2023 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate and fog lights nestled into oversized housings. The asymmetrical wheel arch trim, reminiscent of the Wilderness model, further enhanced its bold look. While some might find these changes appealing, others might prefer a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, offered a more cohesive look with the audacious cladding. The Outback was available in six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition becoming more accessible due to its availability with the base powertrain, starting at $33,495. The standard 2.5-liter engine was available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, while the turbocharged XT models offered more power and were available in Wilderness, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, provided a luxurious interior experience, despite some minor complaints about dust and smudges on the infotainment screen and center console.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern electric SUV. Built on the General Motors Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long 121.8-inch wheelbase, shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its design incorporated a tall hood, a rejiggered front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive stance compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, with distinct styling elements for each. The LT featured a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS had a blacked-out front fascia and exterior accents. The forthcoming Blazer EV SS promised even more unique styling and performance features. Inside, the RS and SS models offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, reminiscent of the gasoline Blazer and Camaro. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was powered by horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg, but real-world testing returned only 25.6 mpg. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic, and all models featured an Active Torque Split AWD system. The Outback excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode traction system and generous ground clearance, making it a capable choice for adventurous drivers. However, the standard engine's lack of power was a notable drawback, especially at higher elevations.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD powertrains in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model produced 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version delivered 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV SS, with its dual-motor AWD setup, promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds. During testing, both RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, though the RWD model felt traction-limited. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, but its stiff suspension compromised ride comfort. The steering-wheel paddle allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement. Overall, the Blazer EV offered a dynamic driving experience, though it sacrificed some comfort for performance.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and ample legroom. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the robust roof rack was ready for various accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage solutions in the cabin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving position, while cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk, but it offered a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience. The interior featured ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all trims except the Base. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate functions, while other features were embedded in the touchscreen. The base model offered a 7-inch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims provided wireless connectivity. The Starlink system was improved for 2023, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional tech included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The system offered built-in route planning and over-the-air updates. The Blazer EV was the first Chevy with a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech feel. However, the touchscreen's angle and the lack of physical controls for some functions were potential drawbacks.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, thanks to new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. The system's semi-autonomous features were effective but could feel artificial. The rear automatic braking system had limitations, but overall, the Outback was a safe choice.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came with 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. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication, but the Blazer EV offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.