I had no idea the RWD had more power than the standard AWD model. Definitely agree it’s a no brainer and even with a little snow during the winters I bet it’ll be fine if you have decent tires to suit.
Yes the RWD is the sleeper in the lineup. 340 horsepower is what a car this size and weight needs to be satisfying on the freeway. Not necessary, but what will make me happy. The RWD can be had with everything, Sunroof, big battery, head up display, Bose stereo. I think its unfortunate that they didn't come out with an AWD with similar horsepower and features, but my guess is that they were looking at range and cost. I've driven the AWD and he's right, it's adequate. I've driven an Ioniq 5 with 320 horsepower and I can say in that car that's the right amount of horsepower. That's why I think this car might be okay with 340. These cars are heavy.
I was looking at blazer ev without bose is a deal breaker for me rwd may be OK but winter and icy snow may be issue even tho there is snow mode? This is same for 2025 models
Love the Blazer EV, best car I have ever owned! I don’t race and don’t like tickets but it is fast as it moves quicker than my Hemi gas! I need the AWD as it snows here and I do like not spinning tires like my Bolt EV did all the time! This is my 3rd EV and I will never buy gas again! Love the space inside, almost enough buttons but still to many on screen things! The best controls were on my 2013 Focus EV, that is why I never considered Tesla which also has no Apple CarPlay! Businesses will probably come out with a workaround for apple stuff! I always leave lights on auto otherwise people drive with no light in the rain (which is illegal) sounds like emergency braking is weird in yours mine works perfectly and only warns with red in the Heads up display! My wife loves it!
Funny you should talk about the emergency braking. I have a new 2024 CT4-V and experienced that just today. I'll tell ya, when it brakes it brakes. And like you said, turned on the parking brake. I was just trying to enter my garage. "No, I'm not going in there. No. You can't make me." hahahahaa
That just happened to me today and I was slowly driving into the garage and thought it was going to hit a bike in my garage I have a 2019 Nissan altima
I think the single most overlooked point regarding the connectivity is where their vehicles realistically are: rental fleets. Swapping drivers that constantly and requiring them to log in to their Google account, in theory should mainstream things for personalization, but is a bit more friction, and trust, than just syncing your phone. I'm not particularly bothered by the move, but it seems like they have loftier aspirations with that data. It's also pretty telling that they couldn't engineer a better interior design that's more space efficient, and outsourced their infotainment to Google, but thought directing their resources to software based headlight controls was a good move. If anything, it may seem more approachable to the Good Ol' Boys crowd so they can just easily get in without too much fuss, but it really doesn't move the needle.
I'd point out that of the other big EV makers - Tesla and Rivian - neither of them have AA/CP either. As for "after the 8 years is expired", I wonder if someone could connect the internal wifi of the car to other wifi sources - like your home or even a phone hotspot. That would remove a friction point for far down the road users.
I was wondering the same thing. That's how you're able to control the sensitivity on my 22 Bolt EUV as well. I would hope GM carried that over to the Blazer EV as well.
Excellent review - I'm now subscribed. For someone who doesn't currently have Android Auto/Apple Carplay in his '17 Subaru Legacy, the lack of these options doesn't bother me (although your concern for the longevity of the tech is valid). I access Spotify via my Samsung phone and a Bluetooth connection, so as long as Spotify is a Google Auto app, I'm good. I wonder, though, for your case where you are using Apple Music or some other non-supported app for your driving music, is it possible to connect via Bluetooth in the Blazer EV? Also, a minor point: a panoramic sunroof is indeed available for the Blazer EV.
Yes, Apple Music works just fine over Bluetooth in the Blazer EV - as does any other app that plays audio really. The issue I've got is kind of two parts, one being the longevity aspect and the other being sound quality. SQ isn't really a concern in the Blazer, it doesn't have a premium audio system so whatever music source you feed it will sound fine enough. But if/when GM takes this same approach with higher-end models that have high-end sound systems, they're now limiting the quality of your stream. Spotify is only so good and I use Apple Music because I can truly hear the difference with Lossless music streamed over USB. Not everyone can and not everyone cares but for those who do...
