2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, adorned with the American flag, reinforced its classic Jeep identity. The Wrangler's design was simple yet functional, with practical features like a swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass for easy cargo access. The introduction of new colors like the limited-edition Reign purple and the subtle Earl gray added a touch of modern flair to its traditional look.

Inside, the Wrangler maintained its utilitarian charm with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, complemented by a body-colored dash and chunky controls. The interior was devoid of unnecessary frills, focusing instead on practicality. While it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, the Wrangler's straightforward design was a nod to its adventurous spirit, appealing to those who valued function over form.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based roots to a modern electric SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its bold styling, with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, set it apart from more aerodynamically focused rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was larger than these competitors, offering a more traditional SUV look.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements. The LT featured a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS boasted a blacked-out look with larger wheels. Inside, the RS and SS models offered a sportier feel with round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, reminiscent of the Camaro. While some interior materials felt flimsy, the Blazer EV's cabin was mostly free of the piano-black plastic found in other brands, offering a more engaging and fun atmosphere.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, thanks to its solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including a standard V6 with 285 horsepower and a turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower. Torque enthusiasts could opt for the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model, with its 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower, was a powerhouse capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid added an electrified option with 21 miles of all-electric range. However, the 392's on-road performance was marred by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues less pronounced in other trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. A future Blazer EV SS model promised 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV excelled in handling, with precise steering and a stiff suspension that favored performance over comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was cramped, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and center console. Cargo space was also modest at 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a removable hard top and a Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. Charging points were plentiful, with USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Cargo space was limited to 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk but featured a presence-activated liftgate. Small-item storage was adequate, with a large phone parking area and decent-sized center console. Some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, upgradeable to an 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, focusing on Android users. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster offered sharp graphics and built-in route planning. Over-the-air updates promised new features. The Blazer EV featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims' headlights rated poorly.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.