2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 2019 car-based crossover model, but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV featured 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 competitors. It launched in LT and RS trims, with the LT offering a color-coordinated front fascia and 19-inch wheels, while the RS featured a blacked-out front fascia and 21-inch wheels. The interior of the RS and SS models included large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a fun touch. Despite some flimsy interior parts, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, entering its third generation with a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar on the top SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch, a longer hood, and shorter overhangs, creating a more dynamic silhouette. The rear replaced conventional taillights with a single bar spanning the liftgate, echoing the front's illuminated elements. Inside, the Tiguan adopted a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space for storage. Materials quality was average for the class, with soft-touch materials in key areas and durable plastics in the rear. The Tiguan's interior improvements included the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, enhancing usability.

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 model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was set to be available in 2025, expected to be the most affordable and popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV excelled in handling, with precise steering and a stiff suspension that compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, while Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) was available on all models and standard on the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly and linearly, with confident highway acceleration. The Tiguan's suspension prioritized comfort, effectively smoothing out road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, with high side sills and a deep dashboard creating a unique feel. 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. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. Headroom remained sufficient for average-sized adults. The interior improvements included the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, enhancing usability. Outward visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently sized rear window. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new area appeared smaller than the previous generation. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. It lacked 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 system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on higher trims. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a wireless phone charger. Capacitive-touch sliders adorned the infotainment screen frame, but a new volume knob improved usability. The Tiguan introduced Atmospheres, a feature combining ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system included remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It came standard with 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 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash-test results were also unavailable. It offered standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Emergency Assist system slowed the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, traffic sign reader, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned effectively, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues.