Planning a cross-country adventure or weekend getaway? The SUV you pick can make or break your trip. Two American midsize SUVs have caught the attention of road trip fans: the sporty Chevrolet Blazer and the refined Ford Edge. Both promise comfort, capability, and highway confidence, but which one actually delivers when you’re covering serious miles?
- Ford Edge gives you more cargo space and passenger room – perfect for families hauling lots of gear
- Chevy Blazer gets better gas mileage and costs less upfront – your travel budget will stretch further
- Edge comes with all-wheel drive standard for better traction, while Blazer’s V6 can tow more weight
Highway Power and Driving Feel
Highway driving shows what these SUVs are really made of. The Ford Edge brings more muscle with its standard 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, beating the Blazer’s base 228-horsepower four-cylinder. You’ll feel this extra power when merging onto busy interstates or climbing mountain passes.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Chevy Blazer fights back with way better handling. The Edge feels stable and composed, sure, but the Blazer gives you more responsive steering and tighter body control on winding mountain roads. It’s like choosing between a comfortable highway cruiser and an SUV that actually makes twisty scenic routes fun.
Want serious power? Both SUVs offer V6 upgrades. The Edge ST packs a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 335 horsepower. The Blazer’s naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 produces 308 horsepower. Both hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, though the Edge’s all-wheel drive gives it more consistent launches.
Gas Mileage: Your Wallet Will Notice
Nothing kills a road trip budget faster than constant gas stops. The Chevrolet Blazer wins here, hands down. With its turbocharged four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, the Blazer gets up to 22 city and 29 highway mpg. That beats the Edge’s 21 city and 28 highway rating.
Even with V6 engines, the Blazer keeps its efficiency advantage. The V6 Blazer manages 19 city and 27 highway mpg, while the Edge ST drops to 19 city and just 25 highway mpg. Over thousands of road trip miles, this difference adds up to real money saved at gas stations.
What makes this more interesting? Every Ford Edge comes with all-wheel drive standard, which usually hurts gas mileage. The Blazer offers front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available if you need extra traction.
Comfort and Room Inside
Long hours behind the wheel demand a comfortable cabin. The Ford Edge pulls ahead here. The Edge gives you more legroom front and rear – 42.6 inches up front and 40.6 inches in back, compared to the Blazer’s 41.0 and 39.6 inches. That extra inch might not sound like much, but it makes a real difference during eight-hour driving days.
The Edge also wins on headroom and shoulder space. Tall passengers will appreciate the Edge’s roomier feel, especially in the back seat. Both SUVs seat five adults reasonably well for most trips.
Interior design tells different stories. The Blazer takes inspiration from the Camaro with sporty round vents and a more aggressive look. The Edge keeps things simple and refined, with quality materials that feel right for its higher price. Neither interior screams luxury, but both work well for their different approaches.
Cargo Space Reality Check
Road trips mean luggage. Lots of it. The Ford Edge dominates here with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The Blazer trails with just 30.5 cubic feet normally and 64.2 cubic feet maximum.
This difference matters more than numbers show. The Edge can swallow four large suitcases plus miscellaneous gear without breaking a sweat. The Blazer requires more strategic packing and might send you to the roof rack sooner than you’d like.
For towing camping trailers or boats, the Blazer bounces back with a 4,500-pound max capacity when equipped with the V6. The Edge tops out at 3,500 pounds – fine for most needs but not quite as versatile.
Tech and Connectivity on the Road
Modern road trips demand modern connectivity. The Ford Edge leads with a bigger 12-inch infotainment touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4A software. The Blazer makes do with a 10.2-inch display. Both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Edge includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard equipment. The Blazer charges extra for this increasingly needed feature.
Safety systems matter for highway driving. Both SUVs include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warnings. The Edge adds standard blind-spot monitoring across all trims. The Blazer reserves this feature for higher trim levels.
Adaptive cruise control – a highway game-changer – comes available on both, though you’ll need to move up from base models.
What’s It Actually Like to Drive?
Strip away the spec sheets. What’s it really like to drive these SUVs on a 500-mile day? The Edge feels like the more mature highway companion. Its standard all-wheel drive gives you confidence in changing weather conditions, while the refined suspension soaks up rough pavement without complaint.
The Blazer brings more personality to your journey. Its steering feels more connected, and the chassis responds better when the route gets interesting. Models with bigger wheels can feel harsh on broken pavement though, and road noise goes up noticeably.
Both SUVs stay composed at highway speeds, but the Edge feels more planted and quiet during long interstate stretches.
Money Talk
The Chevrolet Blazer starts around $36,795, making it the cheaper entry point. The Ford Edge begins at $39,960, though that includes standard all-wheel drive that costs extra on the Blazer. Factor in incentives and deals, and the pricing gap often gets smaller.
For 2024, the Edge enters its final production year, which could mean better deals but also questions about long-term support and resale values.
The Final Word
Choosing between these SUVs depends on your road trip priorities. The Ford Edge makes the better choice for families who want space, comfort, and all-weather capability. Its bigger cargo area, roomier passenger compartment, and standard all-wheel drive create a more practical highway companion for serious road warriors.
The Chevrolet Blazer appeals to drivers who want to save money while still enjoying their journey. Its better fuel economy, lower price, and more engaging driving feel make it the smart choice for budget-conscious adventurers who don’t need maximum cargo capacity.
Both SUVs will get you there reliably and comfortably. The Edge does it with more refinement and space. The Blazer does it with better efficiency and style. Your perfect road trip partner depends on whether you value maximum comfort or maximum value.
