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2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV vs Kia EV6: What To Choose?
Chevrolet revived the Blazer in 2019 as a two-row mid-size crossover, disappointing fans seeking an off-road SUV. Now, the surprise is an electric version for 2024. The Blazer EV. Disappointed by electrification? The SS trim boasts 557 hp, accelerating to 60 mph in under four seconds. Powered by GM’s Ultium battery, the RS trim offers a 324-mile range. On the other side, the Kia EV6 excels in bridging the gap between electric charges. It delivers a pleasant ride, impressive performance, and a spacious cabin without the complexities of owning an EV. The EV6’s stylish design sets it apart, and the GT version roars with 576 hp. With a fast-charging rate of 225 kW, it’s a compelling choice for long-distance electric travel, offering up to 310 miles on a single charge.
| Chevrolet Blazer EV | Kia EV6 | |
| Dimensions | 192.2 in x 78.0 in x 65.0 in | 184.8 in x 74.4 in x 60.8 in |
| Motor | permanent-magnet synchronous AC | permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Horsepower | 340 hp | 576 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 545 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.7-6.1 sec | 3.2 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 8.0 sec |
| Top-Speed | 118 mph | 161 mph |
Chevrolet Blazer EV
Motor & Performance
The starting LT model offers a choice between FWD and AWD. While the RS gives you the option for RWD or AWD. AWD versions, regardless of trim, pack two electric motors, giving a combined 288 hp. Now, if you opt for the RWD RS. It kicks it up a notch with a more powerful single motor, delivering a robust 340 hp. For the cream of the crop, the top-tier SS model exclusively features a 557-hp electric powertrain with standard AWD. The RWD drive RS claims the highest EPA estimated driving range at 324 miles. But if you go for the AWD version, that drops a bit to 279 miles. Similar to the AWD LT. When it comes to charging, the Blazer EV is no slouch.
Price & Mileage
If we were choosing, we’d opt for the RWD RS model to get the most out of the Blazer’s driving range. The Blazer EV lineup starts at $56,715 for the LT eAWD and climbs to $65,995 for the SS. According to the EPA, the Blazer EV RS boasts up to 103 MPGe in the city and 88 MPGe on the highway. These numbers apply to the all-wheel drive RS if you go for the RWD version. The estimates dip slightly to 101 MPGe in the city and 85 MPGe on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
Chevy claims the SS variant will hit 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. Every model gets a sizable 17.7-inch infotainment display. Slightly angled towards the driver, with physical controls for climate and volume knob. Another 11.0-inch display serves up gauges and driving info. The Blazer EV’s infotainment is the latest from GM. Rocking Google Built-In for easy access to apps like Spotify, Waze, and Google Maps. While it’s cool with those apps, there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity on this ride.
Kia EV6
Motor & Performance
The EV6 offers flexibility with a solo electric motor situated on the rear axle, providing an RWD experience, or dual electric motors on both front and rear axles for an AWD option. The AWD variants boast a robust total horsepower ranging from 320 hp to an impressive 576 hp, while the more modest RWD variant operates with 225 hp. For those seeking maximum straight-line performance, the 576-hp GT model takes the lead. Across all EV6s, a 77.4-kWh battery pack is standard, with the RWD model achieving an EPA-rated range of up to 310 miles. Opting for the high-performance GT, however, slightly reduces the range to 206 miles per charge. Notably, Kia highlights the battery’s efficiency, stating it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in under 18 minutes when connected to a 350-kW fast-charger.
Price & Mileage
The top-notch 576-hp GT is super impressive, but most folks into EVs care more about how far it can go than how fast it is. The EV6 starts at $43,925 for the Light and goes up to $62,925 for the GT. Each one-motor EV6 gets up to 117 MPGe combined, while the two-motor version gets 109 MPGe with regular 19-inch wheels and 96 MPGe with fancier 20-inch ones. If you go for the speedy GT model, the combined estimate drops a bit to 79 MPGe.
Acceleration & Features
On the test track, the agile 320-hp GT-Line variant impressed with its swift 0-60-mph dash in just 4.5 seconds. Choosing the RWD model for an extended range, though beneficial, slightly slowed the 0-60 mph time to 6.7 seconds. However, if you crave raw acceleration, the robust 576-hp GT variant is the one to beat, blazing to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds during testing. Exploring the infotainment system is a breeze with the 12.0-inch touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the EV6’s digital gauge cluster of the same size. Yet, the menu structure and navigation performance fall short in both design and functionality.