After six months and 1,200 miles with the 2024 Chevy Blazer Ev, it’s time for a comprehensive owner’s review. My journey with this electric SUV has been a mix of delightful discoveries and frustrating realities, much like the experience of attempting to reach Rainbow Viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park. During a road trip, the Blazer EV’s range prediction turned out to be overly cautious, causing a detour and a missed scenic vista. Despite this, we made it to the hotel with battery to spare, highlighting both the conservatism and slight annoyance of the range readout. This experience encapsulates the ownership – reliable yet occasionally frustrating. This review dives deep into the highs, the lows, and the just-okay aspects of living with the Blazer EV, providing a balanced perspective for potential EV owners.
The Positives: Everyday Joys of the Blazer EV
The daily driving experience with the Blazer EV has been overwhelmingly positive. My model, a 2024 LT AWD (akin to today’s 2LT trim), came with launch edition perks and boasts a quiet and refined ride. The software integration is seamless and intuitive, a significant upgrade from previous in-car systems I’ve encountered.
One of the standout features is its spaciousness. The 1,200-mile road trip from San Diego to Utah was a testament to its cargo capacity. Packed to the brim with camping equipment, coolers, tables, chairs, and luggage, the Blazer EV swallowed it all with ease. We even utilized the ample space behind the seats for sleeping – comfortable enough for two adults under 5’7″. This generous space makes the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV LT radiant red front view
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV LT in Radiant Red showcasing its stylish front design and spacious SUV profile.
The integrated software, featuring Google Maps, is a game-changer. The seamless navigation and real-time traffic updates eliminate the need for phone-based mirroring systems like Apple CarPlay, which can often suffer from connectivity issues. The independence from a smartphone for essential functions like navigation and music streaming is liberating. Running errands without needing a phone, yet still having access to Spotify and reliable GPS, is a subtle but significant convenience.
Ground clearance is another unexpected advantage. With 7.9 inches of clearance, the Blazer EV stands taller than many mainstream electric SUVs. It surpasses competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 (both at 6.1 inches) and even Jeep’s electric offerings (6.4 inches). This extra clearance, combined with its large cargo area and roomy backseat, positions the Blazer EV as the premier electric SUV for those who venture beyond paved roads for camping or hiking trips with passengers. While a Rivian or electric G-Wagen might offer even greater off-road capability, they come at a significantly higher price point. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV strikes a compelling balance of capability and affordability.
{width=213 height=120}The spacious cargo area of the Chevy Blazer EV easily accommodates a large amount of camping gear, highlighting its practicality for outdoor adventures.
Acceptable Aspects: Navigating Range and Driving Dynamics
The EPA-estimated range of 279 miles for my Blazer EV LT AWD is adequate for daily use, but road trips require more planning. While sufficient for the class, the real-world usable range necessitates adjustments in travel habits.
In practice, avoiding both extremes of 0% and 100% charge is prudent for battery health. The Blazer EV’s navigation system tends to be conservative in its range predictions, often leading to arrival at charging stations with around 20% battery remaining. Considering the slower charging speeds beyond 80% capacity, effectively only about 60% of the battery capacity is utilized for typical road trip legs. This translates to roughly 160-180 miles between charging stops, with each stop averaging around 35 minutes.
Therefore, while the range is “acceptable,” it’s a reminder that closer to 350 miles of EPA range would be ideal for frequent long-distance travel. However, for most drivers who undertake fewer road trips than they imagine, the Blazer EV’s range is likely sufficient. The increased frequency of stops can also be seen as a positive, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
{width=213 height=120}The Chevy Blazer EV at a busy public charging station, illustrating the common scenario of waiting for available chargers during road trips.
Driving dynamics are in the “just fine” category. The Blazer EV, being a substantial crossover, prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. While the 288-horsepower powertrain with 333 lb-ft of torque delivers ample punch for everyday driving, its 5,300-lb weight becomes noticeable under more demanding acceleration. Handling is competent for its class, outperforming vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 or Ford Escape, but it’s not designed for spirited driving. The driving experience is functional and comfortable, but lacks excitement.
