Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the AWD being standard in Canada. The model offered upgrades to the Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD with a Special Edition package or the Limited trim with a Platinum package. The test vehicle was a Limited trim with the Platinum package, priced at $61,800. The design changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and lack of quality, with controls and storage areas feeling inexpensive and poorly designed.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover, and finally to an EV-specific platform. Built around the GM Ultium component set, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq. Its design featured a tall hood, scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it more attitude than rival EVs. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with different styling elements and wheel sizes. The interior of the RS and SS models featured large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery. While some interior parts felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the use of piano-black plastic.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard AWD. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, with the electric motors assisting in acceleration and allowing for low-speed electric-only driving. The gas engine offered limited torque, making high-speed passing challenging. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, but power was limited, and brakes faded during mountain driving. It featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model had 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD model had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A future Blazer EV SS model would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV RS models provided strong acceleration, with the AWD version offering better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, but the stiff suspension compromised comfort. It featured a steering-wheel paddle for adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, but the third-row seat was best for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional amenities in the Platinum package. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row down. Storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was complex.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, but headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV. Cargo space was 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, less than a gasoline Blazer but more than an EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage. Some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access via a smartphone app. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster were standard, with sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system supported over-the-air updates. The user experience was mostly positive, but the touchscreen's angle was inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The ADAS performed well, with some challenges on certain road types. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.