The Chevy Blazer EV competes in a growing class of midsize electric crossovers. In addition to being GM’s closest rival to the Tesla Model Y, America’s favorite EV, the Blazer EV rivals the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, plus a couple of brand-new models for 2026, namely the Toyota bZ Woodland and the Subaru Trailseeker.
The trend of adding rugged off-road trims to primarily road-going crossovers has been spreading for a while now. GM has been part of that trend with offerings like the Chevy Traverse Z71 and the AT4 variants of GMC crossovers. However, the Chevy Blazer EV emphasizes on-road (and even on-track) performance, especially with the introduction of the 615-hp Blazer EV SS.
This raises the question: should GM introduce a Chevy Blazer EV Z71? There’s never been an electric Z71 model. Until the 2024 Traverse Z71 came out, there was never even a unibody Z71. Many Blazer EV rivals have off-road variants of their own, with varying degrees of capability. The new Toyota bZ Woodland and Subaru Trailseeker appear to be pretty capable with generous ride height, standard AWD, and X-Mode, optimizing the power delivery for off-road use.
There’s also the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT. The Mach-E Rally leans into rally racing performance and style with the GT powertrain, an ostentatious rear wing, aluminum skid plates, and unique wheels and graphics. The XRT trim of the Ioniq 5 adds extra ride height, improved approach and departure angles, a Terrain mode, and, of course, red recovery hooks.
GM could go the Activ route like it does for milder crossovers like the Trax and Equinox, but that’s really just an aesthetic. To be competitive with other off-road-oriented EVs, the Chevy Blazer EV would need the Z71 treatment. This could include taller ground clearance, an off-road suspension system, all-terrain tires, and an off-road drive mode or two. Naturally, a rugged appearance package would be a requirement. These off-road upgrades would take a toll on the electric driving range, but they do for competitors, as well.
Would an off-road-ready Z71 trim be a sensible addition to the Chevy Blazer EV lineup, or is it better off focusing on on-road performance and comfort?
Comments
Looks good, but as with all gm EUVs, it suffers from little ground clearance…
The most sensible addition would be a sensible subtraction of the Blazer EV, in any and all guises.
Cut the BS. If GM wants a off road vehicle, come out with a real one like the Wrangler and Bronco instead of putting oversized wheels and skid plates on a pedestrian CUV.
Thank You TOO much tigger ( hold dat tiger) Again you have shown every one how skilled you are when writing with “CRAYONS “. ” NO BULLONEY ” ( politically correct) .
Your MOMMY must be very proud of you, A MEN. Heee Heee Hee.
I is a REAL G.M. enthusiest And REAL IST. No B.S. Or B.S. DISTRIBUTER. ,
Welcome to the world of the ADULT.
instead of making ev cars that we don’t want, make the best hydrogen powered engine you can and help get the infrastructure to make them feasible.
we are destroying the planet digging for the materials to make the batteries for the evs and it is supposed to be better for the environment?????
No… just no.
I’m with you Tigger.