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The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS delivers thrilling 615-horsepower performance and a competitive 303-mile range, but its high starting price positions it squarely against luxury competitors. This sport-oriented variant of Chevrolet's electric SUV impresses with its explosive acceleration and tech-savvy interior, though the omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may deter some buyers. For shoppers considering a high-performance electric SUV, the Blazer EV SS presents a compelling, if expensive, alternative to models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Tesla Model Y.
In short, the Blazer EV SS is exhilaratingly fast but features a firm ride that may not suit all drivers. The standout feature is the Wide Open Watts mode, activated by a button on the touchscreen, which unleashes the full 615 horsepower. Chevrolet estimates a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, a figure that feels accurate based on the immediate and smooth power delivery. The experience is accompanied by an artificial engine sound that mimics a jet during takeoff. Beyond outright power, the Blazer EV SS offers extensive customization. Drivers can choose from Normal, Sport, Snow/Ice, and a customizable My Mode to tailor acceleration, braking, and steering. The SS-exclusive Z Mode maximizes all settings for aggression, while Competitive Mode allows for disengaging traction control. The steering is direct and responsive, contributing to crisp handling. However, the firm ride quality, a result of the standard 22-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension, can become tiresome over long distances. The regenerative braking system is a high point, offering a natural feel with customizable intensity (Normal or High) and a convenient one-pedal driving mode that brings the vehicle to a stop when the accelerator is lifted.
The Blazer EV lineup is diverse. The base LT trim starts with a single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup producing 220 hp, or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with 300 hp. The RS trim adds a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) option with a more powerful single motor at 365 hp. The top-tier SS trim is AWD-only. Battery sizes also vary: most trims use an 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, while the RWD RS and the SS use a larger 102-kWh battery pack. This leads to a range of EPA-estimated driving ranges:
| Trim & Drivetrain | Horsepower | Battery Size | EPA-Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT FWD | 220 hp | 85 kWh | Up to 334 miles |
| RS RWD | 365 hp | 102 kWh | Up to 320 miles |
| SS AWD | 615 hp | 102 kWh | 303 miles |
This 303-mile range for the SS trim is highly competitive, especially against the performance-focused Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (221 miles). For charging, the Blazer EV SS supports DC fast charging at up to 190 kW, which can add roughly 79 miles of range in 10 minutes. A full charge using a Level 2 home charger takes approximately 10 hours.
The Blazer EV's tech interface is highlighted by a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen and intuitive controls, but it relies exclusively on the Google Built-In system, forgoing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This could be a significant drawback for iPhone users or those loyal to the smartphone projection systems. For users within the Google ecosystem, the system performed flawlessly during our assessment. The voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa were accurate and helpful. The menu layout is logical, and the large screen is tilted toward the driver for easy use. A particular strength is the navigation display, which projects turn-by-turn directions onto the 11-inch digital instrument cluster and the available head-up display.
Refreshingly, Chevrolet retains physical controls for key functions like side mirrors and seat adjustments, a contrast to some rivals that bury everything in touchscreen menus. The climate controls are primarily on the screen but are permanently pinned to the bottom for instant access, supplemented by physical buttons below the display. Users can also pin frequently used features, like the one-pedal driving mode, to the home screen as large, tappable buttons, preventing the need to dig through sub-menus—a common frustration in other electric vehicles.
The Blazer EV SS's cabin combines high-quality materials with a bold, sporty aesthetic and offers generous space for passengers and cargo. The SS-specific interior, available with a striking red-and-black theme, features simulated-leather seats with contrast stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and carbon-fiber-like accents. The overall build quality feels solid and upscale. Front-seat occupants enjoy plenty of headroom and legroom, with wide, comfortable seats. Cabin storage is abundant, including a deep center console bin, a large cubby under the center stack, and an additional nook under the dashboard. However, unlike some EVs, there is no front trunk (or "frunk").
The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults or two child seats, with the Blazer EV scoring well in our Car Seat Check due to easily accessible Latch anchors and ample legroom.
While the base Blazer EV is competitively priced, the high-performance SS trim starts above $62,000, placing it in luxury-brand territory. The Blazer EV lineup begins at $46,095 (including destination fee), which aligns with rivals like the Tesla Model Y ($46,380). Standard safety features are robust, including a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, and lane departure assistance. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system is standard on the SS.
The significant price jump to the SS trim, which starts at $62,095, is its biggest hurdle. This price point overlaps with luxury electric SUVs, including its corporate cousin, the Cadillac Lyriq, which has a lower starting price.
Conclusion: The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is a compelling high-performance electric SUV with a competitive range and an impressive tech interface. However, its firm ride and premium price tag require careful consideration. Shoppers should weigh its explosive power and sharp handling against the more compliant ride of its competitors and decide if the performance justifies the entry into luxury EV pricing.
