2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a sleek, car-based crossover. This electric version borrowed styling cues from its gasoline counterpart but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV's design was characterized by a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive stance compared to other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was notably larger than these rivals, offering a more traditional SUV appearance.

Inside, the Blazer EV featured distinct interiors for its RS and SS models, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The RS model offered optional red leather upholstery, adding a playful touch to the cabin. While the interior had some flimsy components, it was mostly free of the piano-black plastic found in other brands. The Blazer EV's interior design aimed to provide a more engaging experience than its competitors, despite some shortcomings in material quality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with more standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger version, offered a more rakish design but shared similarities with the three-row Atlas. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, showcased a chiseled, upscale appearance with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. The colour choice helped conceal dirt and debris, maintaining its impressive look.

Inside, the Atlas Execline featured a premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially in colder conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas's interior design aimed to provide a comfortable and upscale experience for its occupants.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration for the LT and RS trim levels. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In contrast, the AWD models produced 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, utilizing an 85-kWh battery pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. The Blazer EV also introduced a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option for the 2025 model year, expected to be the most affordable and popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model, with a dual-motor AWD powertrain generating 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, promised exhilarating acceleration, reaching 96 km/h in under four seconds.

During test drives of the RWD and AWD Blazer EV RS models, both exhibited strong acceleration, with the AWD version providing better traction off the line. The Blazer EV's driving dynamics differed significantly from the Cadillac Lyriq, offering precise steering and impressive handling on twisty roads. However, the stiff suspension compromised ride comfort, making smooth roads feel rough. The cabin remained relatively quiet, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds. The Blazer EV featured a steering-wheel paddle for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing driver involvement and adaptability to different driving conditions.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a powertrain update, replacing the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 3.6-litre V6 with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Initially met with skepticism, the engine proved refined and capable, offering a satisfying driving experience when utilizing its maximum torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. Sport mode enhanced the engine's performance but negatively impacted fuel economy.

During testing on a mountainous evaluation loop, the Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over the entire route. The official ratings for the Execline trim were 12.8 L/100 km city and 11.3 L/100 km combined. The Atlas's ride quality was a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over smaller road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas's handling was predictable on mountain roads, with the tires being the weakest link. Sport mode improved engine and transmission responsiveness, while the brakes performed well under duress.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior offered a spacious feel, but its headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position lacked the commanding view of a traditional SUV, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique sensation. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, falling short of the gasoline Blazer's capacity. However, it surpassed the EV6 in cargo space and featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience. The Blazer EV's interior design included ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The Execline model's heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats provided comfort and support, while excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system made parking easier. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. The third-row seat was notably comfortable, with easy access and sufficient leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. However, it eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The infotainment system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The user experience was generally positive, though the touchscreen's angle and placement of controls required adjustment. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilized VW Group's third-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3) operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While Car-Net connected service plans enhanced the technology, the Atlas lacked traditional stereo and climate controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The absence of a reliable native digital voice assistant posed challenges, with inconsistent performance for voice commands. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, offering navigation and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, compensating for the MIB3 system's shortcomings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were unavailable at the time of publication. However, it featured standard safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS and optional on the RS, providing semi-automated driving assistance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with IQ.Drive, a suite of standard driver assistance features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. These systems offered forward collision warning, pedestrian warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-automated driving. The Atlas also included an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, providing automatic crash notification and emergency assistance. The 2025 Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."