2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its fourth-generation JL model showcasing a boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders maintained the classic Jeep look, while the new "Reign" purple paint added a splash of modern flair. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean surfaces and a straightforward, utilitarian design, featuring a body-coloured dash and chunky controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based roots to a sleek, electric SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase and a striking design with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights. The Blazer EV's interior offered a more stylized approach, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, creating a fun and modern atmosphere. Despite some flimsy interior components, the Blazer EV aimed to provide a more engaging driving experience with its distinctive design elements.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, offering a range of engine options to suit various needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, boasted 470 horsepower and torque, making it a formidable off-road performer. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid added an eco-friendly option with a 17.3-kWh battery pack and 35 kilometres of all-electric range. However, the 392's on-road performance was marred by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues less pronounced in other Wrangler trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a different kind of performance, with single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains available in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model produced 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS promised even more power with 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering, though its stiff suspension compromised ride comfort. The regenerative braking system, adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, added a layer of driver involvement, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Inside the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, the front seats provided comfort, but heated seats were limited to specific trims or packages. The rear seat was a tight fit for three passengers, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and centre console. Cargo space was also modest, with 2,050 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a removable hard top and a Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. Charging points were plentiful, with USB ports and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Cargo space was limited to 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer. The Blazer EV featured a heavily stylized interior with ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. The presence-activated liftgate added convenience, automatically opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, while our tester had the larger 8.4-inch version. The system initially appeared complex but proved intuitive with features like off-road pages and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Jeep focused on practical tech, offering a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps and eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster provided sharp graphics and built-in route planning for charging stations. The system offered over-the-air updates for new features, though some controls were awkwardly placed on the touchscreen. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims' headlights rated poorly. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover, with no side crash rating available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS trims. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication, but the Blazer EV's comprehensive safety suite aimed to provide peace of mind.