Comparison: 2020 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Ford Edge

2020 Chevrolet Blazer 

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $35,198 CDN 
 

Pros 

Sharp styling 

Three engine options 

Excellent towing capabilities 
 

Cons 

All-wheel-drive only offered with an optional V6 engine 

Small-ish rear cargo space 

Less than sporty RS model  

2020 Chevrolet Blazer Highlights 

Taking its name from one of the original truck-based SUVs, the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Blazer is a modern 5-passenger mid-size SUV with talents better suited to the pavement than serious off-roading and styling inspired from Chevrolet’s sporty Camaro. Sliding between Chevy’s 2-row compact $27,198 CDN Equinox and larger 3-row mid-size $36,198 Traverse, the base $35,198 Blazer LS comes with front-wheel-drive and a 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. All-wheel-drive versions start at $39,198 with the LT trim that also adds a 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The $46,298 RS and $48,798 Premier trims receive the Blazer’s 6-cylinder engine that makes 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque that also enables the maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds (2,041 kilograms). All versions of the 2020 Chevy Blazer employ a competent 9-speed automatic transmission. 

On the road, the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer delivers a pleasant balancing act of absorbing bumps while keeping body roll in check and bringing some life to the steering. Inside, the Blazer comes with ample standard equipment, including driver-assist features, and smartphone connectivity. A streamlined dashboard housing the infotainment system’s 8-inch display underlines the new Blazer’s modernity. The Chevy Camaro-inspired center vents allow temperature adjustment by rotating them. Stowage spots include a passenger-side map slot, door and seatback pockets, plus an electronically locking glove box. And there are soft points wherever the front occupants’ elbows come to rest. Rear-seat passengers enjoy ample space, climate-control vents and convenient slide/recline seats. The Blazer’s 864 litres of luggage area behind the rear seats is smaller than the Ford Edge’s but roomy enough for most needs. For larger loads, release levers located conveniently in the cargo area create a flat load floor. 

2020 Ford Edge 

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $33,097 CDN 
 

Pros 

Plenty of power 

Good, usable cargo space 

Sporty ST trim 
 

Cons 

Not suited for serious off-roading 

No front-wheel-drive option 

Dated styling 

2020 Ford Edge Highlights 
 

Having been updated for 2019, the Ford Edge is a capable mid-size SUV for buyers looking for more room than the $26,965 CDN Ford Escape compact SUV. The base Edge SE starts at $33,097. All-wheel-drive is standard, as is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that is more than adequate to motivate the Edge with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The $44,030 Edge ST is the first member of Ford’s SUV class to receive the sporty ST treatment. The ST features a 335-horsepower and 380-pound-feet of torque turbocharged 6-cylinder. Both engines connect to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In keeping with its sportier status, the ST variant also has gearshift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel. The Edge has a 3,500-pound (1,588 kgs) maximum tow rating. 

Upfront, the 2020 Ford Edge’s central console houses a standard 4.2-inch touch screen (an 8-inch touch screen is optional) along with a rotary gear selector. The ST’s front seats (with suede-like inserts) have more pronounced bolstering for holding their occupants through quick corners. The ST also gets its own digital instrument cluster. Given that it only offers two rows of seats, there is also plenty of room in the Edge for passengers and cargo, with ample legroom in the second row and up to 1,110 litres of space behind the rear seats. As a road-going SUV that can be sumptuous or sharp, the Edge deserves your attention. The sportier ST is a rare beast—an SUV that responds well to being pushed, with the ability to attack corners and keep body roll to a minimum. 

Final Recommendation 

The 2020 versions of the Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Edge offer plenty of room for five passengers, available AWD, plus 4- and 6-cylinder engines. The Blazer's key advantages are its fresher styling, more sophisticated 9-speed automatic, a higher towing capability and a lower price if you don't need traction at all four wheels. 
 
However, the 2020 Ford Edge is the choice here, offering more passenger and cargo space, more power with both engine choices, and a real performance version with the ST trim.