2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Launched for the 2018 model year, the Volkswagen Atlas is engineered specifically for the North American market. It's a mid-size three-row SUV, big for a VW, but targeting a popular market segment that already includes the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander. To keep up in such a competitive segment, the Atlas gets a major refresh for the 2024 model year.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is essentially the same vehicle as before, but it gets key updates like different styling and more standard features. It also loses its six-cylinder engine option, but the remaining turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets more horsepower and torque.

In Canada, the 2024 Atlas lineup includes Comfortline, Highline, and Execline, plus a new-for-2024 Peak Edition trim that slots in just above base. For this review, we tested the U.S. equivalent of an Atlas Execline, representing the top of the range.

It may share a name with the gasoline-powered Blazer crossover SUV, but the Chevy Blazer EV is in fact a new vehicle based on the General Motors Ultium electric vehicle (EV) component set. It’s Chevy’s belated answer to the crosstown rival Ford Mustang Mach-E and other electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the Tesla Model Y.

Verdict: The Blazer EV offers unique style and impressive technology, but it doesn’t really move the needle when it comes to range, fast charging, or interior packaging