2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for one of the oldest SUV nameplates. Originally, the Blazer was a truck-based off-roader, but the new Blazer EV departed significantly from its predecessors by adopting a sleek, EV-specific platform. Utilizing General Motors' Ultium component set, the Blazer EV featured a long 121.8-inch wheelbase shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its stretched proportions gave it a more limo-like appearance.

The Blazer EV combined a tall hood, a modified version of its gasoline predecessor's scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights to exude a notable attitude. Unlike aerodynamic-centric designs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, the Blazer EV maintained a robust SUV look, also being noticeably larger by 7 inches in length and 4 inches in width compared to these competitors.

At launch, the Blazer EV was offered in LT and RS trims, each with unique front fascias and wheel sizes—19 inches for the LT and 21 inches for the RS. The upcoming SS model promised further distinctive styling with a black roof and 22-inch wheels. Inside, RS and SS trims boasted sporty interiors, including large round air vents and optional red leather upholstery, creating a vibrant ambiance. Despite making strides, some elements, like the turn-signal and shifter stalks, still felt flimsy, reminiscent of GM's less luxurious interior benchmarks.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, aimed to project a tougher image than its actual capabilities. Sporting an aggressive front design and lower body cladding, the RAV4 appeared angry and ready for rugged terrain, though some aspects, like the dual exhaust outlets, hinted at a performance that didn’t quite match reality. Higher trims featured fake skid plates and more durable roof racks to amplify the rugged look.

Our test model, the TRD Off-Road, exemplified this rugged aesthetic with army green paint (at no extra cost) and features exclusive to this trim, including off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels. The RAV4's look was further accentuated by sophisticated touches like a digital rearview mirror and technology packages. This version of the RAV4 tried hard to project an off-road persona, though its off-road capabilities were somewhat limited compared to true off-road vehicles like the 4Runner.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered varied powertrains across its trims. LT and RS trims featured either a single-motor RWD system delivering 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery or a dual-motor AWD setup producing 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh battery. Interestingly, the RWD variant offered more power than the AWD.

Chevy planned to introduce a single-motor FWD version in 2025, expected to be the most popular configuration. The performance-oriented SS model promised staggering numbers: 557 hp, 648 lb-ft of torque, and a sub-4-second 0-60 mph time using its WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode. Driving the RWD and AWD RS models, we found both delivered robust acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction and stronger off-the-line performance. However, the stiff suspension compromised comfort, despite impressive handling and precise steering.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a single powertrain across its gasoline models: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This engine required high revs to access maximum power. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, FWD was standard, but our TRD Off-Road model came with torque-vectoring AWD, off-road suspension, and specialized tires.

The TRD Off-Road's suspension smoothly handled daily commutes and rough terrains, though it didn't significantly improve approach or departure angles. The 8.6-inch ground clearance was standard across several RAV4 models. While the engine provided sufficient power for its class, it was noisy and less refined, contrasting with the dependable eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the TRD Off-Road was rated at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding 26.6 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid offered significantly better fuel efficiency at 37 mpg.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV, reminiscent of a traditional SUV in appearance, revealed its compact crossover nature upon closer inspection. Despite a spacious feel, actual measurements indicated headroom and legroom comparable to the sleeker Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The high side sills and deep dashboard contributed to a unique cabin ambiance without significantly compromising outward visibility.

Cargo-wise, the Blazer EV offered 25.5 cubic feet of space with the seats up, expanding to 59.1 cubic feet when folded. Although competitive, especially above the EV6, this fell short of the gasoline Blazer's capacity and was slightly less than the Mustang Mach-E's 29.7 cubic feet (seats up) and 59.7 cubic feet (seats down). Unlike the Mach-E, the Blazer EV lacked a frunk. Interior storage was practical, with ample space for small items, although some controls transitioned to the touchscreen.

The Toyota RAV4's interior emphasized practicality. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex artificial leather seats, with the driver’s seat offering eight-way power adjustment. The optional Weather package added heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. The cabin’s design facilitated utility with numerous storage solutions and oversized control knobs for easy operation.

The driver's seat of the RAV4 was notably comfortable, complemented by excellent visibility, especially with an optional digital rearview mirror. Rear passengers enjoyed good legroom and foot support, though the rear seat height felt slightly low. Cargo capacity for the RAV4 was significant, offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with them folded, making it highly competitive in its segment.

The Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system found in all future Chevy EVs. With built-in Google apps and integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (though limited to Bluetooth for iOS users), this system boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with excellent graphics. Features included built-in route planning, OTA software updates, and a hands-free start sequence.

The out-of-the-box experience was generally positive, yet the driver-centric touchscreen design may inconvenience passengers. While the touchscreen integrated many controls, physical switches remained desirable for specific functions. The hands-free start was a notable convenience, marking a shift toward a more high-tech driving experience.

For the 2024 RAV4, Toyota's Audio Multimedia system was standard, featuring either an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system also included SiriusXM and five connected services plans, with Service and Safety Connect complimentary for ten years. Remote and Drive Connect offered remote access and cloud-based navigation respectively, free for one year.

Despite its sophistication, the system had shortcomings, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen, difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay, and challenging font readability. The voice assistant generally performed well but had some issues, like inaudible responses for most commands. A JBL premium audio system was optional, but standard speakers sufficed for most users.

Specific crash-test ratings for the Chevrolet Blazer EV were unavailable at the time of publication. However, it came standard with several advanced driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional additions included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and GM's Super Cruise for hands-free driving, enhancing safety on long drives.

The Toyota RAV4 offered Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) as standard, although blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were notably missing in the base LE trim. TSS 2.5 included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and other features. However, its performance was mixed; while adaptive cruise control handled moderate traffic well, lane-centering was less consistent on curvy roads.

The 2024 RAV4 no longer held its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to Marginal and Acceptable ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated design to meet contemporary safety standards.