Blazer vs V90 Cross Country
Chevrolet brings the Blazer; Volvo answers with the V90 Cross Country. Both play in the midsize suv class. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance V90 Cross Country wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
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
-
The V90 Cross Country has 67 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The V90 Cross Country brings 295 hp to the table; the Blazer brings 228 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The V90 Cross Country has 52 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the V90 Cross Country wins comfortably with 310 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| 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
V90 Cross Country leads
The V90 Cross Country wins the engine & performance section decisively. The V90 Cross Country steps ahead thanks to 67 hp more power. The V90 Cross Country’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the V90 Cross Country is the safer choice.
Total system output
Blazer: 228 hp V90 Cross Country: 295 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Blazer: 258 lb-ft V90 Cross Country: 310 lb-ft The V90 Cross Country’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on fuel economy & range. Net result on fuel economy & range: level.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Blazer’s and the V90 Cross Country’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Blazer | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo- and supercharged I4 |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 295 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Blazer | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Blazer | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Blazer | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Blazer | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| 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 V90 Cross Country if…
- you want more power (295 hp vs 228 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other Volvo products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Blazer or the V90 Cross Country?
On the specs compared here, the V90 Cross Country makes more sense for most buyers; the Blazer doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Blazer and the V90 Cross Country. It’s hard to argue with 67 hp more power, which is exactly what the V90 Cross Country brings.
A quick self-test: do you care more about the things a spec sheet can’t capture or engine & performance? The first answer means the Blazer, the second means the V90 Cross Country.
My pick: the V90 Cross Country.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.