Similarly, the sound system and seats are adequate but not exceptional. The cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth on highways, but the audio quality is average, and the seats, while comfortable for long drives, lack the plushness found in more premium vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq. Upgrading the speakers might be considered for audiophiles seeking a richer sound experience. For the average driver, however, these aspects are perfectly acceptable for daily use and road trips.
Frustrations: App Issues, Charging Quirks, and Quality Concerns
The MyChevrolet smartphone app is a significant pain point. Slow response times, often taking up to a minute to display the state of charge, and unreliable remote start commands are common issues. Workarounds, such as sending a lock command to “wake up” the vehicle before remote starting, or using the MyBuick app (which seems more responsive), highlight the app’s shortcomings. Compared to the seamless and rapid response of Tesla’s app, the MyChevrolet app feels outdated and clunky.
Tesla Supercharger access, while a welcome addition, is not without its drawbacks. Despite GM EVs now supporting Tesla Superchargers through the app, the user experience is far from ideal. The native Tesla app remains significantly more user-friendly and reliable for initiating charging sessions. The lack of automatic payment and charge initiation, features available to Rivian and Ford owners at Superchargers, adds an unnecessary layer of friction for GM EV drivers.
The physical act of using Tesla Superchargers with the Blazer EV can also be awkward. The shorter cable lengths at many Supercharger stations often necessitate unconventional parking maneuvers, sometimes requiring parking across two stalls or even partially on gravel to reach the charging port. This not only feels inconvenient but can also draw unwanted attention and judgment from other EV users. While not GM’s fault, the Supercharger network’s design, primarily intended for Tesla vehicles, creates a less-than-perfect experience for other brands. Newer V4 Supercharger stations with longer cables offer a glimpse into a more user-friendly future, but the current reality can be frustrating.
{width=213 height=120}An image depicting the Chevy Blazer EV parked across multiple Tesla Supercharger stalls due to cable length limitations, highlighting the awkward charging experience.
Winter range and charging times also present challenges. The Bryce Canyon trip highlighted the impact of cold weather and elevation changes on range. A seemingly sufficient 279-mile EPA range can be significantly reduced in freezing temperatures, especially with elevation gain. Charging times, advertised at 40 minutes for a 10-80% charge on a 350-kW charger under ideal conditions, can be considerably longer in cold weather. This necessitates factoring in extended charging durations during winter road trips.
Finally, quality control issues have been a recurring concern. A persistent rattle from the headliner, despite a replacement attempt, and a panoramic moonroof that frequently malfunctions when closing, requiring multiple attempts to seal properly, point to potential manufacturing inconsistencies. These issues have already necessitated multiple dealer service appointments, adding inconvenience to the ownership experience. The need for three dealer visits within the first six months is noteworthy and raises questions about long-term reliability.
{width=213 height=120}The Chevy Blazer EV charging smoothly at a modern V4 Tesla Supercharger station, showcasing the improved cable reach and user-friendliness of newer charging infrastructure.
Overall Assessment: A Value-Driven EV with Room for Improvement
Despite its shortcomings, I remain satisfied with the Blazer EV, primarily due to its value proposition. The cost of ownership, estimated at $8,000 over two years, feels reasonable for the features and practicality offered.
The road trip experience is undeniably less seamless than with a Tesla, requiring more planning and adaptation. Adapters, third-party route planners, and potential quality issues are part of the equation. However, the Blazer EV delivers a comfortable, stylish, and highly practical SUV at a competitive price point.
The learning curve associated with EV ownership, including charging logistics and range management, is part of the appeal for me. It’s an exploration of how EVs integrate into daily life and a departure from the established norms of gasoline car ownership. The Blazer EV experience underscores that while the electric vehicle transition is underway, there are still areas for improvement for manufacturers like GM, particularly in software, charging infrastructure access, and overall vehicle quality.
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV is a testament to the progress of electric vehicles. It’s cheaper to operate, quieter, smoother, and technologically more advanced than comparable gasoline SUVs. The built-in technology feels modern and intuitive. This experience reinforces optimism about the future of EVs. This current phase of EV ownership, while not without its challenges, is still remarkably positive. It necessitates a degree of curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt.
Owning the Blazer EV has been an adventure, and the journey is proving to be enjoyable and insightful. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable and practical electric SUV, acknowledging that the EV landscape is still evolving and improving.
