2024 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a subtle update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's exterior varied across trims, with tasteful chrome accents on the Touring trim and different wheel designs, including black 17-inch alloy wheels and matte black versions for the Wilderness trim. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru, while other trims featured a mix of leather and synthetic materials.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a sleek, car-based crossover. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its bold design included a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, exuding more attitude than its electric SUV rivals. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements, and promised a forthcoming SS model with unique features. Inside, the RS and SS trims offered a sporty feel with large air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some interior components felt less robust.

The 2024 Subaru Outback stayed true to its roots with a "Boxer" engine lineup. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard, with the turbo engine providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable off-road choice.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor RWD with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a dual-motor AWD with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The AWD was standard on the LT trim, while the RS offered both configurations. A future SS model promised a dual-motor AWD setup with 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. The Blazer EV's driving dynamics leaned towards handling, with precise steering but a stiffer suspension that compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, adding a layer of driver engagement.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with a cargo volume of 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Feature availability was a strong point, with dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. The Outback also offered a hands-free power liftgate and versatile roof rails, enhancing its practicality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while styled like a traditional SUV, offered interior dimensions similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Its cargo space was less than the gasoline Blazer, with 25.5 cubic feet with seats up and 59.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. The lack of a frunk was a notable omission compared to rivals.

The 2024 Subaru Outback catered to tech-savvy users with a mix of old-school and modern features. The Touring trim retained a CD player, while most trims offered both USB-C and USB-A ports. The 11.6-inch infotainment screen was standard on all but the base trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and a premium audio system on higher trims, though climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in apps like Google Maps and Assistant. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, focusing on Android users. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with built-in route planning and OTA updates. The user experience was generally positive, though some controls were touchscreen-based, and the screen's angle favored the driver.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured standard EyeSight driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims, with additional safety features on the Touring trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at publication. It came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and GM's Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system, offering advanced driving capabilities.