First Look Review: The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS is a compelling Mach-E alternative

  • Chevrolet Blazer EV RS exclusively available as a two-row SUV
  • Delivers a range of up to 279 miles in RWD and 324 miles in AWD (EPA-est.)
  • Priced at $54,595 in AWD and $56,170 in RWD, both excluding USD 1,395 DFC
  • Competes with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y & Kia EV6

Update (April 8, 2024): Intro, Price & Release Date, and FAQs sections revised with the latest.

As the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS begins arriving at U.S. dealerships following the stop-sale order to fix a software issue, it’s gradually becoming a common sight at Chevy locations across the country. Recently, I saw it in the RS AWD configuration and spent a good amount of time checking out the specs, features, comfort and space. Here’s my take on the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD:

Design

As I approach the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS, I notice a blend of traditional SUV shape and unique design aspects and proportions, made possible by the Ultium EV architecture. The five-seat EV carries a low and wide stance, with its tight, converging body lines accentuating the muscular, athletic profile. The vehicle gets adequate ground clearance for broken roads but is by no means off-road-ready.

The Blazer EV RS’s black front grille, logos, and roof bars, illuminated front light bar, semi-black ORVM housing, and 21-inch wheels contribute to an aggressive style, setting it apart from the regular Blazer EV LT. The exclusive details of the RS variant effortlessly catch the eye, showcasing the Blazer’s design diversity within the same muscular frame.

Interior

The Chevrolet Blazer EV features a contemporary SUV interior that avoids the cliché of minimalism, instead focusing on the driver’s needs, with ample equipment and good ergonomics. The design, materials (including the hard plastics) and colors of the dashboard echoes the vehicle’s muscular exterior, aligning well with the athletic yet practical form of the SUV.

The compact, flat-bottomed steering wheel of the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS is easy to reach and feels quite solid to hold. As for the ingress and egress, as a six-foot tall person, I have no troubles. The turbine-inspired sculpted AC vents look quite sporty and are easy to locate and adjust while driving. Along with the three central AC vents, a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a slim climate control panel between them are tilted towards the driver for easier access.

The infotainment system is comprehensive, packing lots of comfort, convenience, and safety features. The software is easy to use, and the system is responsive. Unfortunately, there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support in the infotainment system. Therefore, customers need to consider the availability of built-in and downloadable apps and their ease of usage as well when test-driving the vehicle.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD wireless charger cupholders
The center console in the Blazer EV RS is of good quality. You can also use the charging mat behind the cup holders to charge your phone.

The center console of the Blazer EV offers two deep storage spaces, one secured with a sliding cover and the other with an armrest, two cupholders, and a wireless charging pad. The front storage space includes two USB-C ports, while the rear storage space has one USB-C port and one 12-volt power outlet.

As the Blazer EV rides on a dedicated EV platform, it has a long wheelbase and a flat floor. It gives occupants plenty of space and great comfort, and as a six-footer, I found the cabin to be spacious from the driver’s seat. The low height of the EV obviously raises the question if it offers enough headroom, and I can reveal from my experience that I did not feel cramped or claustrophobic in the front seat. The seat offers 8-way power adjustment with 2-way power lumbar support, and it feels well-built. The Evotex artificial upholstery GM has used for the seats works for both form and function.

The rear of the cabin is also comfortable, as GM didn’t try squeezing in a third row, but not everything is perfect. While the knee room is ample, taller passengers (over six-foot-tall) may feel that headroom is tight. When I took the back seat, I felt that I could do with a bit more space above my head when I rested back on the seat tether. Passengers occupying the outboard rear seats will appreciate the use of heated cushions.

As for luggage space, folding down the rear seats offers a generous 59.2 cu. ft. of cargo volume. Interestingly it’s lesser than that of the gas-powered 2023 Blazer (64.2 cu. ft.), and that comes down to the lower, sporty roofline.

Also See: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2RS is sporty crossover on a budget

Specifications

The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS is available in single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD variants. The former has a 102 kWh battery pack that can be charged at up to 11.5 kW (AC)/190 kW (DC) and the latter has an 85 kWh battery pack that can be charged at up to 11.5 kW (AC)/150 kW (DC). The EPA-est. range of the Blazer EV RS AWD is 279 miles, while the Blazer EV RWD’s EPA-est. range is 324 miles.

All in all, it seems GM plans to offer the Blazer EV such that it’s suitable for everyone, be it customers focusing on affordability, efficiency, straight-line acceleration, or driving pleasure. However, as we’ve seen with other Ultium EVs, if the production ramp-up isn’t rapid, further variants could arrive in their own sweet time.

Price & Release date

Chevrolet Blazer EV RS rear live image
The Blazer EV RS AWD delivers in terms of style, comfort, performance, and space. However, it will be interesting to observe how buyers react to this variant following the price cut.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD is priced at USD 54,595 (excl. USD 1,395 DFC), and the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS RWD is priced at USD 56,170 (excl. USD 1,395 DFC).

Also See: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS looks funky in the Galaxy Gray Metallic

Chevrolet Blazer EV RS FAQs

What is the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS release date?

The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS has reached U.S. dealers.

What is the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS price?

The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS starts at USD 54,595 (excl. USD 1,395 DFC).

Which EVs are the Blazer EV RS’s rivals?