2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a range of options from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with their distinctive two-part face design, introduced in 2019. The Adventure trim, which was tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and faux skid plates, giving it a rugged appearance. However, it was more of a style statement than a true off-roader. Inside, the Adventure trim added orange accents, including a stripe on the seats and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered a mix of fabric and synthetic leather seats, with varying levels of adjustability and heating options, culminating in the Limited trim's premium features.

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 shared its long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its bold design featured a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, exuding more attitude than its electric rivals. The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each with unique styling elements, and promised a forthcoming SS model with enhanced performance. Inside, the RS and SS trims offered a distinctive interior with large air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, while optional red leather upholstery added a fun touch. Despite some flimsy interior parts, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with front-wheel drive, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured all-wheel drive. The sole engine option was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, this setup was preferable to the CVT found in some competitors. The RAV4 Adventure trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, was more of a hopeful tagalong than a true off-roader, unlike the TRD Off-Road trim with its specialized suspension and all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A unique single-motor front-wheel drive option was planned for 2025. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. During testing, the RWD and AWD RS models demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD version providing better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, but its stiff suspension compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, adding a layer of driver involvement.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof. It provided 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the back, placing it in line with the Honda CR-V for front-row space but trailing in rear legroom. The RAV4's back seat was narrower than its competitors, but it offered ample storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though its 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 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 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims. The system supported OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Adventure trim tested featured a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on select trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster. The system included built-in route planning and OTA updates. The user experience was mostly positive, though the touchscreen's angle could be inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It featured standard automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system.