2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60. The CX-5 was available in six versions, with prices ranging from $31,250 for the GX to $46,755 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature, which included premium features like Nappa leather upholstery and a rear bumper guard.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern electric SUV. Built on the General Motors Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long wheelbase shared with the Cadillac Lyriq. Its design incorporated elements from the gasoline Blazer, such as a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, with a forthcoming SS model offering unique styling and performance features. The 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 noted.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine's fuel economy was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) with 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The RWD model featured a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD version had an 85-kWh pack. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS model promised 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a Wide Open Watts (WOW) launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by precise steering and a stiff suspension, which affected ride comfort. The regenerative braking system, controlled by a steering-wheel paddle, allowed for customizable driving dynamics.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's interior updates in 2022 improved front seat comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats available across most trims. Higher trims offered power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, cramped rear seats, and a cargo capacity of 871 litres with the rear seats up and 1,680 litres with them folded. The infotainment system lacked a touchscreen and voice recognition, relying on physical controls that were often frustrating to use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV's cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The interior featured a large touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with some climate controls moved to the touchscreen. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving position.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its lack of a voice recognition system and reliance on physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, making it less intuitive than touchscreens. Despite these drawbacks, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, a warning message for driving without headlights was needed, as the running lights could be misleading.

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