Chevrolet wants to corner the electric SUV segment with the arrival of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, but it’s too premature and it shows. The Blazer EV arrives as a solid, but average option with some premium flair in the mid-size SUV space with an inflated price tag and limited trim and drivetrain choices at its launch.
The Blazer EV, which only shares 7.5% of its parts with the gas-powered version of the same name, is available now in its mid-trim RS form—which starts at $60,215. A more performance-oriented SS is far out enough for Chevy execs to vaguely state it’s eventually coming—production is expected to start later into 2024. The allure of three drivetrain choices (front-, rear- or all-wheel drive) isn’t here yet. The most frustrating part of the EV’s arrival is that the base LT trim is unavailable until next year.
Without the LT trim (production is set to begin before the end of this year), a brand known for budget options isn’t very, well, budget. Instead Chevy has leaned into more premium features in the interior and tech, adding to the Blazer EV’s appeal but adding to its price. It’s slotted ahead of the bowtie’s Equinox EV, which is likely to be a better seller as demand for affordable EVs grows (Chevy execs framed the Equinox EV as “the best expression of value” for an SUV). But there have been timing delays and inflated starting prices as parent company General Motors retreats from going “all in” on electric. The entry-level Blazer EV was dropped earlier this year.
With a limited competitive set for an EV of this size without a third row, Chevy might catch some of the families and road trippers looking for this type of vehicle without the pricey gas fill-ups. In its rush to have EVs across the market lineup, Chevy has inadvertently grabbed a prime spot with the Blazer EV but it may not be enough with its stunted rollout.
Blazin’ Blazer EV: Inside and Out
The current Blazer EV lineup stands at three trims with rear-, front- and all-wheel drive eventually available on GM’s Ultium platform.
- LT (previously 2LT): 85 kWh battery only with front-wheel coming soon
- RS: 85 kWh on AWD or 102 kWh on rear-wheel
- SS: 102 kWh only
A lower, entry-level 1LT was dropped since the EV’s 2022 unveiling.
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On a recent 148-mile loop to Mount Laguna in the southern stretches of the California coast, the RS AWD version started fully charged at 100% with a 279-mile range. After the drive in aggressive sport mode it was depleted to 40% with 114 miles remaining.
On the rear-wheel RS on a shorter 30-minute drive along the San Diego coast, the battery started with 82% charge and ended with 78%. The one-pedal driving set on high was too aggressive for this type of driving and it was promptly turned off after some touchscreen finagling. We didn’t recharge the rear- or AWD cars, but both are fast charging capable with 150 kW capacity on the 85 kWh battery, bringing in 69 miles in 10 minutes. The larger battery can take in 190 kW, adding 78 miles in 10 minutes.
On the rear-drive, single motor version it makes 324 miles while the dual-motor AWD is 279 miles. Front-wheel drive is not available yet. Chevy talked about the “psychological barrier” for EV range sitting at 300 miles, which is why smaller EVs like the Equinox EV are poised to be popular choices.
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The Blazer EV feels long and wide—which it is at 192.2 inches long and 78 inches wide—but the nose in particular seems far away. Underneath the hood there’s not even a front trunk, known as a frunk, which is disappointing. The large cargo area (25.5 cubic-feet behind the second row) with a sunken storage area helps alleviate the missing stowage and several demo cars with surfboards on the roof showed how to add more storage to the vehicle.
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The front end of the car is part of the new look of the Blazer EV that distinguishes it from the ICE version and as the next generation. The marketing team emphasized how the EV version is “longer, sleeker, sportier” and has a newly designed front with a swooping light bar across that serves as an information source while charging or approaching the vehicle.
GM creative designer Justin Salmon highlighted the circular vents throughout the interior that have a Camaro aura and give a slight nod to the vehicle’s performance capabilities and aspirations. The AWD RS has 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. It can go zero-to-60 in about 6 seconds, which makes sense. Off the line it didn’t feel as loose as some other EVs. The eventual SS version will be the true performance model with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque and launch mode going from zero-to-60 mph in under 4 seconds.
