Blazer EV: Great Range and Road Manners
Ford and Chevrolet have long had a rivalry to win the heartland of America. When Ford came out with the excellent Ford Mustang Mach E all-electric crossover, we wondered how Chevy would compete. Then we saw the new 2025 Chevy Blazer EV and were immediately taken by its sexy lines and classy fit and finish.
The Blazer EV offers excellent road manners on the street and two rows of comfortable seating for five. It is available in a number of electric motor configurations including the long-range RS model that is available in rear-wheel drive with an EPA-estimated 324 miles of range. The LS All-wheel drive versions reduce range to below 300 miles on a charge.
If you have a need for speed and want to challenge the Ford Mustang Mach E GT, the top-of-the-line Blazer SS model boasts 557 horsepower and a zero to 60 mph time of under four seconds. Price on the Blazer begins with an MSRP of $48,995. Depending on trim and options, you can spend up to $66K for the SS model that is packed with all the bells and whistles.
Blazer EV Performance
Riding on General Motors’ Ultium platform allows the Blazer EV to offer a variety of performance and driving characteristics. The all-new body architecture supports multiple drive systems including rear-wheel, all-wheel, and performance all-wheel drive. Base level is called LT and includes a total of 288 horses, 317-pound feet of torque and an EPA estimated range of 279 miles, 19-inch wheels, and a biggest in its class 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The mid-range RS model comes standard with all-wheel drive and an EPA estimated 279 miles of range. It is also available as a rear-wheel drive version which bumps the driving range up to an EPA estimated 324 miles before you need a charge. The RS includes 21-inch wheels, a black grille with illuminated front light bar, a power liftgate and Evotex seating.
The SS is the top-of-the-line high performance model with a GM estimated range of 294 miles using Performance AWD and GM tells us it has a zero to 60 mph time of under 4 seconds enabled by Wide Open Watts performance mode. It rides on 22-inch multi-finish wheels. Available Super Cruise driver assistance technology comes close to autonomous travel.
Chevrolet Blazer EV Competition
Crossover SUVs are extremely popular and the top selling electric cars in this category include the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach E, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Kia EV9. Now the Chevy Blazer EV is added to the list. Here’s how it stacks up against its competition.
Range is very important to EV owners and the Blazer EV crossover rules the roost with an EPA estimated range of up to 324 miles compared with 260 miles for the Model Y, 250 miles for the Mach E, 303 miles for the Hyundai and 304 miles for the Kia. General Motors tells us that the Blazer is capable of using Level Three DC Fast Charging and it only takes 10 minutes to add 78 miles of range.
When it comes to infotainment touchscreen, the Blazer leads the pack with its massive 17.7-inch screen. The Mach E has a 15.5-inch screen, the Tesla’s screen is 15-inches, and both the Hyundai and the Kia have screens that are 12.3-inches.
Plus, the Blazer EV is the only one that won Motor Trend’s prestigious SUV of the Year award in 2024. The handling and braking inspire confidence and the Chevy’s regenerative braking system provides several levels from lean to mean including one-pedal driving mode.
Inside the Chevrolet Blazer EV
We found both the front and rear seats to be roomy and very comfortable. The back seat is especially spacious. The RS and SS versions of the Blazer come with two-tone charcoal-and-red upholstery though a more monotone look is available. The rear seats can be folded down to expand cargo room from 26- to 60-cubic feet.
The massive 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and angles slightly toward the driver to bring you all the latest Google Built-ins including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store. You can find nearby charging stations quickly and easily, and it plots both trips and charging stops. The software makes it easy to use such popular apps as Spotify, Waze, Sirius XM, etc. We found the interface to be very quick and easy to use.
The touchscreen includes physical controls for stereo volume and climate control. An 11-inch digital gauge cluster over the steering wheel provides all the necessary driver information.
When it comes to safety and driver assist features, Chevrolet includes an impressive suite of the latest tech including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist all as standard. Adaptive cruise control, parking assist and the Super Cruise hands-free driving system are available options.
Behind the Wheel of the Blazer EV
Thanks to the GM Ultium platform, the Blazer may be one of the easiest EVs to maintain over the long haul. That’s because the same platform including the batteries, motors, electronics, and other parts commonality will lead to lower prices and easier repairs. In fact, the Blazer EV may be one of the first EVs to be comparable to the gasoline version in terms of price, especially when you consider the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit.
On the road you’ll notice that while the LT and RS versions are not as quick from zero to 60 as many EVs, the Blazer is still a lot faster than the gasoline version. When it comes to braking, the Blazer EV will stop you from 60 mph to zero in about 132 feet. That’s because the curb weight of the Blazer EV is several hundred pounds heavier than most of its similar sized competition. That seems to be a trait of vehicles that use the Ultium platform.
As for handling, this EV feels better both on and off the highway than its gasoline-powered brother. That is thanks to the wider and lower stance and the wider tires on the EV. We found it a great place to be for a long road trip. It is also very comfortable on gravel roads, where the suspension dispenses with the bumps and thumps you normally experience when the road gets rough.
Chevrolet Blazer EV: SUV For America’s Heartland
Unlike most automakers today, Chevy is giving consumers a true choice in that you can choose between the standard gas-powered Blazer or the Blazer EV. Both were designed from the ground up to be exactly what they are. The choice is completely yours.
If you’re in the market for a sleek all-electric mid-size crossover, the Blazer EV is definitely worth a closer look. We think thoughtful details such as the power charging door that completely disappears when not in use, as well as many other innovative touches, adds to this Chevy’s premium appeal.
