2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution for the iconic SUV nameplate. Originally a truck-based off-roader, the Blazer transitioned into a car-based crossover in 2019. The Blazer EV took styling cues from its predecessor but was built on a new, EV-specific platform. It featured a tall hood, a distinctive front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was notably larger, with a longer and wider stance.

The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each offering unique styling elements. The LT had a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS featured a blacked-out design. Wheel sizes varied from 19 inches on the LT to 21 inches on the RS. Inside, the RS and SS models boasted large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a playful touch. Despite some flimsy interior parts, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525. The Venue SEL was recommended for its enhanced exterior and added safety features. The Limited trim, tested in Ecotronic Gray, offered a mature appearance. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish and appealing.

Inside, the Venue's interior featured hard plastics but maintained a sense of style with striped seat designs and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen were well-sized, and controls were of typical Hyundai quality. The Venue was thoughtfully designed, offering a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered both single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains. RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque, using an 85-kWh pack. A future Blazer EV SS model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time under four seconds. The Blazer EV excelled in acceleration, especially the AWD version, though the RWD model felt traction-limited. It offered precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to a stiff suspension.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that maximized power efficiently. The Venue excelled in urban environments with nimble handling and excellent visibility. However, its suspension struggled on rough roads, leading to a busy ride. On highways, it maintained speed well but sounded strained under heavy acceleration. The Venue lacked AWD but offered 6.7 inches of ground clearance. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV appeared like a traditional SUV but offered similar interior space to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with seats up and 59.1 cubic feet with seats down, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk but featured a presence-activated liftgate. Interior storage was adequate, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, it offered decent comfort with adjustable front seats and heated cushions. The back seat was cramped for three, and taller passengers might find the hard plastic seatbacks uncomfortable. Rear storage was limited, and the Venue lacked privacy glass. Front storage was decent, with a useful dashboard shelf. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet with seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with seats down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster were standard, featuring sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system supported over-the-air updates but had some ergonomic challenges, such as touchscreen-based controls.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. Despite this, the infotainment system was sophisticated, with impressive voice recognition and streaming capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV had standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star NHTSA rating.