2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, with all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing that included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the U.S. Prestige Signature trim, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim featured six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheel designs, with interior details like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its luxury status.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover. Built on an EV-specific platform, it shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq. The Blazer EV featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it more attitude than rival electric SUVs. It launched in LT and RS trims, with the LT offering a colour-coordinated front fascia and the RS featuring a blacked-out design. The forthcoming Blazer EV SS promised unique styling and mechanical elements. Inside, RS and SS models had distinctive interiors with large round air vents and optional red leather upholstery, creating a fun atmosphere despite some flimsy interior parts.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming some larger V6 engines in rival models. The 3.5T model boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but higher fuel consumption. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 had 20.5 cm of ground clearance and could tow up to 2,720 kg. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain in LT and RS trims. RWD models had 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was planned for 2025. The Blazer EV SS would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. The RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS provided strong acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to a stiff suspension. It featured a steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking control, enhancing driver involvement.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only model offering a third-row seat. Depending on the trim, it featured real or Nappa leather, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, and a power hands-free liftgate. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and rear-seat legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, with high side sills and a deep dashboard. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than a gasoline Blazer but more than an EV6. It featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial for ease of use. It included a navigation system, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige trim had a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a Lexicon premium sound system. A digital key system and head-up display were standard, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 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 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, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The Genesis GV80 came with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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