2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out prominently for its sleek and sophisticated design, both within the Genesis lineup and amongst its competitors. Its design retained hallmark Genesis styling cues, such as split headlights and a large shield-like grille, for brand recognition. However, it exhibited a more refined appearance compared to the larger GV80, without the over-the-top quirkiness seen in the smaller GV60. Key distinctive features included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and unique 21-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels as standard.

The GV70 balanced the ideal SUV size and luxury-car aesthetics, unlike rivals such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, which appeared bulkier without finesse, or the Porsche Macan, which stretched car styling cues over SUV proportions. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class that relied heavily on its iconic grille emblem for luxury status, the GV70’s styling effectively conveyed its SUV persona and luxurious build.

For those seeking an electric vehicle with a subtle presence, the Electrified GV70 was a prudent choice. Despite the shiny grille, which conveniently housed the charge port for straightforward charging station access, the overall styling mirrored that of its gasoline counterpart. Additionally, the interior of the GV70 featured distinctive touches like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary controller for the infotainment system, designed with a science-fiction flair, which, combined with a rounded dashboard, created a unique appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolutionary step for the Blazer nameplate. While its predecessors were truck-based off-roaders, the reimagined Blazer EV adopted a car-based crossover platform, featuring the foundation of GM’s Ultium component set. Styled with a tall hood, a modified front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, it projected more attitude and a traditional SUV look than its electric competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV’s design leaned more towards a robust SUV aesthetic, being about 7 inches longer and 4 inches wider than its closest rivals.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, featuring distinct styles. The LT trim’s color-coordinated front fascia, especially in white, evoked early 2000s Apple product aesthetics, while the RS trim had a blacked-out fascia with 21-inch wheels. The upcoming SS variant promised even more unique visual elements. Inside, the Blazer EV’s RS and SS trims boasted large round air vents and flat-bottom steering wheels reminiscent of the Camaro, available with optional red leather for a zestier cabin ambience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 maintained its existing powertrain options. The gasoline variant featured a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. An optional 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine offered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Electrified GV70 had its AWD system powered by front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, supported by a 77.4 kWh battery pack. A “Boost Mode” temporarily increased output to 483 hp. Although both powertrains provided notable acceleration, the GV70 wasn't exceptional in either sporty handling or ride comfort. It felt heavier and less agile in corners compared to sportier rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Porsche Macan. Its suspension also tended to be harsher on road imperfections.

Offering different powertrain configurations, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV initially came with single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD options in the LT and RS trims. The RWD models produced 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, with a 102 kWh battery pack, whereas the AWD models provided 288 hp and 333 lb-ft, with an 85 kWh pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD setup was positioned as the entry-level offering with a lower output than the single-motor RWD.

Additionally available was a single-motor FWD option slated for the 2025 Blazer EV LT, anticipated to be the most affordable and popular variant. The SS performance model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft, featuring a WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode for rapid acceleration.

While both RWD and AWD Blazer EV variants exhibited strong acceleration, the AWD model offered better traction. In contrast to the Cadillac Lyriq, with which it shared dimensions, the Blazer EV leaned more towards sporty handling, which compromised ride comfort. Steering precision was impressive, yet the suspension was stiff, transmitting road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2024 Genesis GV70’s interior space was comparable to its rivals. Though it had slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, it offered slightly more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes, and comparable second-row legroom. The GV70 featured 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place, outperforming the Mercedes’ 21.9 cubic feet, and nearly matching the BMW’s 28.7 cubic feet but falling short of the Audi’s 29.5 cubic feet. With rear seats folded, its cargo space totaled 56.9 cubic feet, less than all its German competitors.

The Electrified GV70’s interior space was barely affected by its battery pack, with minimal reductions in legroom and headroom. It maintained nearly the same cargo space as the gasoline model, showcasing the engineers’ efficient design. Notable features included automatic side bolsters for front seats in the Sport mode, enhancing occupant security during spirited driving.

Contrarily, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while visually aligning with traditional SUVs, presented an interior space comparable to its sportier rivals like the Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Despite the spacious feel, the Blazer EV did not provide a traditional SUV’s commanding driving position. Cargo space was measured at 25.5 cubic feet with the second row up and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than its gasoline-counterpart but competitive against the EV6. The Mach-E offered slightly more cargo space at 29.7 cubic feet and 59.7 cubic feet, alongside a frunk that the Blazer EV lacked.

The Blazer EV had generous small-item storage, with a significant center console bin and door pockets. Nonetheless, some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, necessitating adjustment for users more accustomed to physical buttons.

The 2024 Genesis GV70’s infotainment system, borrowed from Hyundai’s parts bin, might not have been as elaborate as BMW’s or Mercedes-Benz’s systems, but its simplicity proved beneficial. Standard features included a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims received a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside an 8-inch unit for lower trims. Additional features included a 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system.

An intuitive touchscreen interface with large tiles and a well-positioned rotary controller made the GV70’s technology user-friendly. Added luxuries included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality for keyless entry and ignition.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a new Google-based infotainment system integrated with built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant but excluded standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, favoring deeper Android integration. Standard technology featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics.

The system supported built-in route planning and battery pre-conditioning for optimal charging stops. Although the driver-centric touchscreen design and integrated headlight controls might have required some adjustment, the Blazer EV’s hands-free start-up sequence simplified the driving experience, aligning with high-tech expectations.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received top safety ratings, including the IIHS’s highest Top Safety Pick+ award. While NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were pending, the 2023 gasoline model had a five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety features encompassed lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitoring, and parking assist sensors. The available Highway Driving Assist 2 added lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, awaiting crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, came equipped with standard automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance system.