2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern electric SUV. It borrowed styling cues from the 2019 car-based crossover model, applying them to a new EV-specific platform. Built around the General Motors Ultium component set, the Blazer EV featured a long 121.8-inch wheelbase, similar to the Cadillac Lyriq, but with a more stretched appearance. Its design included a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was larger than these competitors, offering a more traditional SUV aesthetic.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trim levels, each with distinct styling elements. The LT featured a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS had a blacked-out front fascia and exterior accents. The LT came with standard 19-inch wheels, while the RS rode on 21-inch wheels. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS promised unique styling and mechanical elements. Inside, the RS and SS models boasted distinctive interiors with large round air vents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and optional red leather upholstery. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the piano-black plastic trend seen in other brands.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, particularly the 110 four-door model, struck a balance in design, offering a rugged and customizable appearance. Base prices ranged from $58,525 for the Defender 90 to $120,525 for the 130 V8, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. The Defender 130 X trim, tested at $102,525, included the Extended Black Exterior Pack, upgraded interior materials, and comprehensive off-roading technology. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, along with options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack, bringing the MSRP to $106,092.

The Defender X's interior received an upgrade to premium Windsor hides with Kvadrat fabric, available in Ebony or Caraway, or Ultrafabric upholstery in Light Cloud. It featured illuminated door-sill treadplates and metal pedal covers. The interior maintained an industrial theme with quality materials, offering a purposeful look rather than a traditional luxury feel. Despite its rugged exterior, the Defender provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, with a panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row, enhancing the open and airy feel.

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) in the LT and RS trims. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was set to be available from the 2025 model year. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds.

During testing, the RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD model providing better traction off the line. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. Cabin noise was minimal, and the steering-wheel paddle allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, the Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled off-road, tackling challenging terrain with ease, while its adaptive air suspension provided a comfortable ride on pavement.

Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender 130's 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its on-road agility. The SUV's 5,685-pound curb weight and fluid steering made it less suited for spirited driving on twisty roads. However, it cruised comfortably on highways, albeit with some wind noise due to its boxy shape. The Defender's fuel economy was lower than expected, with an observed 16.2 mpg compared to the estimated 19 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a spacious interior, though headroom and legroom were comparable 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 measured 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than a gasoline Blazer but more than an EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate but lacked a frunk. Up front, it provided ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The tall seating position provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The Defender's panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row enhanced the open feel. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less accommodating in the rear. The Defender 130's third-row seat was heated and roomy, offering comfort for adults. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered for easier loading. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system offered built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The user experience was mostly good, though the touchscreen's angle and placement of some controls required adjustment. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and connected services. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, with fewer dead ends. The Defender also featured a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and ease of parking. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, as the NHTSA and IIHS typically do not test low-volume models.