Sport SUVs are a class all of their own; these vehicles are meant for a fun drive through the woods and across the trail – but not necessarily to Grandma’s house! Think instead about going through the creek and through the mud, and you’ll see where this type of vehicle really shines. While the Chevrolet Blazer is slightly more refined and well, less Jeep-like, they are both vehicles created for fun, not necessarily for moving people around.
The 2-door SUVs both provide a fast and zippy pickup and go, with a little extra room for moving around when you go around the corners or bounce up and down through mud holes. The Wrangler is a slightly more cost-effective option for the base cost, and as far as ongoing fuel economy.
Performance
The 190 HP delivered by the Chevrolet Blazer outstrips the 147 HP offered by the Wrangler by a decent amount, and the standard 4.3L engine of the Blazer leaves the 2.4L Wrangler engine in the dust. While compression ratios are similar, the 5-speed transmission on the Blazer is only a little changed from the 6-speed Wrangler. Rigid beam suspension on the Wrangler makes for a bouncier ride than the independent wishbone front suspension on the Blazer.
Technology
The Wrangler is a down-and-dirty option that does not offer many amenities, even as options. The Blazer gives you at least a cruise control option and an optional rear window defogger, but neither of the two models for this year are setting any style records as far as the technology offered. They do both offer CD players and AM/FM radio, but only the Blazer gives you an option of a CD changer.
Interior Comfort
You’ll only find a leather steering wheel option on the Blazer, and the Wrangler doesn’t even offer power windows in this particular model year. Tilt steering is optional as are power windows on the Blazer, but tilt steering at least is standard on the Wrangler – probably so the driver can strap in tightly for the wild ride they are likely to have on this tight suspension. The Wrangler even has air conditioning as an optional feature – something that most traditional consumers would consider a requirement for purchase.
These mean machines are meant for a fun time on the road, or off the road! Enjoy off-roading with either option.
