2026 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer and the 2026 Toyota Highlander often comes down to balancing initial cost versus perceived capability. The Blazer jumps in with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $34,200, making it immediately more attractive than the Highlander's steep $45,270 price tag—a difference of $11,070. While the Highlander offers more grunt with 265 hp compared to the Blazer's 228 hp, the Chevy counters with slightly better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined versus the Toyota's 24 MPG. Additionally, the Blazer uses less expensive fuel, recommending premium while the Highlander runs on regular unleaded. Despite being slightly shorter in length at 191.9 inches, the Blazer offers more usable space, boasting 30.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's tight 16 cu ft, a major consideration for practical buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Blazer
The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer wins for commuters due to its lower purchase price and slightly better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Blazer
The Blazer is superior for families needing space, offering 30.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering a higher output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Chevrolet Blazer
The Blazer provides substantially better value by saving the buyer $11,070 upfront while still achieving 29 MPG highway.
Choose the Chevrolet Blazer if...
- Your budget is strict; the Blazer saves you $11,070 compared to the Highlander.
- You prioritize maximum hauling capability, as the Blazer provides 30.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want better fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway versus the Highlander's 28 MPG.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You value on-road grip and traction, as the Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- You want the most power, enjoying the 37 hp advantage with 265 hp total.
- You prefer using less expensive fuel, as the Highlander runs on regular unleaded while the Blazer recommends premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Blazer | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.9" | 194.9" |
| Width | 76.7" | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.0" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 426.8/562.6 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.2 in | 8.0 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 57.2 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.6 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R18 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the major cost difference between the 2026 Blazer and the 2026 Highlander?
There is a significant initial price gap; the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer starts at $34,200, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander begins at $45,270, resulting in an $11,070 savings if you opt for the Chevy.
Which crossover is better for moving larger items?
The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer is far better suited for cargo hauling, offering 30.5 cubic feet of capacity compared to the Highlander's much smaller 16 cubic feet, even though the Blazer is slightly shorter in overall length.
Does the Highlander use more expensive fuel than the Blazer?
Yes, the specifications indicate the 2026 Highlander runs on regular unleaded, while the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer recommends premium unleaded, potentially adding to the Blazer's long-term running costs despite better base MPG.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander holds a noticeable power advantage, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Blazer offers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Do these models come with different drivetrain systems?
They do; the standard Blazer model reviewed here is Front Wheel Drive, while the standard Highlander comes equipped with All Wheel Drive, which is a key differentiator for those facing inclement weather.
Are the overall dimensions very different between these two Crossovers?
They are very similar in footprint; the Highlander is slightly longer at 194.9 inches versus the Blazer's 191.9 inches, and it is also slightly taller at 68.1 inches.
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