2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs. 2021 Ford Edge: Which Is Better?

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer and 2021 Ford Edge are two mid-size, 5-passenger SUVs at similar price points. Which is better?

Quick Facts

• The Chevrolet Blazer nameplate dates back to the 1970s.
• The Ford Edge is in its second generation.

2021 Chevrolet Blazer

Base Price: $29,995 / Read our 2021 Chevrolet Blazer Review

What we like: Sharp-looking design inside and out; sporty handling; available V6; tows up to 4,500 pounds

What we would change: AWD unavailable with the two lower trims; driver-assists not standard on lower trims; richly priced at the high end

Overview: This Chevy nameplate may have been born out on the trails, but the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer is an urbane crossover whose chief calling cards are sporty styling and sharp handling. That’s particularly true of the Blazer RS, although its stiffer suspension exacts a toll in ride comfort. There’s plenty of room for five in the stylish interior, but some cabin materials are disappointing. Cargo space, meanwhile, is average for the class. A 193-hp 2.5-liter engine powers lower trims, but the 227-hp 2.0-liter turbo four offers more grunt, is more fuel-efficient, and can be combined with AWD. Our favorite, though, is the potent 306-hp V6 that’s standard on the RS and Premier and optional on the 2LT and 3LT. It can tow up to 4,500 pounds and can be paired with FWD or AWD, and the latter includes rear torque vectoring in the RS. The V6’s mileage is a not-so-great 22 mpg combined (FWD) or 21 mpg (AWD). The turbo four adds 3 mpg to those numbers and is the most economical choice. All engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic, which can be slow to downshift.

What’s new for 2021: The Safety Assist Package, consisting of forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beams is now standard on the 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims. V6 Blazers with front-wheel drive can now be had with the trailering package (raising the tow rating from 1,500 to 4,500 pounds).

Features and technology: The Blazer is offered in L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier trim levels.

All trims get a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the RS and Premier add navigation. Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beams is now standard on the 2LT and above. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on 1LT and 2LT and standard on higher trims. Leather arrives with the 3LT. Adaptive cruise control and wireless device charging are optional on the two top trims. The RS and the Premier are the most desirable variants, but they’re also quite pricey. Better to option a 2LT or 3LT with your preferred features.

What does the future hold: The current-generation Blazer has been around since 2019, which means it’s likely to see a minor redo for 2022. See 2021 Chevrolet Blazer models for sale near you

2021 Ford Edge

Base Price: $32,495 / Read our 2021 Ford Edge Review

What we like: Standard active-safety features; XXL infotainment display; sporty ST version; roomy interior

What we would change: The interior materials could use an upgrade; outward visibility is not great; ditch the dial gear selector

Overview: With wide but stubby proportions, the Edge is a mid-size crossover that’s strictly a five-seater, a genre that’s increasingly popular. Wide doors and low sills ease access, and passenger space is generous — so, too, is the cargo hold, either behind the rear seats (with 41.7 cubic feet) or with the seat backs folded (74.8 cubic feet). Interior finishes aren’t great however, while thick pillars and a faraway windshield make for an awkward view out. Most Edge variants use a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four and an 8-speed automatic. The combination is adequately powerful and fairly economical, with EPA combined ratings of 24 mpg with FWD and 23 mpg with AWD. The sporty Edge ST gets a potent 2.7-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and standard AWD. The ST supplements its muscular engine with a stiffer suspension and (optionally) more robust brakes. The standard Edge, though, is unremarkable in corners, though it delivers a smooth ride. Neither version offers much is the way of off-road capability.

What’s new for 2021: The big news for the 2021 Edge is a big new touchscreen. The vertically oriented 12-inch unit is standard on all trims. Rear parking sensors are now standard but some lesser standard features have been removed. The ST replaces its previous 8-speed automatic with a 7-speed and adds a heated steering wheel and a 6-way power passenger seat. Finally, there are new wheel designs and two new exterior colors (both gray).

Features and technology: The 2021 Ford Edge’s S, SEL, and Titanium trims climb a ladder of ascending equipment, although even the top Titanium isn’t super-fancy. The high-performance (and high-priced) Edge ST is its own animal, while the ST-Line gets the sporty look without the high-performance equipment. All trims come standard with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beams. Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering is optional. The new infotainment system runs the latest SYNC 4 with natural-speech recognition and wireless smartphone mirroring, though navigation remains optional.

What does the future hold: The current-generation Ford Edge dates back to 2015, so this model is due for a redesign soon. See 2021 Ford Edge models for sale near you

Blazer vs. Edge: Strengths comparison

Chevrolet Blazer Benefits: Lower starting price, powerful V6; 4,500 pounds max towing; sporty RS variant; sharp exterior design

Ford Edge Benefits: Powerful turbo V6; sporty ST variant; standard driver-assist features; large cargo hold; extra-large display with wireless smartphone mirroring

2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs. 2021 Ford Edge: Which is better?

These two cross-town rivals are fairly evenly matched. The Edge, though, has a slight edge (ahem) with its driver assists standard on all trims, more advanced infotainment, and greater luggage capacity. See 2021 Chevrolet Blazer models for sale or See 2021 Ford Edge models for sale