2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander presented itself as an intriguing new addition to Toyota's extensive lineup of crossovers and SUVs, slotting neatly between the regular Highlander and the enormous Sequoia. Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander differentiated itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia and Tundra-based SUVs, consolidating its identity as a true crossover. It shared its architecture with models like the RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, yet, despite its sizable form, it wasn't designed for heavy-duty towing, capping its capability at 5,000 pounds.

Aesthetically, the Grand Highlander's dimensions were quite generous, stretching out to 201.4 inches in length and sitting on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, which surpassed rivals like the Kia Telluride. With a ground clearance of 8 inches, it retained an aura of ruggedness, although venturing too far off-road was not recommended. Its styling, while conservative, borrowed elements from robust SUVs, showcasing a blockier design reminiscent of the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. The sleek trapezoidal grille, flanked by narrow headlights bridged by a horizontal slit, paid subtle homage to the off-road legend, the Toyota 4Runner.

Toyota offered the Grand Highlander in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level distinguished itself with varying interior materials, starting from light gray or black Softex synthetic leather on the XLE to real leather on the Limited and Platinum. The pinnacle, Platinum, could be adorned with Portobello (brown) upholstery if paired with the top-spec engine. The cabin provided ample comfort with power-adjustable heated front seats, and the higher trims included ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Its spacious interior featured an impressive console that could accommodate a tablet, alongside several sizable cupholders.

Notably, the Grand Highlander catered well to families, offering conveniences like second-row sunshades and an easily accessible third row. The overall build quality and cohesion of interior materials suggested that it would not just be a reliable vehicle mechanically but also in terms of durability over time.

In parallel, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV stood as a monumental leap for one of Chevrolet’s longest-standing SUV names. Evolving from its truck-based roots, the Blazer had transitioned into a car-based crossover since 2019. The Blazer EV signaled the future, pivoting onto the innovative General Motors Ultium platform. This EV-specific foundation allowed for customizable battery packs, with the Blazer sharing a 121.8-inch wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq.

Sporting a bolder aesthetic, the Blazer EV retained the aggressive front-end from its gasoline counterpart, enhanced further by unique details like boomerang-shaped taillights. The Blazer EV projected a robust SUV character, eschewing the aerodynamic profiles of rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Size-wise, it measured 7 inches longer and 4 inches wider than these competitors.

The Blazer EV debuted in LT and RS trims, each adorned with distinct styling touches. The LT's color-coordinated fascia, particularly in white, evoked a sleek, modern look. In contrast, the RS's blacked-out elements and larger 21-inch wheels added a sportier edge. A forthcoming Blazer EV SS promised even more unique visual and mechanical attributes, including 22-inch wheels.

Inside, the RS and SS trims bore sporty cues like round air vents and flat-bottom steering wheels, reminiscent of the gasoline Blazer and Camaro. Though some interior components felt flimsy, the overall design aimed to be more engaging and youthful than the straightforward cabins of its competitors.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was equipped with varied engine options catering to different preferences. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid variant offered 245 combined horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. At the top sat the Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine producing a significant 362 combined horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Both the gas and hybrid engines came with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, while the Hybrid Max was solely AWD. The Hybrid Max promised a brisk 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds. However, most sales were expected to be driven by the standard turbo gas-engine variant. Driving the Grand Highlander, one couldn't ignore its size. Although it handled reasonably well, it lagged behind some competitors in maneuverability and steering feedback. The steering felt somewhat detached, though the braking system was commendable with its solid, linear pedal feel. The acceleration of the 2.4-liter engine was satisfactory for everyday driving.

Toyota equipped all models with three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal. Gas and Hybrid Max AWD models also had additional modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow, catering to different terrains. Among those, the Sport mode slightly enhanced the steering and throttle response, whereas Eco mode tempered them for better fuel efficiency.

Conversely, performance in the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV was heavily influenced by its electric powertrain options. The LT and RS trims mainly offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. The RWD models churned out 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 102-kWh battery, while the AWD models delivered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh battery pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower power output than the single-motor RWD, an anomaly in EV configurations. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) variant was slated for the next model year and was projected to be the volume seller.

