2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its design from the 2022 model year, maintaining a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar gave it a forward-thinking look, ensuring its relevance for years. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a clean and sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The trims ranged from the basic S to the luxurious Platinum, each adding more features and comfort. The Rock Creek trim stood out with its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and water-repellent interior, making it ideal for adventurous drivers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a sleek, car-based crossover. Built on an EV-specific platform, it featured a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a bold presence. The Blazer EV was longer and wider than its competitors, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, and offered a more traditional SUV appearance. The interior was distinctive, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some materials felt flimsy. The Blazer EV aimed to provide a fun and engaging driving experience, despite some compromises in comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek variant offered a slight power boost, delivering 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was managed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek trim featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and all-terrain tires, though these made for a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's engine provided ample power for city and highway driving, and its rotary drive mode dial offered various settings for different terrains. The Rock Creek and select trims could tow up to 6,000 pounds, enhancing its utility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 hp and 333 lb-ft. A future Blazer EV SS model promised even more power, with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. 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, adding a layer of driver involvement.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, 45 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. While average for its class, it fell slightly short of competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, with the third row suitable for short trips. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, and the Rock Creek trim's roof rack could hold up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though its headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was limited to 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 9-inch screen, though some found the graphics dated. The system was user-friendly, with real buttons and dials. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL and Platinum trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and additional USB ports. While not cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech kept devices charged and connected.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The system included built-in route planning and over-the-air updates. The user experience was generally positive, though the touchscreen's angle favored the driver, making it less accessible for passengers. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim offered front parking sensors and a 360-degree monitor, while the Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. Off-Road mode provided front- and side-view cameras for trail navigation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable 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 Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system that maintained speed and lane position using detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system.