2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a testament to the brand's commitment to luxury and design. Its styling drew clear connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line. The split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that curved from behind the rear window visually linked the GV70 to its sedan counterpart. This chrome bar was a clever design touch, suggesting a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a showcase of luxury, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a tactile experience superior to the touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern, EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV retained some styling elements from its gasoline counterpart, such as a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look than rival electric SUVs. The Blazer EV was built around the General Motors Ultium component set, allowing for flexibility in battery module configuration. The interior of the Blazer EV was distinctive, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. However, some interior components felt flimsy, and the absence of a frunk was a notable omission compared to competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 balanced comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth acceleration experience, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 383 kilometres and supported DC fast charging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV was available in single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The RWD model produced 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD model offered 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. The Blazer EV SS performance model, set to join the lineup, would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 96 km/h in under four seconds. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration and precise steering, though the stiff suspension compromised comfort. The vehicle also featured a steering-wheel paddle for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with ample storage options. Front-seat passengers enjoyed comfortable seating, though rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for rear passenger comfort.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered 722 litres of cargo space with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded. While it had less cargo space than its gasoline counterpart, it surpassed the Kia EV6 in this regard. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and a heavily stylized interior with adequate small-item storage. However, some climate controls and vehicle functions were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment for users.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Optional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The Blazer EV offered built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. However, the elimination of standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay limited functionality for iOS users. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS trim and optional on the RS trim. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.