​Picking a midsize SUV feels straightforward until you're actually standing between two strong contenders. The 2026 Chevy Blazer and the 2026 Honda Passport are both well-equipped, but they're designed with very different drivers in mind. One leans into sport and style, the other into rugged practicality. Here at Huffines Chevrolet Plano, we work with all kinds of buyers across Collin County every day, and we've put together this honest side-by-side to help you figure out which one actually fits your life. Browse our 2026 Chevy Blazer inventory while you read, or keep going for the full breakdown.
One quick note before diving in: the gas-powered 2026 Chevy Blazer covered here is a separate model from the Blazer EV. They share a name, but the powertrains, pricing, and character are distinct.
2026 Chevy Blazer vs. Honda Passport: Two Different Takes on the Midsize SUV
This comparison is really about matching the right vehicle to the way you drive. The Blazer is sport-forward, with a design that catches attention and a driving experience that rewards engagement. The Passport takes a different approach, built for people who want a go-anywhere SUV that handles daily errands and weekend escapes with equal ease. Their core personalities show up in everything from powertrain choices to how they feel on a long North Texas road trip.
| Feature | 2026 Chevy Blazer | 2026 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 or 3.6L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower / Torque | 228 hp / 258 lb-ft (I4) or 308 hp (V6) | 285 hp |
| Drivetrain | Available FWD or AWD | Standard AWD |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 22/29/25 mpg (FWD) | 19/25/21 mpg (RTL) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Up to 4,500 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Cargo Volume (max) | 64.2 cu ft | 83.8 cu ft |
| Starting MSRP | $34,300 (2LT, FWD) | $44,950 (RTL) |
Performance and Powertrain: Sport-Tuned Flexibility vs. Rugged Simplicity
Chevy Blazer: Multiple Engines and a Driver-Focused Feel
The Blazer gives you options. The base engine is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic. Step up and you get a 308-hp 3.6L V6 that adds noticeably more highway confidence. FWD models return 22/29/25 mpg, while AWD trims come in at 22/27/24 mpg. The sport-tuned suspension sharpens handling and responsiveness, giving the Blazer a tighter, more connected feel on highway ramps and winding backroads alike.
Honda Passport: New V6 Power and Standard AWD Confidence
The Passport simplifies the equation with a 285-hp 3.5L V6 and a 10-speed automatic paired with standard AWD across every trim. You don't have to upgrade to get capable traction, which suits drivers who regularly deal with rain or occasional off-road conditions.
Fuel economy comes in at 19/25/21 mpg for the RTL and 18/23/20 mpg for the TrailSport. The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Blazer counters with up to 4,500 pounds, but only when equipped with the 3.6L V6 and the available Trailering Package. With the standard 2.0L turbo four, the Blazer tows up to 3,250 pounds, so towing-focused buyers will want to factor in which engine they're actually getting. For buyers who want assurance over adrenaline, the Passport's standard capability is exactly the point.
Interior Comfort, Space, and Everyday Livability
Cabin Quality and Passenger Experience
The Blazer's interior leans into a modern, upscale feel. Materials are thoughtfully chosen, the layout feels intentional, and the overall atmosphere suits a polished crossover. It makes a Plano highway commute feel a little less ordinary. Second-row legroom measures 39.6 inches, which is comfortable for most passengers on daily drives.
The Passport's cabin focuses more on space and usability. Second-row legroom measures 40.9 inches, and the design prioritizes comfort for the people inside. Families and frequent road-trippers will appreciate how easy it is to settle in for a long drive without feeling cramped.
Cargo Room and Gear-Hauling Practicality
This is where the Passport pulls clearly ahead. With 44.0 cu ft behind the rear seats and 83.8 cu ft maximum, it's built for gear-heavy weekends. The Blazer offers 30.5 cu ft behind the rear seats and 64.2 cu ft maximum, which is functional and well-designed but falls short if your weekends involve hauling bikes, hockey bags, or everything a family of four needs for a camping trip. That's a real difference, roughly 20 cubic feet, and it's worth factoring in honestly.
Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected on Every Drive
Both SUVs take connectivity seriously. The Blazer's infotainment system is intuitive and smartphone-forward, with smooth Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The interface is clean and accessible, which matters when you're trying to change a route without taking your eyes off the road during a busy Texas commute.
The Passport offers similarly solid connectivity with practical control layouts that carry a short learning curve. Both deliver capable infotainment experiences, so the difference here is more about feel than function. Tech-forward drivers may prefer the Blazer's presentation, while those who favor tactile simplicity will appreciate the Passport's layout.
Safety Features: Standard Protections and Driver Assistance Tech
Neither SUV cuts corners on safety. The Blazer comes equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist as part of the standard package. These systems work quietly in the background and intervene when necessary without being intrusive.
The Passport carries a well-established reputation for safety performance, with a reliable package of driver assistance tech standard across its lineup. Whichever SUV you choose, meaningful protection is built in from the start.
Pricing and Trim Value: What Each Budget Gets You
The Blazer 2LT starts at $34,300 in FWD configuration, making it one of the more accessible entries in the midsize segment. Its trim structure offers solid value at multiple levels, and the available V6 gives performance-focused buyers something to aim for without a dramatic jump in price. Check our current Chevrolet new vehicle specials for the latest incentives on Blazer trims.
The Passport RTL starts at $44,950, a $10,650 gap over the Blazer's entry point. That premium buys you standard AWD, the V6, and more cargo capacity on every single trim. For buyers who would otherwise need to upgrade just to get AWD, the Passport's approach simplifies the value equation. For buyers who want a stylish, well-equipped midsize SUV without stretching the budget, though, the Blazer is the more accessible choice.
Which SUV Fits Your Life? A Buyer-Type Breakdown
The right answer depends on what you're actually asking the vehicle to do.
-
Daily commuters and style-conscious buyers will likely find the Blazer the stronger fit. The lower entry price, engaging driving feel, and sharp cabin make it easy to justify for drivers covering I-75 or the Dallas North Tollway five days a week.
-
Families with packed schedules need to think about priorities. The Passport's larger cargo area and slightly roomier second row give it the edge for families who regularly pack up for weekend trips, but the Blazer works well for smaller families who value driving feel over hauling capacity.
-
Outdoor-focused buyers who tow will want the Passport. Standard AWD, a 5,000-pound tow rating, and generous cargo space make it the more capable choice for anyone spending serious time outdoors.
-
Budget-minded buyers will appreciate that the Blazer starts at $34,300, a price point the Passport simply doesn't offer. You still get modern tech, available AWD, and strong styling at that number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Blazer tow a trailer? Yes. When equipped with the 3.6L V6 and the available Trailering Package, the Chevy Blazer can tow up to 4,500 pounds, enough for many trailers, boats, and recreational gear. With the standard 2.0L turbo four, maximum towing is 3,250 pounds. The Passport offers a higher maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across the lineup, which may appeal to buyers with heavier towing requirements.
Is AWD available on the Blazer? Yes. AWD is available on the Blazer, though it's not standard on every trim the way it is on the Passport. FWD comes standard at the lower trims.
How much bigger is the Passport's cargo area? Significantly. The Passport offers 83.8 cu ft maximum versus the Blazer's 64.2 cu ft, a difference of nearly 20 cubic feet.
What's the real price gap between these two? The Blazer 2LT starts at $34,300, while the Passport RTL starts at $44,950, a difference of $10,650 at the entry level.
Explore the 2026 Chevy Blazer at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
If the Blazer fits what you're looking for, we'd love to help. Huffines Chevrolet Plano is part of a family-owned company that has been serving Texas drivers since 1924, and we've earned recognition including the Consumers Choice Auto Dealership Group of the Year and Chevrolet's Mark of Excellence award. Our team is here to walk you through trims, pricing, and financing with no pressure.
Browse our new Chevy Blazer for sale in Plano, visit us at 1001 Coit Rd in Plano, or call us at (888) 705-5980 to schedule a test drive. Whether you're ready to buy or just narrowing things down, we're genuinely glad to help.