2025 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$35,400 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Chevy Blazer and the 2026 Subaru Outback often boils down to power versus practicality. If you crave punchier acceleration for highway merging, the Blazer hits the mark with its 228 hp engine, easily outpacing the Outback's 180 hp. However, that power comes at a slight cost: the Blazer's combined MPG sits at 25, whereas the Outback manages 27 combined MPG, using cheaper regular unleaded fuel instead of the Blazer's recommended premium. The sticker prices are nearly identical, with the Blazer starting at $35,400 and the Outback just undercutting it at $34,995. While the Blazer is slightly longer at 191.9 inches, the Outback offers superior hauling capability with 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Blazer's 30.5 cu ft, making daily utility a key deciding factor.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy (27 combined MPG) and ability to run on regular unleaded gas.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families will appreciate the Outback’s greater maximum cargo capacity of 34.6 cubic feet, beating the Blazer's 30.5 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer appeals more to enthusiasts with significantly higher output, boasting 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback offers more standard utility (AWD, better MPG) for a lower MSRP of $34,995.

Choose the Chevrolet Blazer if...

You prioritize performance and want 228 horsepower under the hood for better acceleration.
You prefer the handling characteristics of a standard front-wheel-drive platform paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
You like the Blazer’s larger exterior dimensions, being slightly longer at 191.9 inches.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You need maximum cargo space, as the Outback provides 34.6 cubic feet versus 30.5 cu ft in the Blazer.
You want the security of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for adverse weather conditions.
You want to save money annually by running on regular unleaded fuel and achieving 27 combined MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Blazer	Subaru Outback
Length	191.9"	191.7"
Width	76.7"	74.0"
Height	67.0"	67.5"
Wheelbase	113.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 5000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	426.8/562.6 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.6 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.2 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which crossover is better on fuel costs: the Blazer or the Outback?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the more economical choice for daily driving, achieving 27 combined MPG and requiring regular unleaded fuel. The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer only gets 25 combined MPG and recommends premium unleaded.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer than the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The Blazer offers a substantial power advantage, delivering 228 horsepower compared to the Outback's 180 horsepower—a difference of 48 hp. This results in 258 lb-ft of torque in the Chevy versus 178 lb-ft in the Subaru.

Is the Subaru Outback good for hauling gear compared to the Chevy Blazer?

Yes, the Outback is better equipped for cargo, offering 34.6 cubic feet of space standard, while the Blazer provides 30.5 cubic feet. For maximum utility, the Subaru has the edge.

Do these two crossovers come with different drivetrains?

They do. The base 2026 Outback comes standard with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Blazer is listed with Front Wheel Drive, making the Outback better prepared for slippery roads out of the box.

What is the price difference between the two base models?

The pricing is very close, with the 2026 Subaru Outback starting slightly lower at $34,995 compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer's MSRP of $35,400.

Which transmission offers quicker shifts in these crossovers?

The Chevrolet Blazer uses a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which often provides more defined shift points than the Outback's continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).