2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring just under 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. The interior featured a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a centre console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinctively Genesis, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor annoyance, the spacious and luxurious interior was a pleasant environment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a car-based crossover. Built on a new EV-specific platform, the Blazer EV shared some styling elements with its gasoline counterpart but featured a unique design. The vehicle was constructed around its battery pack, with the larger pack sharing dimensions with the Cadillac Lyriq, resulting in a long wheelbase. The Blazer EV's tall hood, modified front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights gave it a bold attitude, distinguishing it from aerodynamic rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was longer and wider than these competitors, launching in LT and RS trims with distinct styling elements. The RS and SS models boasted a more playful interior with large round air vents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and optional red leather upholstery. While some interior components felt flimsy, the cabin was mostly free of piano-black plastic, offering a more engaging atmosphere.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: 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 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and comfortable highway experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD model had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. Unusually, the dual-motor AWD had lower output than the single-motor RWD. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was planned for 2025. The Blazer EV SS performance model would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-96 km/h in under four seconds. The RWD and AWD RS models offered strong acceleration, with the AWD providing better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, though the stiff suspension compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester included ventilated front and rear seats with extensive adjustability and an Ergo driver’s seat with inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. The panoramic sunroof and suede headliner added to the luxury. The GV80 offered substantial cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while resembling a traditional SUV, offered interior space comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked a commanding driving position, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a trench coat-like feeling. Cargo space was 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen. The Ford Mustang Mach-E offered slightly more cargo space and a frunk, which the Blazer EV lacked.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. The system had a steep learning curve, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a unique feature.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced 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 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 good, though the touchscreen's angle was inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV was the first Chevy with a hands-free start sequence, requiring only the brake pedal to start driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with numerous standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It included standard automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS, maintaining speed and following distance while keeping the vehicle centred in its lane.