2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a testament to the brand's commitment to luxury and style. Its design drew inspiration from the G70 compact luxury sedan, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window. This design element cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a showcase of luxury, featuring top-notch materials and a blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics. The dashboard was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70 was available in both gas-powered and electrified versions, with various trims offering a range of luxurious features, from genuine leather upholstery to advanced driver-assistance systems.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a modern electric SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase and a design that exuded attitude with its tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, with a forthcoming SS model promising even more performance. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some interior components felt less premium. Despite its spacious feel, the Blazer EV's cargo space was less than its gasoline counterpart, and it lacked a frunk, unlike some competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, providing a balanced blend of power and handling. The GV70 Electrified featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 offered a range of 236 miles and supported fast charging, making it a practical choice for those seeking an electric luxury SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) with 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) with 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. A high-performance SS model was set to join the lineup, boasting 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration and precise steering, though its stiff suspension compromised comfort. The vehicle also featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement and efficiency.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including large cupholders and a center console tray. While front-seat comfort was commendable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for taller passengers. The GV70's hands-free power liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, despite its traditional SUV appearance, offered interior dimensions similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Blazer EV's interior featured a stylized design with ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. The vehicle's "presence activated" liftgate added convenience, but it lacked a frunk, unlike some competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also offered wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Additional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. While the system provided deep functionality for Android users, it lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, limiting options for iOS users. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The Electrified version included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.