2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a modern electric SUV. It retained some styling cues from the 2019 car-based crossover model, but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV's design was characterized by a tall hood, a reimagined 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 rivals, and launched in LT and RS trims with distinct styling elements.

Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, reminiscent of the gasoline Blazer and Camaro. The RS and SS models featured optional red leather upholstery, adding a playful touch to the cabin. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands. The interior was designed to provide a more engaging experience than the plainer cabins of competitors like the Mach-E and EV6.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. However, the ergonomics were criticized, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls.

Despite these design-related complaints, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs. It provided a premium feel, although the interior's functionality was sometimes compromised by style choices. The CX-90's cabin was upscale, but the climate control system struggled to cool the interior efficiently, and the electronic shifter was fussy. Nevertheless, the CX-90's overall design and interior quality were impressive, offering a compelling option in its segment.

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) setup in the LT and RS trims. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD models produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was also available from the 2025 model year, expected to be the most popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model boasted a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds.

The Blazer EV's driving experience was characterized by strong acceleration, particularly in the AWD version, which provided better traction off the line. While it shared dimensions with the Cadillac Lyriq, the Blazer EV offered a different driving experience, focusing on handling rather than comfort. The stiff suspension made for a less comfortable ride, but the precise steering and adjustable regenerative braking added to the driving involvement. The Blazer EV's cabin was relatively quiet, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with the potential for 340 hp using premium gas. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

While the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, the drivetrain lacked refinement, particularly during cold starts. Power delivery and transmission behavior were unpredictable until warmed up, and there were instances of unwanted engine surge and acceleration. The CX-90's drivetrain also suffered from noise and impact harshness, affecting overall refinement. Despite these issues, the CX-90 was praised for its handling, with a firm suspension that provided excellent road feedback. Switching between driving modes allowed for a more enjoyable driving experience, with Normal mode offering smoother performance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior offered a spacious feel, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position was not as commanding as a traditional SUV, but visibility was good. The Blazer EV's cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. It lacked a frunk, unlike the Mach-E, but featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience. The interior provided ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, and the panoramic sunroof provided natural light. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating, but the long rear doors could make loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips.

The CX-90's interior emphasized style over practicality, with limited storage space on and under the center console. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo volume was 74.2 cubic feet, smaller than some rivals. Despite these limitations, the CX-90's interior offered a premium feel, though practicality was sometimes compromised.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. However, it eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The infotainment system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The user experience was generally good, though the touchscreen's angle could be inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons for operation. Mazda's voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful driving information.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication. It came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system, which maintained speed and following distance while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like the speed reduction in curves, could be irritating.