2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters seen over the years. The SUV's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, which, while not particularly attractive, was functional. The Touring trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, adding a touch of elegance. The Forester's robust roof rails were a highlight, capable of supporting a tent or various sporting equipment. Inside, the Touring trim featured Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a traditional Subaru layout with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean hard plastics and a straightforward control layout, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution in design, drawing from its gasoline predecessor but built on an EV-specific platform. Its styling was aggressive, with a tall hood, scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more assertive presence than other electric SUVs. The Blazer EV was larger than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, emphasizing its SUV identity. The LT and RS trims offered distinct styling elements, with the RS featuring a blacked-out front fascia and larger wheels. Inside, the Blazer EV's interior was sporty, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. While some interior components felt flimsy, the overall design was more engaging than its rivals, offering a fun and modern feel.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction management system provided various driving modes for different terrains. The Forester Wilderness trim offered additional off-roading capabilities. During testing, the Forester Touring demonstrated its prowess in adverse weather conditions, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics impressed, with precise steering, effective brakes, and a well-tuned suspension. However, the engine's performance was merely adequate, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 25.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 29 mpg rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS model promised even more power, with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque. During testing, both RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS exhibited strong acceleration, with the AWD model providing better traction. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by precise steering and a stiff suspension, which compromised comfort on rough roads. The regenerative braking system, controlled via a steering-wheel paddle, added a level of driver involvement, allowing for one-pedal driving and customizable regen levels.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Premium trim provided features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered more luxurious options, such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering ample room for storage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while appearing spacious, offered headroom and legroom similar to its competitors. The driving position was not as commanding as a traditional SUV, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. The Blazer EV's cargo space was slightly less than the gasoline Blazer, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, it offered more space than the Kia EV6 and featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience. The interior provided ample small-item storage, but some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but its simplicity was a strength. The Base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs and buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation and other functions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps and eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. While the user experience was generally positive, the touchscreen's angle and the placement of some controls required adjustment. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a more high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, offering improved driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering, while higher trims offered Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver attention and provided gesture control for climate settings. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement, and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication. However, it offered standard safety features like 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, which maintained speed and lane position using detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system.