The Blazer name goes back over 50 years for Chevrolet. The first Blazers were modified four-wheel drive full-size pickup trucks that had removable hardtops over the bed area. In the 1980s, the company added the compact S-10 Blazers, which ended production in 2012. Chevrolet revived the Blazer name in 2019 with a somewhat lackluster crossover SUV to compete in the two-row midsize segment.
That crossover was the basis for the Blazer EV, which launched in 2023. The all-electric Blazer is clearly the best of the modern Blazer models, combining a luxury interior with an advanced tech package and an enjoyable electric driveline.
Buyers who choose the Blazer EV have the option to go with a rear-drive system with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, or an all-wheel drive system rated at 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The rear-drive version also comes with a bigger battery, sized at 102 kWh rather than the 85 kWh battery that comes with the AWD version. The result of that is an extended range of 324 miles with rear drive, but you still get a healthy 279 miles if you choose AWD.
The advantage of the rear-drive platform extends to charging. The rear-drive Blazer adds up to 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes when using a DC Fast Charger, while the AWD platform adds up to 68 miles of range in the same time. Oh, if you need to pull a trailer, the Blazer EV is rated up to 1,500 pounds towing capacity.
The Blazer EV is a great technology vehicle. It uses the single-screen idea, which is really two screens behind a single pane of glass. The driver's side gives you a configurable information screen, while the 17.7-inch center touchscreen allows access to navigation and infotainment. Standard safety equipment includes automatic high beams, lane keeping, following distance indicator, and more.
On the road, the Blazer EV is a heavy vehicle. You'll notice the difference between this and the gas-powered Blazer, but it's not a bad thing. The battery weight makes the electric Blazer tip the scales at 5,337 pounds, versus 3,918 for the gas-powered Blazer. So, don't expect sports car performance out of this EV. Still, it is smooth and pleasant to drive, and the electricity regeneration under braking works well.
The 2024 Blazer with the RS AWD package starts at $56,200. Adding a few options like the convenience and driver confidence package runs the total price to $60,710. But that includes great features like a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision camera system and a camera-based rear-view mirror. You also get heated second-row seats with this package.
The bottom line on a Blazer EV is that it's nice, but expensive compared to competing electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. If you test-drive the Blazer and like it, that's great, but I'm more excited about the slightly smaller Equinox EV that will start at just $34,995 and deliver the same 288 horsepower in a front-drive package. If you are looking to buy an electric SUV this year, I suggest shopping the Equinox EV over the Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD
Base price: $56,200
Price as tested: $60,700
Type: Midsize SUV
Motor: Dual electric motors (288 hp, 333 lbs-ft)
Transmission: Direct drive
EPA estimated range: 279 miles
Overall length: 192.2 inches
Curb weight: 5,337 pounds
Final assembly: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
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