Professionals: In-car tech appears nice and is straightforward to make use of; daring appears; high-quality inside; large again seat; well-rounded driving expertise; customary front-wheel drive; out there Tremendous Cruise
Cons: Meh charging pace; small cargo space; no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Final yr, the Chevrolet Blazer EV massively impressed us for its well-rounded, well-executed, completely acquainted method to creating an electrical SUV. It was boldly styled, however not completely international or futuristic, particularly by way of performance. Its measurement appeared proper for the American market, and its inside was principally the very best factor Chevrolet has ever placed on 4 wheels by way of high quality and design. Even its eye-popping touchscreen proved to be simple to make use of. However that’s the place the issue began as soon as the Blazer EV truly went on sale, as homeowners instantly had huge, strand-you-by-the-side-of-the-road issues that rapidly led to a cease sale. We by no means skilled them, earlier than it went on sale or after GM ironed out the software program points and put the Blazer EV on sale once more (and again in our palms for one more check). We take into account it a closed case till we hear in another way.
The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV ought to hopefully due to this fact arrive in sellers with extra wind at its again. It’s essentially the identical automobile for its first full yr in the marketplace, however GM tweaked some bundle availability and launched some fashion choices (described beneath). That’s completely high-quality as a result of, other than that software program glitch faceplant out of the gates, the Blazer EV looks as if a winner, an electrical SUV that should be thought-about by anybody available in the market for such a automobile in its worth vary. Particularly because it’s eligible for the federal tax credit score not out there to many rivals (most notably the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5). We love its design, its in-car tech, its passenger area and distinctive number of motor layouts. Boasting a driving vary at present beginning within the higher 200s and topping out at 324 miles counts for lots, too.
Recharging is mid-pack at greatest, although, and disappointing given the lightning-quick speeds of a few of GM’s different Ultium platform EVs. Cargo area can also be on the small aspect for its phase and midsize SUVs generally. We’re additionally not completely certain whenever you’ll have the ability to get a base, front-drive Blazer EV LT, because it’s nonetheless not listed within the order information, neither is there an official vary for it. In different phrases, it’s a bit hypothetical on the time of this writing. Ought to your EV search align with the prevailing variations, although, we expect the Blazer EV is a must-look.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gas Financial system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2025?
Now in its second mannequin yr, the Blazer EV will get a wealth of characteristic content material availability modifications, principally associated to possibility packages. As these packages are equally named, we gained’t confuse you by taking a deep dive into these trivia, however will observe the Twin Stage Cost twine is now an possibility, the RS eAWD can now be outfitted with a sunroof, and the 2RS will get Bose audio customary. From a design perspective, distinction black and white roof choices are actually out there, whereas the RS and LT get completely different, mutually unique white paint choices.
Lastly, there may also be a Midnight/Sport Version that features black wheels, roof rails and badging, plus “darkish chrome” air vents and black material upholstery.
What are the Blazer EV inside and in-car expertise like?
The Blazer EV inside is free from gimmicks or weirdness to impress the chums of early adopters. Pennies haven’t been pinched by eradicating buttons or adopting a stripped-down, minimalist look. Quite the opposite, the Blazer EV most likely has the nicest inside Chevrolet has ever created other than the Silverado Excessive Nation. Though getting an RS and its vibrant crimson simulated leather-based is actually its greatest foot ahead, the general supplies and construct high quality are glorious, the switchgear is top-notch (together with new items to the GM elements bin) and the massive, colourful screens are fantastically built-in moderately than bolted-on tablets. The RS cabin is even much better in look and high quality than the mechanically associated Acura ZDX.
Importantly, all the pieces capabilities properly. The Android-based infotainment system is extremely simple to determine and to make use of, with completely docked menu shortcuts atop the 17.7-inch touchscreen which might be inside a brief attain from the steering wheel. Navigation is offered by Google Maps with elevated functionality past the same old Apple CarPlay/Android Auto app, together with the flexibility for its map to be one among a number of format choices within the configurable 11-inch instrument panel. The complete Google Constructed-In suite is on board, too, together with built-in Spotify, Audible and Waze apps plus a wide range of others within the Google Play retailer. Whereas this principally renders Android Auto a moot level, Apple CarPlay might nonetheless be of use to many, and neither smartphone integration options are current. The Blazer EV is the primary new GM automobile to stroll away from these now-expected options, and it’s exhausting to see why it’s a plus.
How large is the Blazer EV?
The Blazer EV is principally the identical size because the gas-powered Blazer, however that together with the identify and Bowtie badge are just about the place the similarities cease. Like different EVs, the Blazer has an enormous wheelbase that lends it far extra space between the axles than you’d count on given its exterior size (it’s 8.8 inches longer than the gas-powered Blazer). It additionally means it has an amazing quantity of backseat legroom, which is nice for tall occupants in addition to mother and father coping with large, cumbersome automobile seats. Now, the specs say it one way or the other has much less rear legroom than the usual Blazer, however after experiencing each in particular person, it’s exhausting to see how that’s doable.
Then again, we’re completely on board with the gas-powered Blazer having the type of cargo capability benefit its specs counsel (30.5 cubic ft behind the again seat versus 25.5 for the EV). Not solely is the EV’s quantity smaller than its sibling’s in addition to numerous compact SUVs, it’s on the small aspect for EVs in its measurement and worth vary. We nonetheless managed to suit all six luggage from our standardized baggage check inside, although.
