2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its unassuming exterior, continued to embody the brand's commitment to practicality and reliability. Its design, reminiscent of previous Forester models, was particularly evident in the Cascade Green Silica paint, a colour that seemed ubiquitous among Foresters. The Premier trim, which we tested, stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, adding a touch of elegance to its otherwise utilitarian appearance. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy silhouette, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, which, while not conventionally attractive, emphasized its functional nature. Inside, the Premier trim offered brown leather upholstery, metallic accents, and a traditional control layout, making it user-friendly and easy to clean, despite the abundance of hard plastic.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a sleek, electric SUV. Built on an EV-specific platform, the Blazer EV shared its wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its design featured a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, exuding a more aggressive stance compared to its electric rivals. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements, and promised a forthcoming SS model with unique features. Inside, the Blazer EV's cabin was marked by large round air vents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and optional red leather upholstery, creating a lively atmosphere. However, some interior components felt flimsy, and the absence of piano-black plastic was a welcome departure from current trends.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction control system, with hill descent control, provided additional capability. The Forester Wilderness trim further enhanced off-road performance with all-terrain tires and modifications. During testing, the Forester Premier demonstrated its prowess in adverse weather conditions, navigating flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. Despite its adequate powertrain, the Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, offering a comfortable yet engaging ride with precise steering and effective brakes. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, and a turbocharged engine or hybrid option would have been welcome additions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model produced 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD variant delivered 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A future Blazer EV SS model promised even greater performance with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. During testing, both RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS exhibited strong acceleration, with the AWD model providing better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, though its stiff suspension compromised ride comfort. The steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking added a layer of driver involvement, allowing for adjustments to suit different driving styles and conditions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Touring trim provided features such as a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated elements, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's high seating position and excellent outward visibility made it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller passengers. The Forester's cargo area was well-designed, with 762 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,957 litres with them folded, providing ample room for storage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while appearing spacious, offered headroom and legroom comparable to its rivals. Its interior design, with high side sills and a deep dashboard, created a unique driving experience. The Blazer EV's cargo space was less than its gasoline counterpart, with 722 litres behind the second row and 1,673 litres with the seats folded. However, it featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience. The interior provided adequate small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology, though seemingly outdated, offered a user-friendly experience. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while higher trims featured an 8-inch display with navigation and a premium audio system. The Forester's infotainment system, with separate climate controls and physical buttons, was intuitive, though the voice-recognition system was unreliable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in apps and eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system's user experience was generally positive, though some controls were awkwardly placed. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras, offering improved performance. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, while higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Forester's safety systems generally performed well, though the Rear Automatic Braking system could be overly sensitive. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. However, it offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS trim and optional on the RS, providing advanced driver assistance capabilities.