Compare the2023 Chevrolet BlazerVS 2022 Mazda CX-30

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front shoulder belts of the Chevrolet Blazer are height-adjustable, and the rear seat shoulder belts have child comfort guides to move the belt to properly fit children. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages children to buckle up. The Mazda CX-30 has only front height-adjustable seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Blazer are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Both the Blazer and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Chevrolet Blazer weighs 413 to 935 pounds more than the Mazda CX-30. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Blazer is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

	Blazer	CX-30
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22%	26.7%
Neck Stress	178 lbs.	216 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Blazer is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

	Blazer	CX-30
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	157 lbs.	209 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	45 G’s	60 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The Blazer’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CX-30’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 5 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Blazer’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Blazer has a standard 170-amp alternator (155-amp - Blazer V6 FWD). The CX-30’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Blazer second among midsize suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The CX-30 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mazda is rated lower.

Engine

The Blazer’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 42 more horsepower (228 vs. 186) and 72 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 186) than the CX-30’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Blazer’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 58 more horsepower (308 vs. 250) than the CX-30’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Chevrolet Blazer V6 is faster than the Mazda CX-30 4 cyl.:

	Blazer	CX-30
Zero to 30 MPH	2.7 sec	3.2 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	8.7 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.1 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	96 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Blazer’s fuel efficiency. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Blazer’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Blazer FWD’s standard fuel tank has 6.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (19.4 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Blazer AWD’s standard fuel tank has 9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (21.7 vs. 12.7 gallons).

The Blazer has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chevrolet Blazer higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-30 (5 to 7). This means the Blazer produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-30 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Blazer, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-30.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Blazer’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

	Blazer	CX-30
Front Rotors	12.64 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	10.4 inches
Opt Rear Rotors		10.9 inches

The Blazer stops much shorter than the CX-30:

	Blazer	CX-30
70 to 0 MPH	165 feet	177 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	117 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Blazer has larger standard tires than the CX-30 (235/65R18 vs. 215/65R16). The Blazer RS/Premier’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-30 (265/45R21 vs. 215/65R16).

The Blazer RS/Premier’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Blazer has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the CX-30 2.5 S. The Blazer RS/Premier’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium.

The Chevrolet Blazer’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Mazda CX-30 only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Blazer has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-30 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Chevrolet Blazer has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-30 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Blazer has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Blazer flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Blazer’s wheelbase is 8.3 inches longer than on the CX-30 (112.7 inches vs. 104.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Blazer is 4.9 inches wider in the front and 4.7 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-30.

The Blazer RS 4x4 handles at .87 G’s, while the CX-30 Premium pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Blazer RS 4x4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the CX-30 Premium (27.1 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the Blazer uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-30 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Blazer uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-30 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Blazer has 13.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-30 (107.8 vs. 94.1).

The Blazer has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front hip room, 3.5 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 3.3 inches more rear legroom, 1 inch more rear hip room and 5 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-30.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Blazer’s rear seats recline. The CX-30’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Blazer has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-30 with its rear seat up (30.5 vs. 20.2 cubic feet). The Blazer has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (64.2 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Blazer’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CX-30 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Blazer. The CX-30 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Blazer RS/Premier’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Blazer has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-30 has no towing capacity.

The Blazer can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Blazer can be unhitched and driven around locally. The CX-30 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Blazer uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-30 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Blazer uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-30 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The Blazer RS/Premier’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Blazer’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CX-30 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Blazer and the CX-30 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Blazer is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-30 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

On a hot day the Blazer’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-30 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Blazer LT/RS/Premier’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Blazer has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the CX-30 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports rated the Blazer’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the CX-30’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The Blazer’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-30 Carbon/Turbo.

Both the Blazer and the CX-30 offer available heated front seats. The Blazer RS/Premier also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CX-30.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Blazer RS/Premier keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The CX-30 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Blazer has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium.

The Blazer offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Model Availability

The Blazer is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

The Chevrolet Blazer outsold the Mazda CX-30 by 27% during the 2021 model year.