2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness not previously seen in Mazda's lineup, with pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with an oversized air intake and vent designs, created a performance-oriented aesthetic that was both striking and cohesive, especially when paired with the standard black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

In contrast, 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 GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV shared its wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its design borrowed elements from the gasoline Blazer, such as a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, but with a more aggressive stance. The Blazer EV was notably larger than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, emphasizing its SUV identity. The LT and RS trims offered distinct styling cues, with the RS featuring a blacked-out front fascia and larger wheels. Inside, the Blazer EV's interior was designed to be fun and engaging, with optional red leather upholstery and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some materials felt less premium.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base engine, a 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, provided a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, with fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.9 on the highway. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. This variant also increased towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The turbo engine offered smooth acceleration and minimal turbo lag, with Mazda's Mi-Drive system ensuring consistent driving dynamics across different modes. Despite a firmer ride quality compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 excelled in both on-road and off-road scenarios, though it lacked some advanced off-road features found in competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, available in RWD and AWD configurations, offered a unique powertrain setup. The RWD model produced 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD variant delivered 288 hp and 333 lb-ft. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. A high-performance SS model was also in the works, promising 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. During test drives, both RWD and AWD versions demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD providing better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, though its stiff suspension compromised ride comfort. The vehicle featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver engagement, but the overall driving experience was more focused on performance than luxury.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The front seats were supportive for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with convenient rear air vents and charging ports. Cargo space was competitive, with 889 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with them folded. However, the narrow space between the wheel wells limited some storage options. The CX-50's design included thoughtful touches like a dedicated smartphone charging slot, though some storage opportunities were missed.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though its headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position was more car-like, lacking the commanding view typical of traditional SUVs. Cargo capacity was 722 litres with the rear seats up and 1,673 litres with them folded, slightly less than the gasoline Blazer. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience, though it lacked a front trunk. Interior storage was adequate, with a large phone slot and centre console bin, but some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Mazda traditionally avoided touchscreens, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for smartphone integration, though the interface remained somewhat frustrating. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered useful information, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps and a 17.7-inch touchscreen. While it lacked standalone Apple CarPlay, the system offered advanced features like route planning and over-the-air updates. The user interface was intuitive, though the screen's angle could be inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight and pedestrian collision avoidance issues. It offered a comprehensive suite of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to detect vehicles cutting in, highlighting a need for improved sensitivity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's safety ratings were not available at the time of publication. It came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS trim and optional on the RS, providing advanced driving assistance capabilities.