2025 Chevy Blazer EV SUV: Strong choice, tough market

General Motors has used the Chevrolet Blazer nameplate for more than 50 years. The versatile moniker has worked — at least for marketing purposes — for the automaker’s trucks and sport utility vehicles and in several countries. The Chevy Blazer and the smaller, newer Chevy Trailblazer names are embedded in automotive lexicon.

The latest addition is the Chevy Blazer EV, a battery-electric midsize crossover produced since late 2023 and debuting as a 2024 model. A few changes were made for 2025. But the new Blazer EV primarily remains the same as Chevrolet seeks a market share in a tough field.

Competitors include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Honda Prologue, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y. The Blazer also has a sibling rivalry with the less expensive Chevy Equinox EV.

What’s new in the second year for the Blazer EV includes black or white roof options and a midnight/sport edition. A few former optional safety features are now standard on all trims and features were adjusted on various models.

The 2025 Blazer EV, with seating for five, is offered in LT, RS and SS trims and all with all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and rear-wheel-drive variants. The reviewed RS with all-wheel drive produces 340 horsepower and also gets a bigger 102-kWh battery that extends the range to an estimated 324 miles. The MSRP ranges from $45,995 to $61,995, depending on trim and option selections.

With the all-wheel-drive RS option, the EPA has rated the Blazer EV RS for up to 102 MPGe city and 87 MPGe highway. The carmaker promotes the Blazer EV as capable of charging on a DC fast charger and at charge rate to 190 kW. Adding 78 miles of range takes 10 minutes. Home charging via 240V outlet takes 9 1/2 hours.

The charging port is located above the driver’s side front fender. It’s accessed by pushing on the upper left-hand corner of the large panel that shifts downward. The reviewed vehicle’s panel proved problematic via a faulty hinge.

As a more stylish and well-equipped Blazer EV, the RS trim has been updated and features an LED grille light bar to 21-inch wheels and heated and power-folding mirrors to synthetic leather seats with micro suede inserts.

Upgrades also include interior ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, roof rails and a wireless phone charging pad.

Standard throughout the lineup are a 17.7-inch central touchscreen with an integrated navigation system and a Wi-Fi hotspot with OnStar connected services.

A major component of the Blazer’s success is Chevy’s emphasis on safety. All Blazers have forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot intervention, intersection collision mitigation, rear automatic braking and a surround-view camera system.

Driving the Blazer EV is a pleasing combination of comfort and confidence. Spacious seating in both rows complements the smooth, quiet ride and overall confident driving experience. A few years ago, accelerating from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds was impressive for a gas-powered SUV. It’s not slow among EV SUVs but some competitors are more performance oriented.

Comfort and convenience have become more prominent SUV attributes, but storage areas and overall cargo space are still the segment’s overall mainstay strength. The Chevy Blazer EV has 30.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row of 60/40 split seats.

The center console is adequate for mobile phones and other small items. But it’s not adequate for larger items. Under-the-seat storage is limited. Safety seat anchor points user friendly for families with children.

The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV continues the nameplate’s tradition in a new way. It’s more efficient than gas-powered relatives. It’s still handsome, versatile and competitive in the expanding EV SUV segment.

James Raia is a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento. He also contributes business, lifestyle, sports and travel content to several print and online publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.