Chevrolet’s stylish and sporty midsize SUV is getting an all-electric spin-off in the form of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. This EV is a distinct model with a newly-designed interior and body shape. While it does have some of the same trim names as the gas-powered version 2023 Blazer, there are some pretty significant changes. So let’s dive into what we know so far about the trim levels for the electric Blazer and which ones offer drivers the best bang for their buck.
The 1LT: Your Base
The most basic and affordable trim, the 1LT has the lowest estimated range in the lineup. At up to 247 miles on a full charge, it’s still plenty for most people, especially in places where EV charging stations are plentiful. If you know that you can charge up at work or while you run errands, then the value of this option is definitely worth considering. And like all trims of the Blazer EV, the 1LT will be capable of DC fast charging, so at a compatible station, you can add about 78 miles of range in as little as ten minutes.
While higher trims offer some more impressive tech features, you don’t have to worry about missing out on a great infotainment system if you opt for the 1LT. It comes with a generously-sized 17.7-inch touchscreen display that puts your music, navigation, and more at your fingertips. An 11-inch Driver Information Center puts the most vital information front and center for the driver. Since it’s entirely digital, you can adjust it in order to make it right for you.
Safety is an important priority for all drivers, and driver assistance technology can help make you more aware of your surroundings and help you avoid accidents. The 1LT comes with Standard Chevy Safety Assist, which includes six features:
- Forward Collision Alert detects potential front-end collisions and warns you about them so you can react before it’s too late.
- Automatic Emergency Braking works with the Forward Collision Alert system to step in and either apply the brakes or enhance the driver’s manual braking in order to avoid colliding with another vehicle.
- Front Pedestrian Braking provides alerts and automatic braking in order to help you avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning prevents you from unintentionally drifting out of your lane via alerts and gentle nudges of the steering wheel.
- The Following Distance Indicator shows you the time gap (in seconds) between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you know how much time you’d have to brake in the event of a sudden slow-down or stop and can maintain a safe following distance.
- IntelliBeam Auto High Beams automatically turns the high beams on or off according to traffic and light conditions, so you don’t have to constantly switch them off and on manually while driving at night.
The 2LT: A Little Bit More
As the name suggests, the 2LT trim is pretty similar to the 1LT trim, but it does have a few improvements that set it apart. For one thing, it has almost fifty more miles of estimated range on a full charge. Thanks to increased battery capacity, it offers up to 293 miles of range with FWD. Unlike with the 1LT, FWD is not the only option. Available eAWD can provide increased traction during inclement weather.
At this level, you have the option to add on Chevy’s available Super Cruise technology. On compatible roads in the US and Canada, you can switch this feature on, and through a combination of adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-centering technology, you can take your hands off the wheel and let the car do the driving. Now, this isn’t quite driverless car technology (you still have to stay attentive and be ready to take over manually at any time), but it is a cool new feature that can come in handy for avoiding fatigue on long road trips.
The RS: Sporty Appeal
The RS trim has the best driving range in the lineup, at an estimated 320 miles on a full charge. It also offers the most options when it comes to powertrains: you can get either FWD, RWD, or eAWD. A more luxurious option than the basic LT trims, the RS comes loaded with plenty of creature comforts. A power-operated hands-free liftgate makes it easier to access the back while your arms are either full of groceries or busy wrangling dogs. Heated and ventilated front seats work with the climate control system to keep you nice and cozy no matter what the temperature is outside.
In addition to practical features, the RS also has some offerings that are purely for style. Accents like the grille panel and bowtie logo are painted black to offer a cohesive design. The lower fascia is designed with flow-through rocker molding that gives the exterior a sporty look. There’s also a full-width LED light bar that illuminates the Chevy bowtie, shows the EV’s charge level while it’s plugged in, and can even show off with lighting sequences that automatically play as the driver approaches or leaves the vehicle.
Inside, the RS has a steering wheel that has plenty of built-in controls and a cool shape with a flat bottom. Ambient lighting can help set the mood and increase visibility at night without turning to harsh overhead lights. Throughout the interior, a bold black and red color scheme exudes a distinct style.
The SS: Exciting Performance
Short for Super Sport, the SS badge has been part of Chevy’s brand for a while now, and the Blazer will be the first EV to bear it. At an estimated 290 miles, this trim doesn’t have the best range in the lineup, but that’s because it’s more focused on power and performance. It has some pretty impressive stats, offering drivers 557 horsepower and up to 648 lb-ft of torque, and with Wide Open Watts performance mode, GM estimates that this baby can go from 0-60 in under four seconds. Unlike other trim levels, the SS comes standard with AWD for optimal traction.
Like the RS, the SS has some unique styling features, including an LED light bar across the front. The black fascia on the face of the SS is more intense than that of the RS, with sharp angles in the texture along the sides. The SS is the only trim that offers a black roof, which blends in nicely with the other accents and works as a contrast against the main body color. Inside, the SS has a lot of the same features as the RS, including the flat-bottom steering wheel, ambient lighting, and bright red accents. In addition to heated and ventilated seats up front, the SS comes standard with heated rear seats so everyone can stay warm and cozy on chilly winter days.
Our Overall Impression
Since the estimated MSRP for the LT trims starts at under $50,000, we expect that many drivers will end up opting for the basics for the sake of budget. Luckily, both the 1LT and 2LT have a decent driving range, a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, and the ability to use DC Fast Charge. The RS is probably the most versatile and well-rounded option; its increased range is a big practical upgrade, and its style and luxury features justify its extra cost for drivers who can afford to pay a little more.
The SS trim is easily the most exciting of the bunch; its performance capabilities are ambitious for an EV, proving that you don’t need gasoline to make a car fun to drive. That power definitely comes at a price: the estimated starting MSRP of $65,995 will likely keep the SS out of reach for the average buyer. With this spread of options and price points, the Blazer EV is looking to appeal to a wide range of drivers. Now we’ll just have to wait and see whether fans of the gas-powered Blazer are willing to make the jump to all-electric.
