2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

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. The Blazer EV adopted styling cues from its gasoline counterpart but was built on a new EV-specific platform. It featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, with the RS offering a sportier appearance with blacked-out accents and larger wheels. Inside, the Blazer EV's interior was designed to be more engaging, with optional red leather upholstery and large round air vents, although some interior components felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, rugged design, reminiscent of its 2010 redesign. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a stable and robust appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further enhanced this rugged persona with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age with outdated styling and technology, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite its dated appearance, the 4Runner offered practical features like cushioned panels for comfort and a spacious interior, although the materials felt more like vinyl than leather. The 4Runner's design was functional, with excellent outward visibility and a layout that was easy to navigate.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV also planned to introduce a high-performance SS model with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 96 km/h in under four seconds. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration and precise steering, although the stiff suspension compromised ride comfort. The vehicle also featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its power output was comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with noticeable body roll and a noisy engine. The 4Runner's soft suspension provided comfort over rough terrain but resulted in a bouncy ride on highways.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a spacious interior, although its headroom and legroom were similar to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV's cargo space was 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, slightly less than the gasoline Blazer. It featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, but some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was practical but dated, with easy-to-use climate controls and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It provided ample space for front passengers, although taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, and a third row was available on select trims. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was 1,337 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,540 litres with the seats folded. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The 4Runner featured a sliding glass rear window and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system offered built-in route planning and over-the-air updates. The Blazer EV also had a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech feel.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise often obscured its quality. The 4Runner had additional terrain controls in the headliner console, including Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, but these required familiarity with the owner's manual for full utilization.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, 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.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It scored five stars for side impacts but only three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, although its alerts were sometimes oversensitive.