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Other interior touches include a leather-like soft fabric in a blazing so-called Adrenaline Red that makes it feel race car like. It’s much softer and less plasticky than any other Chevys, which have earned a reputation for cheaper interiors. The look in the Blazer EV might not be for everyone, but it’s where the more premium status comes through the strongest.
While the red “leather” looks fun and flashy, the seats look and feel more like a sports car, which isn’t always the most comfortable experience. While using one-pedal driving on curvy mountain roads, the SUV handled the corners well and the flat, low-lying battery pack helped keep it sure-footed, but the seats weren’t as cocooning with a lot of movement. In the driver’s seat, vibrations in the padding to warn you about lane departures and oncoming traffic were overly sensitive.
Where the Blazer EV also shines is in the backseat: The wide open floor with that flat battery pack makes the middle seat as good as any with 38.9 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom. An optional sunroof on the rear-wheel version opened up the space even more and gave it that luxury feel.
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GM Goes Google
Another higher-end upgrade: the front digital console. There’s the 17.7-inch touchscreen that sits curved next to the driver, forming a cockpit. A new screen layout for the Blazer EV, the new system uses Google built-in with services like Google Maps and YouTube Music native to the system. With Google Maps, a map mode is available on the 11-inch driver’s screen, much like the Polestar 2 or new Volvos. As an EV, Google Maps provides in-car destination planning with charging stops and information tied directly to the car.
Three years of connected services will be included with every new Blazer EV, after which there’ll be a monthly charge for the data plan. Standard in every RS trim is a head-up display, so there’s many options for navigating without looking at a phone screen.
While a fairly intuitive infotainment system, Chevy has fallen prey to over-reliance on touchscreen controls—even turning on the headlights is a digital button. But any users of older Chevys will appreciate the improved digital experience and the smooth integration with Google. For other apps like Amazon’s Alexa or Spotify, Chevy makes it easy to scan a QR code and connect devices. As GM’s infotainment manager Ryan Buffa explained, relying too much on smartphones for connectivity has its drawbacks, so the new system makes the car connected. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still available, but like in Volvo and Polestar cars, becomes mostly redundant with such an integrated system.
Competing EVs
The Blazer EV doesn’t have much direct electric competition with most EVs usually more compact hatchbacks, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Toyota bZ4X. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is its closest electrified competitor with similar dimensions, though the Chevy is bigger with nearly 7.9 inches of ground clearance to the Ford’s 5.7 inches.
In the non-EV space there’s the gas-based Blazer and other Chevy SUVs and similar rides like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge or Honda Passport. Within the Chevy lineup the Blazer EV sits at the top of the heap in price and size: the Equinox EV is coming, but amid delays the Blazer EV is the only bigger electric SUV for Chevy. The much smaller Bolt EUV has been paused until at least 2025 when it’ll return on GM’s Ultium platform.
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How Much Does the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV Cost? When Is It Available?
With only the RS rear- and all-wheel drive available, the full Blazer EV lineup isn’t ready yet. But available models are priced at $61,790 (rear) and $60,215 (AWD) to start, including destination fees. The gas-powered 2024 Blazer AWD starts at $39,495 and the entry-level front-wheel version is $36,795.
Pricing for the base 2LT trim is expected to start at $56,715. The top trim SS doesn’t have pricing yet, but at its summer 2022 announcement it was pegged at $65,995 although prices have since inched upward.
The RS models are open for delivery now and the LT is expected in the coming year, while the SS will eventually make it to buyers, along with front-wheel drive.
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Chevrolet provided lodging, meals and travel to enable us to bring you this first-person report. Although Forbes Wheels sometimes participates in manufacturer-hosted events, our coverage is independent, unbiased and aimed at offering consumers an objective view of every vehicle we test.