2025 CHEVROLET BLAZER EV

BLAZER NAMEPLATE ONCE AGAIN LIVES,

THIS TIME AS AN EV IN CHEVROLET STABLE

Chevrolet’s use of the Blazer nameplate dates back to the late 1960s and the vehicle itself has gone through many incarnations since debuting as a pickup truck for the 1969 model year before eventually morphing into the familiar SUV we know today.

It even went through a production hiatus that lasted 14 years until the company resurrected it for 2019 as a mid-size, 2-row Crossover SUV with a base 4-cylinder engine and optional V6. Pricing ranged from just under $30,000 to over $43,000.

For the 2024 model year Chevy made the Blazer available as an all-electric SUV. The drivetrain wasn’t the only thing that distinguished it from gas-powered versions. Styling differences both inside and out separates the Blazer EV from the gas-powered models.

As you would expect, the electric Blazer also carries a heftier price tag than its traditional sibling, though it reportedly qualifies for the $7,000 tax break from the government. (At least for now.)

The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV currently comes in two trims. The LT serves  as the base model. The RS currently sits at the top of the portfolio. A performance oriented SS model is due to arrive early next year.

Even in just two trims, the Blazer offers several different choices starting with 2-wheel drive or all-wheel propulsion. The LT gets front-wheel drive with AWD has an option. The RS trim comes with either RWD or AWD.

Driving ranges vary considerably between 2WD and AWD models. AWD versions are good for only an estimated 283 miles, RWDs 335 miles, and FWDs 355. All figures are slightly better than the numbers for the debut 2024 Blazer EV.

When it comes to power, the FWD LT is rated at a meager 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The RWD  RS model is rated at 365/325, respectively. With AWD the numbers are 300/355. respectively.

If you really want maximum get-up and go, the 2025 Chevy Blazer SS due to go on sale in the first quarter of 2025 is projected at 595 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque, making it the quickest Blazer EV the company has produced.

This review is based on the 2025 Chevy Blazer EV RS with AWD.

Standard features covered by the starting $54,259 include a 17.7-inch touchscreen display with navigation and built-in Google, 8 years of basic OnStar services, 21-inch machined aluminum wheels, a wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, remote vehicle start, multi-color ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlamps and taillights, a hands-free power liftgate, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

You might notice the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among those features.

According to reports, GM is dropping both those features from its fleet of EVs in favor of its own systems. The Blazer happens to be the first vehicle so affected.

But there are aftermarket upgrades to restore the features of the two add-ons. (If you really are into Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you no doubt have the ability to find those upgrades). 

Standard safety features include enhanced emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, auto high beam, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, side bicyclist alert, and HD surround vision.

My test vehicle included as options Chevy’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, enhanced automatic parking assist, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and a convenience driver’s package that added a head-up display, rear heated seats, and a rear camera mirror.

That brought the total to $60,735 including the $1,395 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS: It really is an attractive vehicle both inside and out. The interior is roomy. The ride is comfortable and, it really goes without saying, quiet. Its size allows for easily negotiating tight parking lots and narrow streets. Tech features are user-friendly. Auto hold  (activated by a button) prevents creeping at intersections and stops. The surround-view camera is a great parking aid. Fold the second-row seats and cargo space expands from 25.5 cubic feet to 59.1.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS: Options that add appealing features can take the final MSRP up to the $60,000 level (like my RS trim test 2024 Chevy Blazer). It lacks the zip of the usual EV. Techies won’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. AWD models approach but don’t quite get to the 300-mile range level. The touchscreen collects fingerprints like an overzealous FBI lab tech.

Would I buy the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS? Still a no, but perhaps not as firm as it once was. It isn’t a very practical choice if it is your only family vehicle (no single EV is really), but it works well for daily commutes and running errands. Keep your gas-powered SUV handy or be prepared to rent one for long vacation trips.