Chevrolet has added to its electric vehicle lineup with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, a midsize, two-row battery-electric SUV.
The Blazer EV is built on GM’s BEV3 platform, which is also used for the new 2024 Cadillac Lyriq EV. While the Blazer EV shares much with the Lyriq in terms of specs, its appearance is different. It bears a family resemblance to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Blazer, but the EV is longer. Initially available in base LT and mid-level RS trim, a more powerful SS model will follow.
The LT and RS models come with either all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive LT and RS have 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, while the rear-wheel-drive RS boasts 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The SS model, with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, offers even more power. The LT and all-wheel-drive RS have a range of 279 miles, while the rear-wheel-drive RS and all-wheel-drive SS come with a larger 102-kWh battery, providing the RS with a range of 324 miles. The SS’s range has not been revealed.
The Blazer EV’s all-wheel-drive system has a front-wheel-drive bias, while the SS features large motors on both axles. The RS offers GM’s SuperCruise autonomous driving system as an option and it comes standard on the SS.
The rear-wheel-drive RS model is recommended for its performance edge and fun driving experience. Its wide stance and low battery weight contribute to confident cornering with minimal body lean. The ride is quiet and refined, and the cabin is spacious. However, the front seats are noted to be flat and under-bolstered for a sports vehicle.
The Blazer EV features a modern instrument panel with round air vents, an ample infotainment system, and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. Despite its impressive tech package and strong performance, pricing starting at $57,710 for the LT AWD and $60,215 for the RS AWD may seem expensive for a Chevrolet, especially when compared to the similarly-sized Cadillac Lyriq EV, which starts at $58,590.
Overall, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV proves to be a compelling choice, especially given its eligibility for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. It certainly holds its own as a potential competitor to the Cadillac Lyriq EV.
Image Source: quiggyt4 @ShutterStock