It would bother you if you had it. That doesn't mean you wouldn't find out you like Google just fine, but CarPlay works great. I've been using it for 10 years now and it slowly evolves but its a very practical and effective user interface. My issue with Google is that I'd be switching from somthing I know I like and works well to something that might be as good, but will cost me money in extra subscriptions down the road. Not a dealbreaker for me but a check agains the Blazer and Equinox.
Thank you for the review! Can't wait for the Honda Prologue review. Basically the same car but with CarPlay/AndroidAuto. What I wonder though is the Honda Prologue going to be compatible with the new GM Energy home system?
I agree with your concerns about the subscription model. But 20 years from now the battery will be dead and the car will be totaled and in the junkyard.
And that's a terrible thought given how many 20-year-old cars I see running around. Hopefully the batteries will hold up but longevity is absolutely a concern over that long a period. Subscription model is a concern much sooner.
The Equinox EV and the Blazer EV have the same chassis and effectively the same interior. I don't understand the value in the Blazer outside of a slightly nicer finish.
I suspect there will be a way for Apple CarPlay to work on the Blazer even if GM doesn't support it though I wonder why Apple doesn't create a Android-based application for this very purpose.
Here’s the deal…the connectivity isn’t free, GM just rolled it into the price of the car. In essence, they forced Google on all buyer whether we want to use it or not. I already have connectivity in my always handy phone, and I carry it from car to car, whether it’s one of several cars I may own or even a borrowed or rental car. It’s why I have SiriusXM online instead of subscription for each and every radio I may be using in a particular car.
The one question I have about all of these new EVs involves music. With my 2019 Kia Soul, I'm able to store my music on a cheap MP3 player and use an audio cable to plug into the car's stereo. I'm guessing that's not possible in the Blazer, Equinox of 2025 Bolt but is it possible to use the player's blue tooth to connect with the stereo or does GM refuse to allow that in order to make more money forcing a subscription service?
You can Bluetooth on my 23 Chevy bolt, I think it even has a SD slot. All have Bluetooth, probably most cars going back to 2014 or older have Bluetooth
I own one and its been one thing after another. The car i truly enjoy driving everyday! but just 3,000 miles in my car has been in the shop at least 5 times. The carplay segment is a joke! So i have to buy a Cadillac or a hummer to get something Chevrolet has given to the consumers as VALUE? Its a stupid direction GM took to control their customers like a Tesla....
My only turn off is 8 speaker bose system is only available on rwd version even 2025 models it should be on both rs models it not even available on any of the equinox models and no aa or car play it only free for 3 years than it on star subscription for 24.99 a month 😭
Naw, GM is doing fine. They now have a variety of EVs in the US, and once the 100% tariffs are not implemented/implemented and taken away, they have about a dozen GM/SAIC JV EVs in China they can bring over.
That red is harsh- would have been better as red trim. Why don't they do a light and dark gray interior? Only all black and this one- come on Chevy for 50k we expect more.
I had no idea the RWD had more power than the standard AWD model. Definitely agree it’s a no brainer and even with a little snow during the winters I bet it’ll be fine if you have decent tires to suit.
Yes the RWD is the sleeper in the lineup. 340 horsepower is what a car this size and weight needs to be satisfying on the freeway. Not necessary, but what will make me happy. The RWD can be had with everything, Sunroof, big battery, head up display, Bose stereo. I think its unfortunate that they didn't come out with an AWD with similar horsepower and features, but my guess is that they were looking at range and cost. I've driven the AWD and he's right, it's adequate. I've driven an Ioniq 5 with 320 horsepower and I can say in that car that's the right amount of horsepower. That's why I think this car might be okay with 340. These cars are heavy.
@@Molishious The SS model will have all that plus AWD and 556 HP with the added front motor
@@jasonmendonca6061i doubt the SS makes mass production
I was looking at blazer ev without bose is a deal breaker for me rwd may be OK but winter and icy snow may be issue even tho there is snow mode? This is same for 2025 models
Love Blazer EV best car I had , beats our Tesla MY on quality finish leather info center and ride
Love the Blazer EV, best car I have ever owned! I don’t race and don’t like tickets but it is fast as it moves quicker than my Hemi gas! I need the AWD as it snows here and I do like not spinning tires like my Bolt EV did all the time! This is my 3rd EV and I will never buy gas again! Love the space inside, almost enough buttons but still to many on screen things! The best controls were on my 2013 Focus EV, that is why I never considered Tesla which also has no Apple CarPlay! Businesses will probably come out with a workaround for apple stuff! I always leave lights on auto otherwise people drive with no light in the rain (which is illegal) sounds like emergency braking is weird in yours mine works perfectly and only warns with red in the Heads up display! My wife loves it!
