Dec 11, 2025
2026 Traverse in grey.

Chevy SUVs like the Traverse and Blazer fit perfectly into the relaxed, outdoorsy Gulf Coast lifestyle. Both models combine Chevy’s trusted reliability with features that suit the region, from roomy cabins and smart tech to drive modes. While the Blazer offers a sportier and more efficient everyday driving experience, the Traverse provides more room and a higher towing capacity. This Chevy Traverse vs. Blazer guide compares both SUVs to help you decide which one is right for you in the Gulfport area.

Interior Space and Passenger Comfort

When you consider the overall space and comfort, the Chevy Traverse is more spacious than the Blazer. It’s better for large families or for anyone who regularly travels with people. The Traverse has three rows of seating and fits up to eight passengers with sufficient legroom. The Blazer seats five people, making it ideal for small families or couples that enjoy a sportier driving experience.

The Traverse offers up to 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, compared to the Blazer’s 64.2 cubic feet. Features like SmartSlide second-row seats make getting in and out easy. The tri-zone climate control and available heated rear seats add to passenger comfort. Both SUVs come with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats covered in quality materials. However, the Traverse’s interior is larger and more suitable for long rides than the Blazer’s, which has a more driver-oriented feel. 

Power, Performance, and Fuel Efficiency

The Traverse packs a strong 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque for confident acceleration. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds. With a fuel efficiency of around 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, the Traverse is ideal for road trips or hauling boats along the coast.

The Blazer starts with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 228 horsepower, or an available 3.6-liter V-6 with 308 horsepower for extra punch. It delivers slightly better mileage of up to 22 mpg city and 29 highway, and can tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it a more efficient choice for smaller families or solo drivers.

For Gulf Coast living, the Traverse shines when you need space, strength, and all-around versatility. The Blazer offers a sportier, more agile drive with better fuel economy in a more compact package.

Technology and Infotainment Features

The Traverse stands out with a large 17.7-inch infotainment touch screen that runs Google built-in and provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Bose 10-speaker system delivers rich sound for road trips and coastal drives. It also features an 11-inch driver display, Super Cruise hands-free highway driving and several USB ports to keep you relaxed and connected on long Gulf Coast trips. 

The Blazer offers a standard 10.2-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless smartphone integration, plus a six- or optional Bose eight-speaker sound system. Dual-zone climate control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless charging add convenience on daily commutes and weekend getaways.

Safety and Everyday Driving Confidence

The Chevy Traverse comes with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist. It also adds intersection automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, and side bicyclist alert for busy city and coastal roads. Available adaptive cruise control helps on long highway drives. The Traverse has earned top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, proving its strength in crash protection and overall safety. The Traverse’s larger size and steady ride make it a solid choice for the Gulf Coast’s unpredictable weather.

The Blazer also comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist. It adds available rear cross-traffic alert and blind zone monitoring for better visibility in traffic or parking. The 2024 Blazer also holds a five-star NHTSA rating. With sharp handling and available V-6 power, the SUV is a great fit for drivers who want safety with a more dynamic driving feel.

Which SUV Fits Your Commute?

Before choosing either the Chevy Traverse or Blazer for your commutes, consider the space, comfort, and tech features each offers. If you have a large family, the three-row Traverse provides a spacious interior. Its third-row seats have enough space to accommodate adults comfortably, so you can use the maximum eight seats, whether you’re carpooling or hauling your family or crew. The Traverse also offers decent cargo space behind the third row, which makes carrying gear and people seamless. It also has a higher towing capacity, so you’ll have no issues taking your RV or boat along with you.

The Blazer is smaller and sportier, and this makes it easier to park in busy Gulf Coast malls. Its smaller dimensions also make it easier to maneuver in the city and in stop-and-go traffic. While the Traverse is ideal for long highway commutes with passengers, the Blazer is perfect for solo and small-family trips, especially in the city.

Compare Both at Turan Foley Chevrolet

When choosing between the Chevy Traverse and Blazer for Gulf Coast living, consider your needs like comfort, performance, and confidence on the road. The Traverse offers generous space for families and long beach getaways. The Blazer adds a bold design and a sportier performance for drives along scenic coastal routes. Whether you need room for everyone or prefer a more athletic ride, Chevrolet has an option that fits your lifestyle. Contact us or visit Turan Foley Chevrolet to test-drive both models to see which one feels right for your next Gulf Coast adventure.