2024 Chevrolet

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20 Jan 2024

Overview

When Chevrolet brought back the Blazer as a two-row mid-size crossover in 2019, fans of the original who were hoping for an off-road-ready SUV were vocal about their disappointment. Now comes another surprise wearing a Blazer badge, as Chevy takes the SUV with the storied name into the electric realm of autodom for 2024. The gas-free version is called the Blazer EV, and if you’re disappointed by the Blazer’s electrification take solace in the SS trim, which offers 557 horsepower and is said to be capable of hitting 60 mph in less than four seconds. While the SS seems tailormade to take on the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and the Tesla Model Y Performance, three other more affordable, less powerful models are available as well. The Blazer EV uses General Motors’ Ultium battery technology, and the model with the most range will be the RS trim, which Chevy says will go up to 324 miles on a charge.

What's New for 2024?

The Blazer EV is an all-new model within the Blazer family, with its own distinct body and interior—it’s not a gas Blazer fitted with an EV propulsion system. It's offered in three trims, with the mid-range LT and RS models launching first and the performance-oriented SS coming second. An entry-level 1LT model had originally been planned, but Chevrolet decided to drop that value-oriented trim before the Blazer EV's launch.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV starts at $56.715 and goes up to $65.995 depending on the trim and options.
We’d go with the rear-wheel drive RS model to unlock the Blazer’s maximum driving range. This sporty-looking trim comes standard with cool 21-inch wheels, a power-operated hands-free rear liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel, and an illuminated Chevrolet bowtie logo. It's offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, but the RWD version comes with more horsepower in addition to a longer range estimate.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Blazer EV's lineup is complicated as there are a lot more powertrain configurations than rival EV SUVs. The entry-level LT is available with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the RS can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models of either trim are powered by two electric motors that combine for 288 horsepower. We drove an all-wheel-drive RS in California and found its acceleration to be adequate but not exactly thrilling. The rear-wheel drive RS gets a more powerful single motor that pumps out a more robust 340 horsepower, so it's the one to buy if you want a Blazer EV that's quicker off the line. That is unless your budget allows for the range-topping SS model. It comes exclusively with a 557-hp electric powertrain with standard all-wheel drive and Chevrolet estimates it can hit 60 mph in under four seconds. That model, according to Chevy, will hit 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. Chevrolet has given the Blazer EV decent road manners. During our first drive, the RS delivered a smooth ride and predictable handling. We wish the steering offered more feedback, but body roll is kept well in check and the brakes are operated by a firm pedal that inspires confidence. Like other EVs, the Chevy utilizes a regenerative braking system and when active it provides several levels of regen that are selectable depending on driver preference, with the highest regen setting allowing for one-pedal driving.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The rear-wheel drive RS model boasts the highest EPA estimated driving range of the lineup at 324 miles but going with the all-wheel drive version drops that estimate to 279 miles; the all-wheel drive LT is also said to be capable of a 279-mile range. The EPA hasn't yet rated the SS trim's driving range, but Chevrolet has claimed an estimate of about 290 miles for that model. The Blazer EV is capable of charging on a DC fast charger and Chevrolet says it can charge at up to 190 kW and add about 78 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA has rated the Blazer EV RS for up to 103 MPGe city and 88 MPGe highway. Those numbers are for the all-wheel drive RS, and going with the rear-wheel drive version reduces those estimates to 101 MPGe city and 85 MPGe highway. When we get a chance to test the Blazer EV for ourselves, we’ll take it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with test results and observed driving range. For more information about the Blazer EV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Blazer EV is strictly a two-row affair, but both the front and rear seats are spacious and comfortable for adult riders. All models come with a sporty interior design motif that nicely matches the SUV’s aggressive exterior styling. Round air vents flank the dashboard, and in RS and SS trims Chevrolet has adopted a two-tone black-and-red color scheme—but a more monotone look is available for those who don’t appreciate the flash. Folding the rear seats down expands the 26 cubic-foot cargo area to a much larger 60 cubic-foot space with a flat floor that'll make it easier to load bulkier items. When we get a chance, we’ll test the Blazer EV’s cargo capacity with our carry-on suitcase test and update this story with the results.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models come with a large 17.7-inch infotainment display that’s canted slightly toward the driver and framed on the left and the bottom by physical controls for the climate control system and a volume knob. A secondary 11.0-inch display presents the driver with gauges and other driving info. The Blazer EV’s infotainment system is GM's latest version and uses Google Built-In. The software provides easy access to popular apps such as Spotify, Waze, and Google Maps, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are not offered. That may irk some drivers, many of our staffers included, but overall the interface is easy to use. The navigation system is especially informative, giving a remaining range estimate for arrivals at destinations and suggestions for charging stations along the route.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Chevrolet is bundling a host of driver assistance features together as standard, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a parking assist feature. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is also available. For more information about the Blazer EV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chevrolet provides standard coverage limits for the Blazer EV’s electric powertrain components. It also includes the first maintenance visit, but overall coverage doesn't come close to that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5.