2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet in length. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it contributed to the SUV's overall elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a car-based crossover and now to an EV-specific platform. Built around the General Motors Ultium component set, the Blazer EV shared a long 121.8-inch wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions made it appear more like a stretch limo. The design featured a tall hood, a rejiggered front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look than rival electric SUVs. The Blazer EV was longer and wider than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, and it launched in LT and RS trims with distinct styling elements. The RS trim offered a more fun interior with optional red leather upholstery and large round air vents, though some interior parts felt flimsy. Despite some shortcomings, the Blazer EV aimed to provide a more engaging cabin experience than its rivals.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD models had 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was planned for the 2025 model year. The Blazer EV SS performance model would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of reaching 60 mph in under four seconds. During testing, the RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, though the RWD model was somewhat traction-limited. The Blazer EV offered precise steering and impressive handling on twisty roads, though at the expense of ride comfort. The steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking added a level of driver involvement, allowing for adjustments to suit different driving styles and conditions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats, and the Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key, along with a tri-zone climate control system and an optional 21-speaker stereo system. The panoramic glass roof and suede headliner added to the luxury feel. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while appearing like a traditional SUV, offered interior space comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position wasn't as commanding as a traditional SUV, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than a gasoline Blazer but more than an EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some climate controls and headlight buttons were moved to the touchscreen. The interior design was heavily stylized, with a large center console storage bin and door pockets.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. The system's menu structure was inconsistent, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 also had wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding a cool factor to the technology suite.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, though it lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. Built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates were included, though the touchscreen's angle was inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, allowing drivers to start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal. This marked a shift towards a more high-tech feel for Chevy, moving away from the traditional gasoline-car experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also had Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The system had some difficulty in bright sunlight but worked well otherwise. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Super Cruise could maintain speed and following distance while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane, using detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system for safety.