Funny you should talk about the emergency braking. I have a new 2024 CT4-V and experienced that just today. I'll tell ya, when it brakes it brakes. And like you said, turned on the parking brake. I was just trying to enter my garage. "No, I'm not going in there. No. You can't make me." hahahahaa
That just happened to me today and I was slowly driving into the garage and thought it was going to hit a bike in my garage I have a 2019 Nissan altima
I think the single most overlooked point regarding the connectivity is where their vehicles realistically are: rental fleets. Swapping drivers that constantly and requiring them to log in to their Google account, in theory should mainstream things for personalization, but is a bit more friction, and trust, than just syncing your phone. I'm not particularly bothered by the move, but it seems like they have loftier aspirations with that data.
It's also pretty telling that they couldn't engineer a better interior design that's more space efficient, and outsourced their infotainment to Google, but thought directing their resources to software based headlight controls was a good move. If anything, it may seem more approachable to the Good Ol' Boys crowd so they can just easily get in without too much fuss, but it really doesn't move the needle.
I'd point out that of the other big EV makers - Tesla and Rivian - neither of them have AA/CP either.
As for "after the 8 years is expired", I wonder if someone could connect the internal wifi of the car to other wifi sources - like your home or even a phone hotspot. That would remove a friction point for far down the road users.
@@JDChengapps like apple music expire after 3 years. It's a dumb move by them I guarantee they change it
Radar cruise gap button on wheel also adjusts automatic braking sensitivity, at least that’s how it has worked on my previous GM vehicles.
I was wondering the same thing. That's how you're able to control the sensitivity on my 22 Bolt EUV as well. I would hope GM carried that over to the Blazer EV as well.
Excellent review - I'm now subscribed.
For someone who doesn't currently have Android Auto/Apple Carplay in his '17 Subaru Legacy, the lack of these options doesn't bother me (although your concern for the longevity of the tech is valid). I access Spotify via my Samsung phone and a Bluetooth connection, so as long as Spotify is a Google Auto app, I'm good. I wonder, though, for your case where you are using Apple Music or some other non-supported app for your driving music, is it possible to connect via Bluetooth in the Blazer EV?
Also, a minor point: a panoramic sunroof is indeed available for the Blazer EV.
Yes, Apple Music works just fine over Bluetooth in the Blazer EV - as does any other app that plays audio really. The issue I've got is kind of two parts, one being the longevity aspect and the other being sound quality. SQ isn't really a concern in the Blazer, it doesn't have a premium audio system so whatever music source you feed it will sound fine enough. But if/when GM takes this same approach with higher-end models that have high-end sound systems, they're now limiting the quality of your stream. Spotify is only so good and I use Apple Music because I can truly hear the difference with Lossless music streamed over USB. Not everyone can and not everyone cares but for those who do...
It would bother you if you had it. That doesn't mean you wouldn't find out you like Google just fine, but CarPlay works great. I've been using it for 10 years now and it slowly evolves but its a very practical and effective user interface. My issue with Google is that I'd be switching from somthing I know I like and works well to something that might be as good, but will cost me money in extra subscriptions down the road. Not a dealbreaker for me but a check agains the Blazer and Equinox.
@@OutMotorsportsmy issue is apps expiring after 3 years without having to pay for a subscription. That's a deal breaker for me
Thank you for the review! Can't wait for the Honda Prologue review. Basically the same car but with CarPlay/AndroidAuto. What I wonder though is the Honda Prologue going to be compatible with the new GM Energy home system?
I agree with your concerns about the subscription model. But 20 years from now the battery will be dead and the car will be totaled and in the junkyard.
And that's a terrible thought given how many 20-year-old cars I see running around. Hopefully the batteries will hold up but longevity is absolutely a concern over that long a period. Subscription model is a concern much sooner.
