2023 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional, with materials quality meeting class expectations. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel with shift paddles were standard in Canada, emphasizing function over form without sacrificing attraction.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover. Built on a new EV-specific platform, it shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. The Blazer EV's styling, with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, gave it more attitude than rival electric SUVs. It launched in LT and RS trims, with the RS featuring a blacked-out front fascia and 21-inch wheels. The interior offered large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a fun feel. While some interior parts felt flimsy, it mostly avoided the piano-black plastic trend.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine hum, though power was adequate rather than impressive. It was tuned for comfort, with light steering and noticeable body roll, making it ideal for family duties. The off-road-capable TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, offering a go-anywhere attitude without sacrificing on-road comfort. Towing capacity was up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).

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. RWD models had 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. It featured a steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking control, allowing for one-pedal driving and added driver involvement.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with a large rubberized shelf, wireless charging pad, and clever storage solutions. The stowable second-row centre seat provided a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, with high side sills and a deep dashboard. Cargo space was 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than a gasoline Blazer but more than an EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and expected small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim level offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout, though graphics were not particularly modern. Features included Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a new 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 software updates. The user experience was mostly good, though the touchscreen was angled toward the driver, making it inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also introduced a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift toward a high-tech feel.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims. These included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors and surround-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms experienced during testing.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication. It featured standard automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. 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.