2023 Chevy Blazer SS price

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV is General Motors' first mass-market foray into the vital electric SUV segment. The Hummer EV SUV and Cadillac Lyriq may have technically debuted first, but those high-dollar luxury mobiles don't bring the same wide-ranging appeal as this new sporty-looking EV offering. That said, the Blazer EV utilizes the same Ultium platform that underpins those models, as well as the upcoming Silverado EV. That allows GM to offer the Blazer EV with a wide-range of powertrain and drivetrain configurations, and helps it to achieve a manufacturer-estimated 320 miles of range per charge.

While GM has yet to share any specifics about the batteries themselves, we do know that there will be a standard battery and a larger unit available to choose from. In fact, that larger battery required GM to add nine inches to the Blazer EV’s wheelbase compared to the current Blazer model. Customers will also have the option to spec their Blazer EV in either front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive configurations. Blazer EV executive chief engineer Doug Houlihan told R&T that this is accomplished by leveraging Chevrolet’s electric drive unit options. More specifically, all Chevrolet Blazer EV models will feature a combination of three different drive units. Front-wheel drive models will exclusively feature the familiar front drive unit. Customers can then add all-wheel drive to those vehicles via an optional rear drive unit. A larger and more potent rear drive unit is available for higher trim customers who want a rear-wheel drive experience. Blazer EV SS customers get an exclusive performance AWD system, which mates the front drive unit with the larger rear setup. The 1LT and 2LT models start life with the FWD setup, but can add AWD as an option. The RS is the only model that can be had in any of the three powertrain configurations, while SS remains exclusively AWD. Every Blazer EV model will also support regenerative braking with one-pedal driving capabilities.

GM DESIGN

The performance-oriented powertrain in the SS model doesn’t disappoint from an output perspective either, with 557 hp and up to 648 lb-ft of torque on tap. When combined with the SS’ Wide Open Watts mode (think Hummer EV’s Watts to Freedom mode), the SUV should do 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. GM also says that the Blazer EV is capable of 320 miles on a single charge in RS trim, though based on industry trends, that is only when equipped with the large battery and rear-drive configuration. The 1LT, 2LT and SS models will achieve range estimates of 247 miles, 293 miles, 290 miles, respectively. We’ll get more specific details out of GM as the SUV’s on-sale date draws nearer.

When it does eventually come time to top up the battery, the Blazer EV is supported by 11.5 kW Level 2 charging, as well as DC-fast charging capabilities up to 190kW, depending on the model you purchase. That sort of speed should allow customers to add 78 miles of range in just 10 minutes at the charger, according to the automaker’s estimates.

GM DESIGN

While the powertrain is perhaps the most interesting part of the Blazer EV, GM has done a ton of work inside and out in an effort to bring the Blazer up to EV segment standards. The exterior styling is reminiscent of the current internal-combustion model, with Corvette and Camaro influences abound. That said, the electric SUV’s proportions are much more striking than before, perhaps helped along by the limited overhangs at either end. The fascia also works better in EV form, though the SS is unquestionably the best looking model in the lineup. That comes in part as a result of the blacked-out roof elements, which is a design trick utilized by the Mustang Mach-E. Unlike the Ford, the Blazer EV carries that blacked out theme down the A-pillars, which helps to slim visual heft even further. Combined with the trick dual-tone mirrors, the Blazer EV SS hides its size better than a lot of SUVs. The 22-inch wheels on the SS are more stylish than many range-focused designs that we see today as well, a compromise Houlihan noted allowed the team to fit sticky summer tires as an option. Blazer EV LT models sport a more traditional monochromatic look, offset with 19-inch wheels. The RS models pick up some of the SS style, with black accents and upsized 21-inch wheels.

GM DESIGN

Inside is where the Blazer EV really separates itself from the current model. Not a single component is shared between the two Blazers, a fact that is noticeable from the moment you open the door. Every surface is finished in a higher quality material than before, which is something the automaker believes will be paramount for EV buyers. More soft-touch materials can be found in place of hard plastics, while SS models get a nicely trimmed leather interior with sporty accents throughout. There’s even a flat-bottom steering wheel intended to bring a bit of Corvette feel. A giant 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment system dominates the interior, which comes oriented towards the driver similar to the one found in the C8 Corvette. The air vents also mirror those found in other GM performance products, which the team admittedly wants the Blazer EV to be recognized as. That new infotainment system works in tandem with an 11-inch digital display ahead of the driver, and comes backed by GM’s Ultifi software system. This means features like navigation with active charging information and over-the-air updates are on the table. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is also available for the Blazer EV, along with a suite of other driver assistance features like Reverse Automatic Braking and Advanced Park Assist.

GM DESIGN

Thanks to that stretched wheelbase, GM has also been able to expand the cabin space of the Blazer EV despite the sloping roof. That said, GM prioritized passenger space to such an extent that there is no front trunk available for storage. Thankfully there is plenty of space out back for the grocery run or a few hard suitcases.

The 2024 Blazer EV will arrive at dealer showrooms during the summer of 2023, though just the 2LT and RS models will be available at launch. Those models will carry MSRPs around $47,595 and $51,995, respectively. Now it is important to note that General Motors is out of federal EV tax credits, and therefore cannot apply any towards the sales price of these new models. The Blazer EV SS will join the lineup in late 2023, carrying a price tag of around $65,995. Customers will have to wait to purchase the entry-level 1LT model under the first quarter of 2024, at which point a Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle will also become available for local governments to purchase. The 1LT is slated to carry a base price of around $44,995. For comparison, an entry-level Blazer 2LT powered by gasoline currently starts at $35,290. Furthermore, the all-new Chevrolet Silverado EV is expected to arrive in the base WT trim for the spring of 2023, carrying an MSRP around $41,595. Hopefully the Blazer EV can bring some tangible improvements on the road for that added premium.

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Lucas Bell Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry.

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