Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including destination charges, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade through various trims, including XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated features and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, while spacious, was marred by mismatched textures and a lack of quality feel, though it was notably quiet on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader 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 design featured a tall hood, aggressive front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, setting it apart from more aerodynamic rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with distinct styling elements and wheel sizes, and a forthcoming SS model promised even more unique features. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some materials felt flimsy.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its hybrid powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel efficiency but fell short, with the test vehicle averaging 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT detracting from engagement.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD powertrains in LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. A future SS model promised 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, adding a layer of driver involvement. The Blazer EV's performance was characterized by strong acceleration and a balance between ride and handling.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior offered three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and power-adjustable front seats. However, the third-row access was tight, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage solutions were criticized for being unlined and complex, detracting from utility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position was less commanding than traditional SUVs, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a cocooned feeling. Cargo space measured 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 lacked a frunk but offered a presence-activated liftgate. Interior storage included a large phone space and a decent-sized center console, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims with various themes. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and a JBL sound system, though the graphics could have been sharper.

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

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and park assist, as well as the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system, which maintained speed and lane position using detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system.