2024 Chevy Blazer RS AWD: The Brand’s First Midsize EV Crossover

Highlight: The midsize sports utility vehicle shares a platform with the Cadillac Lryiq, Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $60,215 (Base LT Model): $48,995

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; automatic emergency brakes; front pedestrian braking; a forward collision alert system; a following distance indicator; alane keep assistance system; a lane departure warning system; automatic high beam; a tire pressure monitoring system; OnStar; a rear camera; and a teen driver safety system; and a tire inflator kit

Standard Equipment (Base LT): 19-inch wheels; 288-hp; 279-mile driving range; 85kWh battery; Evotex fake leather and other patterns for the seat trim; a powe driver’s seat; an 11-inch driver/infotainment screen split second row seats; a rear center armrest; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a remote start system; keyless door entry system; a single zone automatic ventilation system; cargo tie down;  and Google automotive service capable                                                 

Standard Equipment (RS rear wheel drive): 21-inch wheels; 324-mile driving range; a 102kWh batter;  a black painted grille panel and lower fascia with sporty flow-through rocking molding; an illuminated front light bar and bowtie with animation;  an 8-in infotainment screen with the radio/navigation/ventilation; a 6 -speaker audio system with SiriusXM; driver’s memory front seat; power front seats;  flat bottom heated steering wheel; a wireless charger; rear cross traffic braking; rear park assist; a blind zone steering assist system; trailering equipment; front heated/ventilated seats; a heated steering wheel; a dual zone automatic climate control system; and a power liftgate

Other Trims:

SS (muscle performance vehicle)

Options:  a heads up display (HUD); an adaptive cruise control; HD surround vision; a rear camer mirror; heated wiper park; heated rear seats; enhanced automatic emergency braking; intersection automatic emergency braking; reverse automatic braking; rear pedestrian alert; and side bicyclist alert

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Bose 8-speaker audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: No

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

EV Battery Warranty: 8 year or 100,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower: single motor/288-horsepower (Test Vehicle)

Driving Range (Test Model): 279 miles

Standard Fuel Mileage: 103-city/88-hwy

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lb

What’s New: The Chevy Blazer is the brand’s first midsize electric vehicle crossover.

Its all-electric

Stylish design

AWD or rear wheel drive configuration

Roomy

Seats vibrate warning driver of vehicles in its cross path, while backing

21-inch wheel available

A high-quality audio system

Qualifies for the Inflation Reduction Act and any other local incentives

Ability to lock and unlock all exterior doors due to push buttons on both the front and

rear doors

An optional hands-free driving system available

A dual pane power sunroof available

After charging EV door closes, after the vehicle is placed in drive

Ignition start up is eliminated; place the car in drive or reverse+ and its ready to roll

HUD (heads up display) available

A high level of safety driving aids

SS trim offers 557-hp

Hands-free steering available

Rear heated seats available

But: 

In order to plug into the Level 2 outlet, one must remove the DC/Level 3 charging cover; this is definitely a design flaw.

Smartphone not compatible with Apple Carplay

Limited rear visibility without the use of a 360-degree optional camera

Front seats need more back support

It takes a moment to adjust to using the front and rear wiper switch

When the vehicle is placed in reverse, it takes a moment to adapt to the gear selector

No co-pilot assist integrated into the radar activated cruise control system (this doesn’t include the optional supercruise hands-free steering system

Verdict:  Chevy has stepped up its design language with the all-new Blazer EV. At a starting price just shy of $49,000, the roomy midsize Blazer EV shares a platform with crossovers from Cadillac, Honda and Acura.

The Blazer EV, which is available in three trims, is powered by a single motor, which pushes out 288-horsepower. According to fueleconomy.gov, the Blazer EV has a driving range that spans between 279 miles to 324 miles depending on if it’s a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The driving range helps to eliminate range anxiety. 

Moreover, the stylish Blazer, which is also a great road trip vehicle, can be outfitted with such features ranging from a high-quality audio system to an optional hands-free driving system. These features and more are housed in the combined massive touchscreen 18-inch inch driver’s and audio/navigation infotainment screen. 

Overall, while there are a few quirks we noted with this EV the design and engineering team should consider tweaking, Chevy has made great strides in creating a five-seater mainstream vehicle that eliminates range anxiety. And this high-tech vehicle qualifies for the Inflation Reduction Act for those who opt to lease.

Competition: 2024 Honda Prologue