Will be looking for the SS review. I was most pleasantly surprised that the choices are AWD or RWD. So glad that FWD is not the default.
It is, for the LT trim.
@@tomeisenmenger7048 No it's not. They are not building any FWD variants for 2024 or 2025. The AWD versions are FWD biased however.
how is your experience with the prologue
No carplay is not a deal breaker on its own. Paying for apps after 3 years is a deal breaker
The Equinox EV and the Blazer EV have the same chassis and effectively the same interior. I don't understand the value in the Blazer outside of a slightly nicer finish.
@@greg.anywhere AWD versions of the vehicle are identical in power
And the Lyriq is less than 5K more (at this point).
15:12 - I thought there was a panoramic sunroof option. It intrudes several inches on rear headroom.
Super excited to be getting the Blazer Rs EV RWD this week ❤
Do you love it? I just got mine today
Great review! I agree with practically every observation you made.
I wish the Equinox EV had the same power as the Blazer RWD.
I suspect there will be a way for Apple CarPlay to work on the Blazer even if GM doesn't support it though I wonder why Apple doesn't create a Android-based application for this very purpose.
Here’s the deal…the connectivity isn’t free, GM just rolled it into the price of the car. In essence, they forced Google on all buyer whether we want to use it or not. I already have connectivity in my always handy phone, and I carry it from car to car, whether it’s one of several cars I may own or even a borrowed or rental car. It’s why I have SiriusXM online instead of subscription for each and every radio I may be using in a particular car.
Google is free for 3 years than it part of on star subscription for 24.99 a month if your leasing than turn it in if buying it big problem with fees
does anyone know when is the RWD will be available? I'm in california, cant seem to find any ......
It is in dealers now check your dealers
The one question I have about all of these new EVs involves music. With my 2019 Kia Soul, I'm able to store my music on a cheap MP3 player and use an audio cable to plug into the car's stereo. I'm guessing that's not possible in the Blazer, Equinox of 2025 Bolt but is it possible to use the player's blue tooth to connect with the stereo or does GM refuse to allow that in order to make more money forcing a subscription service?
You can Bluetooth on my 23 Chevy bolt, I think it even has a SD slot.
All have Bluetooth, probably most cars going back to 2014 or older have Bluetooth
Other reviews show Bluetooth connectivity
23 bolt has wireless Android auto and apple carplay, 24 GM EVs do not
RWD and a good set of snow tires if you live in snow country. Remember AWD does not help one stop in the snow and ice.
Every car has four-wheel brakes
I own one and its been one thing after another. The car i truly enjoy driving everyday! but just 3,000 miles in my car has been in the shop at least 5 times. The carplay segment is a joke! So i have to buy a Cadillac or a hummer to get something Chevrolet has given to the consumers as VALUE? Its a stupid direction GM took to control their customers like a Tesla....
My only turn off is 8 speaker bose system is only available on rwd version even 2025 models it should be on both rs models it not even available on any of the equinox models and no aa or car play it only free for 3 years than it on star subscription for 24.99 a month 😭
Iz nize!
Leave headlights on auto
I’ve never understood why Chevy used the Blazer name on a run of the mill EV. Why didn’t they create a Blazer to compete against the Bronco?
Your still bellyaching about that?????
As a matter of fact, yes I am. And by the way, it’s “you’re”, not “your”.
@alcole6537 haha, here comes the Facebook spelling police
PS the stats YOU'RE yapping about onscreen or different than words on the screen. CORRECT that!
Doesn’t the Blazer cost almost the same amount as a Lyric.
Honda has the same panicky emergency breaking.
NO CARPLAY WHAT THE HECK!!
Your nervous and hysterical
brb putting that on my Hinge profile
I would never buy another chevy! The software sux, even in the gas Blazer I bought! NEVER AGAIN
GM SOON ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL..
You're thinking Stellantis- GM is doing just fine.
And what heap do you drive?
Naw, GM is doing fine. They now have a variety of EVs in the US, and once the 100% tariffs are not implemented/implemented and taken away, they have about a dozen GM/SAIC JV EVs in China they can bring over.
That red is harsh- would have been better as red trim.
Why don't they do a light and dark gray interior? Only all black and this one- come on Chevy for 50k we expect more.