2026 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$34,200 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer blasts onto the scene with undeniable street presence and a spirited 228 hp engine, making it the choice for drivers prioritizing immediate punch over pure efficiency. Its 9-speed automatic transmission paired with recommended premium fuel hints at a more engaging, if thirstier, drive, achieving 25 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback defines rugged utility, boasting standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and excellent fuel economy at 27 combined MPG. While its 180 hp engine generates less excitement, the Outback compensates with superior practicality, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Blazer's 30.5 cu ft. The Blazer starts slightly cheaper at $34,200, but the Outback’s superior standard hardware and lower running costs make a compelling case for the pragmatic buyer, despite the Blazer’s significant 48 hp advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, offering 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families benefit from the Outback's larger 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Blazer's 30.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Blazer

The Blazer is the enthusiast choice, delivering a commanding 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Blazer

The Blazer offers significantly more power for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $34,200.

Choose the Chevrolet Blazer if...

You crave superior straight-line performance, as the Blazer boasts 228 hp.
You prefer the mechanical feel and response of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $34,200.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

All-weather security is paramount due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prioritize fuel savings, with the Outback achieving 31 highway MPG on regular unleaded.
You need maximum hauling room, evidenced by its 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.

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
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	—	✓

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 2026 Chevrolet Blazer and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which crossover has better acceleration capabilities?

The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer clearly holds the performance edge, generating 228 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp. This 48 hp advantage means the Blazer will feel noticeably quicker off the line.

Is the higher fuel requirement of the Blazer a significant long-term cost?

Yes, the Blazer recommends premium unleaded fuel while achieving 25 combined MPG, whereas the Outback runs on regular unleaded and gets 27 combined MPG. This difference affects both initial fill-up costs and overall running expenses.

Which vehicle is more capable for hauling gear for road trips?

The Subaru Outback offers superior dedicated cargo space, providing 34.6 cu ft behind the second row compared to the Blazer’s 30.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Outback’s standard AWD adds confidence on varied terrains.

What is the key transmission difference between these two crossovers?

The Blazer utilizes a responsive 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its power output. In contrast, the Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smooth, constant efficiency.

How do the dimensions compare for parking ease?

The vehicles are almost identical in length (Blazer: 191.9 inches vs. Outback: 191.7 inches), but the Blazer is significantly wider at 76.7 inches compared to the Outback’s 74.0 inches, making the Outback marginally easier to squeeze into tight parking spots.

Does the lower horsepower in the Outback prevent it from managing highway merging?

While the Outback has less power at 180 hp, its standard All-Wheel Drive system provides stable handling. The Blazer's extra power reserve will provide a greater surge capacity for passing maneuvers on the highway.