Chevy SUV Comparison
Chevy Blazer vs Traverse: Two Rows or Three?
The quick call: choose the two-row Blazer for a sportier, lower-priced SUV, or the three-row Traverse when you need seating for up to eight and maximum cargo room. Here's the side-by-side, from your Cleveland-area Chevy dealer.
The short answer
The Chevy Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV that seats 7–8 and opens up to 97.6 cu ft of cargo space. The Chevy Blazer is a two-row, five-seat SUV that's about a foot shorter, sportier and roughly $6,700 less to start. Need a third row? Traverse. Want a sleeker two-row? Blazer.
Both wear the Chevy bowtie and both are built as comfortable daily drivers, but they solve different problems. The Blazer is a style-forward, two-row crossover aimed at couples and small families. The Traverse is a genuine three-row hauler for carpools, road trips and gear. Below is every number that matters, verified against current Chevrolet specifications, plus how each one fits life in Northeast Ohio.
Head to Head
Blazer vs Traverse: the numbers
| Spec | Chevrolet Blazer | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Body style | Two-row midsize SUV | Three-row midsize SUV |
| Seating | 5 passengers | 7 standard; 8 available on LT with the second-row bench |
| Overall length | 191.8 in | 204.5 in |
| Standard engine | 2.0L turbo I4 — 228 hp / 258 lb-ft | 2.5L turbo I4 — 328 hp / 326 lb-ft |
| Available engine | 3.6L V6 — 308 hp / 270 lb-ft (RS trim, remaining stock only) | — (2.5L turbo across the lineup) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Cargo (max, seats folded) | 64.2 cu ft | 97.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 30.5 cu ft | 56.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (all seats up) | 30.5 cu ft (behind 2nd row) | 22.9 cu ft (behind 3rd row) |
| Max towing* | 4,500 lbs (3.6L V6) · 3,250 lbs (2.0L turbo with Trailering Package) | 5,000 lbs |
| Fuel economy (FWD) | 22 city / 29 hwy | 20 city / 26 hwy |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | FWD standard, AWD available |
| Starting MSRP* | From $36,095 (2LT FWD) | From $42,795 (LT FWD) |
*Towing requires proper equipment; maximum ratings apply only when correctly configured. Starting MSRP includes the destination freight charge and excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment; pricing changes by model year and configuration. The Blazer's 3.6L V6 was an RS-trim option and is no longer available to order — availability is limited to vehicles already built, so call to check current stock. See dealer for full details.
How to choose
Which Chevy SUV is right for you?
Choose the Blazer if…
You want a sportier, more affordable two-row SUV; you rarely carry more than five people; better fuel economy matters to you; and a lower starting price beats having a third row you'd fold down anyway.
See Blazer inventoryChoose the Traverse if…
You need three rows and seating for up to eight; you haul gear, strollers or sports equipment; you tow up to 5,000 pounds; and maximum cargo flexibility is the priority for family road trips.
See Traverse inventoryOne number worth pausing on: with the second row up, the Traverse holds 56.6 cu ft versus the Blazer's 30.5. That's the difference between a hockey bag fitting and a hockey bag riding in the back seat — and it applies even when nobody is using the third row.
Still weighing your options? If the Traverse feels close in size to a full-size SUV, compare it against the body-on-frame Tahoe in our Chevy Traverse vs Tahoe breakdown, or read the 2026 Tahoe overview. Shopping compact instead? The Blazer's smaller sibling, the Equinox, is worth a look — see the Equinox RS trim.
People Also Ask
Chevy Blazer vs Traverse: FAQ
Is the Chevy Traverse bigger than the Blazer?
Yes. The Traverse is the bigger SUV.
The Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV about 204.5 inches long that seats 7 to 8, while the Blazer is a two-row SUV about 191.8 inches long that seats 5. The Traverse is roughly a foot longer and adds a third row of seating.
What is the difference between the Chevy Blazer and Traverse?
The Blazer is a two-row, five-seat SUV; the Traverse is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight.
The Blazer is sportier and lower priced, while the Traverse trades some of that sportiness for family space, a third row and much more cargo room. They ride on different platforms and target different buyers.
Which has more cargo space, the Blazer or Traverse?
The Traverse, with about 97.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Folding the Traverse's rear seats opens roughly 97.6 cubic feet versus about 64.2 in the Blazer. Even with the second row up, the Traverse holds 56.6 cubic feet to the Blazer's 30.5.
Can the Chevy Blazer or Traverse tow more?
The Traverse tows more — up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Blazer tows up to 4,500 pounds with the 3.6L V6, or 3,250 pounds with the 2.0L turbo and the Trailering Package. Always tow only within the vehicle's rated, properly equipped capacity.
Is the Blazer or Traverse better for a family?
The Traverse is the better family SUV.
Its third row seats up to eight and it offers far more room for strollers, sports gear and groceries. The Blazer suits smaller families or buyers who prefer a sportier two-row SUV.
How much do the Chevy Blazer and Traverse cost?
The Blazer starts at $36,095 and the Traverse at $42,795.
Those are starting MSRPs including destination, before options and fees. Actual pricing at Tim Lally Chevrolet in Warrensville Heights varies by trim and current incentives — call (440) 374-8221 for today's numbers.
Does the Chevy Blazer still come with a V6?
Only as remaining stock — the V6 is no longer orderable.
The 3.6L V6 was a $1,000 option on the Blazer RS and dealers can no longer order it, so the 2.0L turbo is the engine going forward. If you specifically want the V6, call us to check what's still on the ground.
Do the Blazer and Traverse come with all-wheel drive?
Yes, both offer available all-wheel drive.
AWD is a popular choice for Northeast Ohio winters. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims of both SUVs, with all-wheel drive available.
Why shop the Blazer and Traverse at Tim Lally Chevrolet?
- Both SUVs in stock to test drive back-to-back in one visit
- Serving Cleveland and every east and southeast suburb
- Open until 8 PM Monday and Thursday for after-work shopping
- Browse the Traverse and Blazer lineups online
- Your Chevy dealer near Cleveland, on Miles Rd
- Straightforward pricing and financing on site
Tim Lally Chevrolet24999 Miles Rd
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
HoursMon & Thu 9–8
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 9–6 · Sun closed
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 9–6 · Sun closed
Proudly serving Cleveland, Warrensville Heights, Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Solon, Bedford and Northeast Ohio. © Tim Lally Chevrolet.