2023 Honda HR-V vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The EX-L model we tested featured perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, offering a comfortable and upscale cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, adopting a new EV-specific platform. Its design incorporated a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive stance compared to other electric SUVs. The Blazer EV's interior featured large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a fun touch. However, some interior components felt flimsy, and the absence of a frunk was notable.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. It offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport modes, with each mode adjusting various vehicle settings. The HR-V was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, and its new suspension system provided an enjoyable driving experience, though it lacked multiple powertrain options.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version had 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS model promised 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV's steering was precise, but its stiff suspension compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage. It provided 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats had a higher seating position for easier access, and the front row boasted improved legroom.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though its headroom and legroom were similar to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk but featured a "presence activated" liftgate. Its interior offered ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also boasted a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's technology suite included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a Smart Shortcuts feature.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. The system offered built-in route planning and over-the-air updates. The Blazer EV's hands-free start sequence marked a shift toward a high-tech driving experience, though some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received high safety ratings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.