The performance pinnacle would be the Blazer EV SS, boasting a dual-motor AWD setup with 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque. Its "Wide Open Watts" (WOW) mode was engineered for a 0-60 mph sprint in under four seconds.

During test drives, both RWD and AWD RS variants exhibited robust acceleration. However, the RWD version seemed somewhat traction-limited compared to the more grounded AWD model. The Blazer EV's driving experience starkly contrasted with the Cadillac Lyriq. While the Lyriq embraced luxury, the Blazer EV balanced between ride comfort and handling. Despite its precise steering, the stiff suspension could make smoother roads feel harsher, though cabin noise was minimal.

Notably, the Blazer EV's regenerative braking system—controlled via a steering-wheel paddle—was a highlight. It allowed drivers to adjust the regen levels dynamically, enhancing driving engagement and efficiency.

In terms of space and versatility, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled with its expansive dimensions, outclassing most competitors like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. Measuring 201.4 inches in length and built on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it delivered impressive cargo capacity. The Grand Highlander offered a total of 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. With the second-row seats up, it still provided 57.9 cubic feet, and 20.6 cubic feet even with all three rows in use.

This expansive interior wasn't just roomy but also highly comfortable. Passengers enjoyed generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in all rows. Even the third row could comfortably accommodate six-foot adults—a rarity among three-row SUVs. The Grand Highlander presented a viable alternative to the Toyota Sienna minivan, making it an attractive option for families averse to minivans.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, despite its rugged exterior, offered a more confined interior space. Its cabin felt spacious, but headroom and legroom statistics were comparable to sleeker models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV's seating position didn't offer the commanding view typical of an SUV. Although outward visibility was decent, the high side sills and deep dashboard contributed to a somewhat enclosed feel.

Cargo capacity was another differentiator. The Blazer EV provided 25.5 cubic feet of space with the second row upright, expanding to 59.1 cubic feet when folded. While this surpassed the Kia EV6, it lagged behind the gasoline Blazer and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which boasted a bit more room and an additional frunk. Despite this, the Blazer EV had practical storage solutions, including a spacious center console and secure phone storage, though some functions were relegated to the touchscreen, requiring an adjustment period for users.

Technological offerings in the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander were robust, centered around a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This interface was a significant advancement from Toyota's previous systems, though unlocking its full potential required additional subscriptions. The intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," could manage functions like climate control and media. The same subscription also provided cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance.

Standard multimedia features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims came with an 11-speaker JBL stereo, known for its balanced sound quality. Services like Sirius XM were trial-based, and the Wi-Fi Connect package allowed integration with Apple Music and Amazon Music, contingent on separate subscriptions.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a new Google-based infotainment system set to be featured in future Chevy EVs. This system included Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice commands but notably excluded standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Instead, it offered seamless integration with Android devices while iOS users were limited to basic Bluetooth connectivity.

The Blazer EV's tech roster featured a prominent 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both boasting high-resolution graphics. Built-in route planning for charging stations and over-the-air updates were part of the package. The user interface was intuitively designed, though the screen's driver-centric angle and reliance on touch controls for certain functions were less than ideal.

A standout feature was the Blazer EV's hands-free start capability. Simply pressing the brake pedal with the key fob inside activated the vehicle, aligning with modern EV trends from brands like Tesla. This approach signaled Chevy's shift towards embracing advanced technology in its user experience.

On the safety front, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package. Though crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were pending, the Grand Highlander included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. The lane-departure alert was updated to recognize three-dimensional objects, enhancing its accuracy. Additionally, Toyota's adaptive cruise control now offered four following-distance settings, providing more options for safe driving.

Similarly, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were not available at publication. However, its safety features were comprehensive. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, following-distance indicator, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional features enhanced safety, such as reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Super Cruise utilized detailed maps and driver-monitoring for maintaining lane position and following distance.