspired by the Camaro
  • Interior Design:
    • Comfortable, premium atmosphere with high-quality materials
    • User-friendly infotainment system
    • Available panoramic sunroof and heated/ventilated seats
  • Seating:
    • Spacious seating for up to five passengers
    • Plush leather upholstery and power-adjustable options in higher trims
    • Slightly less rear legroom compared to Bronco
  • Storage:
    • 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up
    • 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded down
    • Hands-free power liftgate available on higher trims
  • Performance:
    • Base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (193 hp, 188 lb-ft)
    • Optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (227 hp, 258 lb-ft)
    • Optional 3.6-liter V6 engine (308 hp, 270 lb-ft)
    • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • 2.5-liter: 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway (EPA-estimated)
    • 2.0-liter turbocharged: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway (EPA-estimated)
    • 3.6-liter V6: 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway (EPA-estimated)
  • Safety:
    • Standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera
    • Optional adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-definition surround-view camera system
  • Trim Levels:
    • L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, Premier
  • Pricing:
    • Starts at around $28,800 for the base L model
    • Up to $45,000 or more for the top-of-the-line Premier trim with additional features and packages

About Marcus The Car Guy

I've been in car sales and finance for over 20 years, working at the highest volume dealerships in the nation including Fletcher Jones, DCH and more. Want to pick my brain on finding cars, negotiating cars, and structuring car deals?

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