2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern electric SUV. It retained some styling cues from the gasoline-powered Blazer, but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV's design was characterized by a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was notably larger, being about 7 inches longer and 4 inches wider than its competitors. It launched in LT and RS trims, with the RS featuring a blacked-out front fascia and larger wheels. The interior of the RS and SS models offered a more engaging design with large round air vents and optional red leather upholstery, although some interior components felt flimsy.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, through its mid-cycle refresh. The exterior saw minor updates, including a revised lower front fascia and new wheel designs, while retaining its signature "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a digital camouflage pattern. The Ioniq 5's interior remained minimalistic and modern, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The cabin offered a spacious and uncluttered feel, with standard heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat across all trims. The Ioniq 5 also transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network, and included a Combined Charging System adapter for broader charging options.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration for the LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD version produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was also introduced for the 2025 model year. The Blazer EV SS performance model boasted a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, featuring a Wide Open Watts (WOW) launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration and precise steering, though the stiff suspension compromised ride comfort. The vehicle also featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT introduced a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand drive modes that adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with AWD as standard. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, extending its range to 318 miles in RWD configuration, while AWD models offered slightly reduced ranges. Power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing 168 to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's instant torque provided an engaging driving experience, despite its substantial curb weight.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior offered a spacious feel, though headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving experience. Cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short of the gasoline Blazer but surpassing the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded, plus an additional .85 cubic feet in the frunk. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System enhanced its charging capabilities, and the vehicle included a Combined Charging System adapter for versatile charging options.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. It offered built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT trim. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim level.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It featured standard safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional driver aids included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 offered Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2, with the latter providing lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved driving assistance.