Blazer vs CX-70
The Blazer and the CX-70 land in the same midsize suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. On the overall scorecard, the CX-70 is ahead: 3 of 4 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-70 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-70 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing CX-70 wins
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Off-road & Towing7.6
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
- Off-road & Towing8.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The CX-70 has 52 hp more power
For total system output, the CX-70 leads by a wide margin: 280 hp versus 228 hp. The CX-70’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The CX-70 has 74 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 332 lb-ft to the Blazer’s 258 lb-ft, the CX-70 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The CX-70 has 500 lb more towing capacity
The CX-70 has a modest edge on max towing: 5,000 lb against 4,500 lb for the Blazer. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The CX-70 has
Numbers like 122.8 in against 112.7 in only tell you which is larger (here, the CX-70), not which is better. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between cabin space and maneuverability.
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The CX-70 has better city fuel economy
It’s a small lead (24 mpg versus 22 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the CX-70. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the CX-70 is larger, the Blazer more compact.
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.8 in | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | 122.8 in |
Engine & Performance
CX-70 leads
Here the CX-70 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The CX-70 gives you 52 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Bottom line for engine & performance: the CX-70 has the edge.
Total system output
Blazer: 228 hp CX-70: 280 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Blazer: 258 lb-ft CX-70: 332 lb-ft The CX-70’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-70 leads
Call it a small but real win for the CX-70 in this area. The CX-70 answers with better city fuel economy. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CX-70 starts from a better baseline. On fuel economy & range alone, the CX-70 gets the nod.
Fuel economy (city)
Blazer: 22 mpg CX-70: 24 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CX-70 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
CX-70 leads
A modest lead on off-road & towing belongs to the CX-70. The CX-70 has the edge with 500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the CX-70’s higher rating gives you more margin. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the CX-70.
Max towing
Blazer: 4,500 lb CX-70: 5,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Mild hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 280 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,500 lb | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.8 in | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | 122.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Blazer | CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,600 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Blazer if…
- you want the more compact car
- you’re loyal to Chevrolet and happy with it
Choose the CX-70 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (280 hp vs 228 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (332 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 4,500 lb)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Blazer or the CX-70?
On the specs compared here, the CX-70 makes more sense for most buyers; the Blazer doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Blazer or the CX-70?
The CX-70 takes that one. With dimensions of 200.8 in, it is larger than the Blazer (191.8 × 76.7 × 67 in).
Executive Summary
Chevrolet or Mazda? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Blazer versus the CX-70. Honestly, 52 hp more power on the CX-70 does a lot of the persuading for me. The CX-70 also scores with 500 lb more towing capacity.
I think of the Blazer as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the CX-70 as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the CX-70.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.