2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV First Look Review: A Dazzling Entrance
Together with the upcoming Equinox EV, Chevrolet is going all-out with a new generation of stylish and capable electric crossovers that will help it finally close the sales gap between it and Tesla. A critical part of accomplishing that feat will be this, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Yes, the Blazer name finds itself planted to the back of yet another model, but what a looker this one is. A midsize crossover, the Blazer EV has a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 320 miles and the exceptionally rare availability of front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive. A 557-horsepower Blazer SS tops the range, and overall, this must be the most exciting Chevy EV to date.
When Is The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Coming Out?
The Chevrolet Blazer EV's release date has been scheduled for summer 2023 in the USA. For customers interested in the high-performance SS, which will be coming out later in 2023, while the 1LT and Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) are arriving in the first quarter of 2024.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Price And Competition
At $44,995 MSRP for the FWD 1LT, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's starting price will comfortably undercut the Tesla Model Y's $65,990. That's despite the fact that the Model Y is a compact crossover and the Blazer EV is a midsize model.
The AWD 1LT will cost $50,195 MSRP. Still cheaper is the FWD 2LT at $47,595. RS models start at $54,595 for the AWD while the RWD RS goes for $56,170. The SS will cost $65,995. These prices are just a summary since a plethora of configurations will determine the final price you pay, but it has been confirmed that the Blazer EV will be eligible for the full consumer tax credit of $7,500.
Other than the Tesla Model Y, the Chevrolet Blazer EV crossover will closely match rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5. The SS gets close to premium electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron.
New Chevrolet Blazer EV Exterior
Electric cars are often bought for their technology, performance, or emissions-free driving. But you may just want the new Blazer EV based purely on its aggressive, sporty styling. The Chevrolet Blazer EV's exterior design is stunning, with Chevy describing the lines as "taut, converging," and with the ability to "convey emotion." Base models have an upmarket appearance with futuristic LED lighting, a closed-off grille section, and flowing crease lines along the side. The overhangs are notably short.
The design changes markedly from trim to trim. LT models have a monochromatic look and 19-inch wheels, whereas the RS upgrades to 21-inch wheels and numerous black accents. The SS makes the most powerful statement with standard 22-inch wheels, a unique front grille design, and a two-tone color scheme. The Chevrolet Blazer EV's colors aren't known in their entirety, but we love the red and black combination for the SS, whereas a more conservative gray is available too.
Chevrolet Blazer EV Dimensions
The full-electric Chevrolet Blazer EV's dimensions are unknown but since it is a midsize crossover, we expect the length, width, and height to exceed that of the Equinox EV. Similarly, we don't have curb weight figures for the new EV yet.
Chevrolet Blazer EV Engine And Performance
Seven unique configurations of the Blazer EV will leave customers with plenty of choice. The 1LT starts things off with FWD, the 2LT comes with standard FWD and optional AWD, and the SS has standard AWD. One step below the SS is the RS which is available with FWD, RWD, or AWD. Unfortunately, we don't yet know the power outputs of the lower trims.
The SS is massively quick - as it should be with a moniker more associated with the Camaro sports car. With 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, the manufacturer estimates a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds when the WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode is activated.
Riding on the Ultium Platform shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevy says the crossover has a low center of gravity that will improve stability. Independent front and rear suspensions are claimed to provide an excellent ride.
Range, Charging, And Battery Life
Until EPA ratings are published, we won't know the precise gas mileage of each trim. However, they should be close to Chevrolet's own claims. The 1LT will be able to cover 247 miles on a full charge, improving to 293 miles with the 2LT. The high-performance SS can manage 290 miles and the RS leads the way with 320 miles - we assume this figure applies to the RS with either FWD or RWD, not AWD.
The largest battery will be equipped to the Blazer EV PPV, but Chevrolet hasn't indicated the size of the different battery packs yet. We do know that all models will support 11.5 kW Level 2 AC charging and DC public fast-charging of up to 190 kW. That means that the crossover can gain about 78 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Chevrolet Blazer EV Interior And Cargo
The Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior benefits from the Ultium Platform's compact packaging. With a flat floor inside, there is spacious seating in both the first and second row. Speaking of the Chevrolet Blazer EV's seats, the SS once again steals the show with Adrenaline Red sueded microfiber upholstery and optional Argon Orange accents. The RS comes with blue and red contrast stitching, and both these trims have heated and ventilated front seats.
The rest of the interior is both high-tech and sporty. A trio of turbine-style central ventilation outlets sit below a central 17.7-inch touchscreen that is tilted towards the driver. This standard touch display is complemented by an 11-inch driver information center on every model. On RS and SS models, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel is thrown in.
The SS lives up to its range-topping status with a standard head-up display and a full-display camera mirror. If pushing a button to start your car is too much of a taxing task, you'll love the Blazer EV. Hands-free start means that nothing more than a tap on the brake is needed to get going. The advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving system is available as well.
There is no word on the Chevrolet Blazer EV's cargo space, but a presence-based liftgate that opens when the key fob is close enough should make loading cargo easier.