2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, framed the new headlights, giving the SUV a stronger and more assertive look. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, while LED taillights were standard on SEL and higher trims. The top Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique glossy black and chrome grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels, adding to its rugged appeal. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was stylish, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof brightening the cabin. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims and a bench option for lower trims, accommodating up to eight passengers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a car-based crossover. Built on an EV-specific platform, the Blazer EV shared its wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its tall hood, scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights gave it a more aggressive look compared to rival electric SUVs. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements. The LT featured a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS had a blacked-out front fascia and exterior accents. The interior of the RS and SS models was distinctive, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite some flimsy interior parts, the Blazer EV offered a more fun feel than its competitors. However, it lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, and its cargo space was less than that of a gasoline Blazer.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, slightly more so than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, and just a bit less powerful than the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The Palisade's HTRAC AWD system proved capable on a muddy off-road course, although the vehicle was not designed for rock-crawling. It offered a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while the AWD model achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

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 model had 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The AWD model had 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, with an 85-kWh pack. Unusually, the dual-motor powertrain had a lower output than the single-motor option. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) powertrain was also available from the 2025 model year. The Blazer EV SS performance model, with a dual-motor AWD powertrain, produced 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds. The Blazer EV offered strong acceleration, with the AWD model pulling harder off the line. It excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. The steering-wheel paddle allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third, surpassing the Toyota Highlander. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and the second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row. The third-row and second-row bench seats were 60/40-split and folded flat, with power switches available in higher trims. Cargo space totaled 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with all but the front-row seats folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows, two cupholders per person, and a center console with a phone holder and storage space. The layout of physical buttons and knobs was intuitive, and automatic dual-zone climate control was standard in SEL and higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, but headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of 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 that opened automatically when the key fob was nearby. The interior offered small-item storage, including a phone parking space and a center console storage bin. Some climate controls and headlight buttons were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade introduced WiFi hotspot capability, standard on all trims, and a new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade featured a 4.2-inch color driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. An in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode were available, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system offered remote accessibility and management features. The Palisade was the first to get Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the car using their devices.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. It eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster were standard, featuring sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system supported over-the-air software updates, promising new features. The user experience was mostly good, with layouts keeping needed information close. However, the touchscreen was angled toward the driver, making it inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV introduced a hands-free start sequence, allowing drivers to start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model, and the 2023 model was expected to improve on this with new safety features. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard, along with navigation-based Smart Cruise Control. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, and a full-display digital rearview mirror was offered. Safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert were standard on most trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with standard 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, which maintained speed and following distance while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane.