[Auto] 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

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Space isn’t everything, granted, but the Blazer and Equinox pull up shy in other ways that require a family sit-in to make a decision. The Blazer’s broader and its second-row seat slides to flex passenger and cargo space, but the seats themselves are hard, narrow, and short at the bottom. The Equinox has better front seats, but no sliding second row and a narrower body that’s best for three children across the back. Neither has a particularly ritzy feel unless you’ve spent into the Premier trim level.

What makes the Blazer a worse value yet is in safety gear. This year Chevy made automatic emergency braking standard on the Equinox, but it remains an option on the Blazer, and is only available on more expensive trim levels. In safety and in space, the Equinox lands a haymaker on the newer, prettier Blazer.

The Blazer does outrun the Equinox in style and in, well, running. The Blazer’s wedgy, lithe shape and sporty interior puts the dowdy Equinox body on the trailer. In RS spec, the Blazer’s rorty 308-horsepower V-6 engine, trick AWD system, and taut handling deliver peak Chevy crossover road manners. Even in the uprated 252-hp turbo-4 trim, the Equinox goes light on excitement, though it outpaces the Blazer handily in fuel economy by up to 5 mpg combined.

Both the 2020 Blazer and 2020 Equinox get touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; both can be optioned up with leather, heated seats, big wheels, more horsepower, and nicer interiors. The least expensive Blazer we’d choose—one equipped with automatic emergency braking—stickers at more than $40,000. An Equinox LT with some upgrades checks in around $32,000. 

Either of these crossovers makes for a useful replacement for a mid-size sedan or minivan. With better standard safety gear the Blazer would be a stronger value and likely would be a clear winner. It wouldn’t win on size alone, though.