Blazer vs Atlas Cross Sport
Two brands, one target. The Blazer from Chevrolet and the Atlas Cross Sport from Volkswagen compete head to head for midsize suv shoppers. The spec sheets tilt toward the Atlas Cross Sport, which leads in 3 of 4 areas and opens its biggest gap on space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Atlas Cross Sport wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Blazer wins
- Space & Practicality Atlas Cross Sport wins
- Off-road & Towing Atlas Cross Sport wins
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Space & Practicality3.4
- Off-road & Towing7.6
- Engine & Performance1.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- 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 Atlas Cross Sport has 32% more cargo space
Not a close call. The Atlas Cross Sport lists 40.3 cu ft and the Blazer lists 30.5 cu ft. That’s a substantial gap. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Atlas Cross Sport has 41 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 269 hp against 228 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas Cross Sport’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Atlas Cross Sport has 21% more maximum cargo space
The Blazer gives up a lot on cargo (seats folded): 64.2 cu ft, compared with 77.8 cu ft on the Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas Cross Sport can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The Blazer has better fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 25 mpg against 23 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the Blazer. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Atlas Cross Sport has 500 lb more towing capacity
The Atlas Cross Sport nudges ahead with 5,000 lb, while the Blazer lists 4,500 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Atlas Cross Sport leads
This is one of the Atlas Cross Sport’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the Blazer falls well short. The Atlas Cross Sport comes with 41 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the Atlas Cross Sport gets the nod.
Total system output
Blazer: 228 hp Atlas Cross Sport: 269 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Blazer: 258 lb-ft Atlas Cross Sport: 273 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Blazer leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Blazer. On its side, the Blazer has better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If this section decides it for you, choose the Blazer.
Fuel economy (combined)
Blazer: 25 mpg Atlas Cross Sport: 23 mpg The Blazer uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Blazer: 29 mpg Atlas Cross Sport: 26 mpg The Blazer uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Atlas Cross Sport leads
When it comes to space & practicality, the Atlas Cross Sport is comfortably ahead. In its favor, the Atlas Cross Sport has 32% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Atlas Cross Sport.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Blazer: 30.5 cu ft Atlas Cross Sport: 40.3 cu ft The Atlas Cross Sport’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Blazer: 64.2 cu ft Atlas Cross Sport: 77.8 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Atlas Cross Sport leads
The Atlas Cross Sport edges the off-road & towing section, though the Blazer stays close. Choose the Atlas Cross Sport and you get 500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Atlas Cross Sport’s higher rating gives you more margin. That makes the Atlas Cross Sport the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
Max towing
Blazer: 4,500 lb Atlas Cross Sport: 5,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 269 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30.5 cu ft | 40.3 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.2 cu ft | 77.8 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,500 lb | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Blazer | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 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 better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 26 mpg on the highway)
- you mostly drive in town (22 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
Choose the Atlas Cross Sport if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (40.3 cu ft vs 30.5 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (269 hp vs 228 hp)
- you want more room with the seats folded (77.8 cu ft vs 64.2 cu ft)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 4,500 lb)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Blazer or the Atlas Cross Sport?
The Atlas Cross Sport wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that better fuel economy would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Blazer and the Atlas Cross Sport feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. I think the Atlas Cross Sport makes its strongest case with 32% more cargo space. I’d also count 41 hp more power in the Atlas Cross Sport’s favor. I’ll admit the Blazer has a point with better fuel economy.
If you’d rather have strength in fuel economy & range, go with the Blazer. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the Atlas Cross Sport.
My pick: the Atlas Cross Sport for most people, with the Blazer as the smarter choice if you value better fuel economy above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.