What are the Blazer EV vary and efficiency specs?
The Blazer EV is somewhat completely different from the electrical automobile norm by way of its motor format.
The LT trim ranges come customary with a 241-horsepower everlasting magnet motor powering the entrance axle solely. Ergo, it’s front-wheel drive. Many rivals come customary with rear-wheel drive.
Elective on the LT and customary on the RS is a small, 90-horsepower induction motor added to the rear axle (you may examine the variations in motor sorts right here) for a mixed 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. The ensuing all-wheel drive system is way completely different than the same old “dual-motor” all-wheel-drive EVs which have motors of the identical sort, a extra related output on every axle and due to this fact a substantial efficiency bump. Very like many inside combustion all-wheel-drive methods, this one principally responds to front-wheel slippage and to help traction whereas accelerating.
Each of the above variations get an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This leads to an EPA-estimated vary of 279 miles with all-wheel drive. Chevrolet nonetheless has not printed vary information for the front-wheel-drive model. Most recharging is 150 kW, which is suitable, however on the gradual aspect in comparison with prime rivals. AC house charging tops out at a typical 11 kW.
Then issues get bizarre. The RS is accessible with rear-wheel drive courtesy of a very completely different 250-kW motor completely powering the rear axle that produces 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It additionally will get extra of these battery modules, for a complete capability of 102 kWh. This leads to a best-possible vary of 324 miles. Recharging pace inches as much as 190 kW.
Finally, there shall be a Blazer SS that successfully pairs the RS rear-only motor with a extra highly effective entrance motor. It ought to produce 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. We didn’t know when it’ll arrive on the time of this writing, however you may not less than see it in motion in “Barbie.” It might appear America Ferrera’s Gloria had an in with GM along with Mattel.
What is the Blazer EV prefer to drive?
We now have but to drive a front-wheel-drive Blazer EV (nor its Honda Prologue platform-mate), so we are able to’t report about whether or not its 241 horses is as meager as they sound for one thing weighing greater than 5,000 kilos. That mentioned, we admire this consumer-friendly method for the mainstream market. These in chilly winter climates gained’t really feel the identical have to pay for all-wheel drive as they might with rear-wheel-drive rivals.
Then again, the all-wheel-drive Blazer EV actually doesn’t present the oomph as these rivals when packing their way more potent “dual-motor” methods. You don’t get that EV “snap” off the road, however that’s additionally partly as a result of GM dialed it out to some extent with sound throttle tuning that lets the motive force ease into the out there torque in a extra civilized, pure method. Importantly, the Blazer EV e-AWD gives way more compelling efficiency than the gas-powered Blazer.
Then there’s the rear-drive Blazer RS. Delete pictures of energy slides and burn-outs out of your head. We didn’t suppose its driving expertise was radically in another way from the RS e-AWD, even when there was a slight efficiency uptick. Finally, the principle level of the rear-motor model is to maximise vary.
As for different concerns, the Blazer EV is probably not as sporty as some could count on given its appears, however its suspension, steering and throttle response are tuned persistently with Chevrolet’s dynamic renaissance that tried to make its core merchandise constant in character with its halo ones, the Corvette and dearly departed Camaro. It doesn’t drive equally to these, however they drive like they belong to the identical household. Put one other manner: the Blazer EV feels quite a bit sportier than the unhappy blob that was the outgoing Equinox and is extra participating than the gas-powered Blazer.
What different Chevrolet Blazer EV evaluations can I learn?
2024 Chevy Blazer EV First Drive Evaluate
Our first time behind the wheel, with extra element about its design and engineering.
Chevrolet Blazer EV Baggage Check
Our real-world check to see how a lot stuff the Blazer EV cargo space can maintain, with comparisons to different EVs and SUVs.
What’s the 2025 Blazer EV worth?
GM had not launched pricing info for the bottom, front-drive LT on the time of this writing (nor its vary or when it’ll be on sale), so for now, the Blazer EV begins off with the LT e-AWD mannequin at $47,600. We additionally don’t know the 2025 vacation spot cost, nevertheless it was $1,395 final yr.
The RS e-AWD prices $52,900 for 2025, which is $300 cheaper than final yr. We didn’t have RS RWD pricing on the time of this writing, both, nevertheless it was successfully a $1,000 premium final yr over the e-AWD. That’s one other manner this powertrain providing setup is uncommon.
The RS extras embody dual-zone computerized local weather management, driver reminiscence settings, ventilated energy entrance seats, a heated wrapped steering wheel, and wi-fi charging. Most of these gadgets can be found inside packages within the LT. The RS additionally will get distinctive, sportier styling inside and outside, which incorporates fancier exterior lighting and customary 21-inch wheels. Agreeably, each Blazer EV will get that stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen.
What are the Blazer EV security scores and driver help options?
Each Blazer EV consists of ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help and lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors, computerized excessive beams and GM’s Security Alert Seat that vibes the motive force’s butt as an added alert for the above driver help methods. Adaptive cruise management can also be customary, however could be supplanted with the extra superior, hands-free Tremendous Cruise system out there solely with all-wheel drive.
The Blazer EV has not but been crash examined by a 3rd celebration.
