The Chevrolet Blazer EV is the company's first electric model with its iconic "SS" trim.
General Motors, which owns the Chevrolet brand, says in a press release that the Chevy Blazer EV, which first debuted in 2025, is the "first all-electric addition to the Chevy SS family" and "the quickest Chevy SS ever."
GM touts the fact that it is the nation's second biggest EV seller, falling only behind Tesla in cumulative sales when electric models from its Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC models are considered. The company has sold 56,679 electric cars so far this year, including 3,166 Blazers, according to Cox Automotive.
I drove the Chevrolet Blazer EV for a week to see whether it is deserving of its placement on the U.S. News and World Report's best electric
SUVs and as a finalist on the magazine's best midsize electric SUVs for the money award. The Blazer EV was also ranked number 2 on the MotorTrend best electric midsize SUV list for 2026.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS Trim that I tested is the highest trim of the electric SUV, and it starts at a little over $62,000. Entry-level models start at a more modest $46,495. The vehicle is available in three trims that are offered in both front wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats.
I've recently tested other crossover electric SUVs, including the fully electric Toyota bZ and Lexus RZ. I have also reviewed the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV-4 hybrids.
Here's what I learned after a week behind the wheel of Chevrolet's two-row crossover electric SUV.
What makes the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV stand out?
The Chevrolet Blazer EV differs from its rivals because of its modern features, smooth handling and appealing exterior that will stand out on any curbside. The vehicle is available in six exterior color options, including the Habanero Orange model I drove, that was eye-catching in every parking lot I pulled into during my week of testing.
During that week of testing, the Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I also enjoyed the Blazer EV's large infotainment screen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The gear selector's placement on side of the steering wheel rather than a traditional gear shift took some getting used to, but once I got the hang of turning it away from me for drive and toward me for reverse, I was good to go.
How does the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV drive?
The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV offers a smooth, comfortable ride with sturdy handling. Its acceleration is quick enough to keep daily driving fun. The vehicle felt powerful enough that it could have been confused with being a traditional gas-guzzling car, save for its super quiet engine that is now a hallmark of electric cars.
A daily driver might easily forget they are driving an electric SUV because the Chevrolet Blazer EV handles like a top-notch traditional car would. The Chevrolet Blazer EV gets an EPA-estimated 312 miles of range, according to General Motors. The vehicle gets the equivalent of 114 mpg in city driving and 95 mpg on highways. The model I tested had 266 miles of range when it arrived with 80% battery charge. It took me about 35 minutes and cost me about $25 to charge the battery from 45% to 80% at a public charger.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS trim is powered by a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive electric powertrain. GM said the vehicle is the "most powerful EV in its class," packing 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. GM also said the Blazer EV SS trim is "Chevy’s first performance EV."
Will the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV fit your lifestyle?
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is 192.66 inches long, 78.02 inches wide without considering the mirrors, and 64.78 inches tall.
The SS trim all-wheel-drive model I tested offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, which I found sufficient for luggage and grocery hauls. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 59.10 cubic feet, which is enough room to tote small pieces of furniture.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV seats five passengers and offers 40.88 inches of head room for front seat passengers and 38.10 inches for rear seat passengers.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV worth it?
The Genesis GV80 Coupe starts at a little over $46,000 before taxes and additional fees, making it an average-price option compared to many of the other new crossover electric and gas-powered SUVs on the market. The Chevrolet Blazer EV costs a lot less than the average price of a electric car, which was $56,126 in July 2026, according toCox Automotive's Kelley Blue Book.
The base model of the Chevrolet Blazer EV also costs less than the average mid-size gas-powered SUV, which was $50,144 in July, according to Kelley Blue Book. The vehicle comes with an eight-year, 100,00 battery limited warranty, which could give shoppers who are apprehensive about making the switch to an EV some peace of mind.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is available in three trims, ranging from the entry-level LT starting at $46,495 to the SS trim all-wheel-drive retailing for $62,495.
The SS trim model I tested comes with 22-inch machined-faced wheels and front bucket seats that can be heated or ventilated for front row passengers. Rear seats in the vehicle can be heated, but not cooled. It has a Bose premium 8-speaker audio system and a black painted roof for two-tone color combinations that is standard on all RS and SS trims exterior colors except black.
I enjoyed the SS trim Chevrolet Blazer EV model I tested, but I probably would opt for the slightly cheaper RS trim that starts at $55,295 if I were looking to get the most bang for my buck. The RS is available in front wheel and all-wheel drive, and while it has slightly smaller tires, it still has the black painted roof and same available touchscreen. The RS has a 6-speaker audio system instead of eight, but I think I could survive with two less speakers to save a few bucks.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV competes in the electric crossover SUV segment with models from competitors such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Kona Electric and Toyota bZ4X.
Who should buy the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV?
The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV is worth considering if you need a powerful electric SUV with sturdy handling with a look that appeals to car enthusiasts. It can also haul a family of up to five people.
The SS trim Chevrolet Blazer model I tested comes with a 17.7-inch diagonal color touchscreen display with Google built-in compatibility, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. It has GM's semi-autonomous Super Cruise system, which allows drivers to go hands-free once they are centered in highway lanes if their adaptive cruise control is turned on.
It has a heads up display that projects driver personalization, warning messages and vehicle messages onto the lower part of the windshield to help keep drivers' eyes focused on the road. The Chevrolet Blazer EV is also equipped with safety features such as Forward Collision Alert, Enhanced Park Assist, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Pedestrian Alert and others. The Blazer EV also has GM's OnStar connected vehicle service included.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove an eye-popping electric SUV. The Chevy Blazer EV turns heads
