2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS Review: Super Sledgehammer
The Super Sport SS badge has a long, and somewhat muddled history at Chevrolet. When it first appeared on the Impala in the early 1960s, it represented the top performance trim of that car’s lineup. Throughout the ‘60s and early ‘70s, Chevys with SS badges were not to be messed with on the street.
But not all SS models are equal. Some were a bit tepid in the performance department. We’re talking about you Malibu Maxx SS. In fact, after Chevy’s love affair with sticking SS badges on nearly every product the brand made in the mid 2000s, outside of the recently discontinued Camaro, the badge all but disappeared.
This year the mighty SS trim has returned. Affixed to the all-electric Blazer, this is the first time any Blazer has worn the SS badge as well as the first time it has been used for an EV. The question is, does the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS live up to the legends of the ‘60s? Or is it just cashing in off that legacy.
Quick Take
The 2025 Blazer EV SS is a first for Chevrolet. It’s the first time the Blazer or an electric vehicle has worn the SS badge. More than just a graphics package, with upwards of 615 hp available, and a 0 to 60 mph time in the low three-second range, the SUV has the goods to back up the name.
Although it can corner at high speeds, think of it more as an all-electric spiritual successor to the muscle cars of the ‘60s. With brutal, sledgehammer acceleration, the driver is equal parts pilot, as well as passenger along for the ride.
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS: All the Details
What’s New for 2025
Despite only being a year old, there are a lot of changes for the Blazer EV this year. New models have entered at the opposite ends of the spectrum. There’s a front-wheel drive entry level model, and the new top dog SS that’s being reviewed here. Existing trims have options and features shuffled as well as increases in power here and there.
Exterior Style
The Blazer EV is one of the better looking all-electric, mainstream SUVs to these eyes at least. At 192.7-inches (4,893 mm) in length, it’s just over an inch shorter than the gas-powered Blazer. But the EV looks bigger, thanks in part to a 121.8-inch (3,094 mm) wheelbase that’s nearly 9-inches longer than the gas versions, elongating the overall look. The Blazer EV is also wider at 78-inches (1,982 mm).
The SS version of the Blazer EV features a black grille, gloss black roof rails, black mirror caps, black two-tone roof, and 22-inch wheels. Lights and animations are all the rage right now and the Blazer EV SS isn’t about to be left out. It has the illuminated front bar featuring choreography LED lighting.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The meat and potatoes of what makes the Blazer EV an SS model lies within the drivetrain. The dual motor all-wheel drive set-up can pump out a maximum of 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque while using the Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode. That allows the SUV to rip from 0 to 60 mph in the low three second range.
That figure is on par with a Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and the Blazer EV SS feels equally violent off the line. Once under way though, the Chevy continues to pull hard and feels noticeably quicker, even if there isn’t a major difference in performance numbers.
When not using WOW mode, the vehicle makes in the mid-500s in terms of horsepower. Like a lot GM’s electric products, the Blazer EV includes a regen paddle that allows fully regen braking on-demand. It helps recapture some energy into the 102 kWh battery pack, which is nearly 20 kWh larger than regular Blazer EV battery. With this set-up Chevrolet claims the vehicle will achieve 303 miles (488 km) of range in optimal conditions. When the time comes to recharge, the Blazer EV has an 11.5 kW onboard charger and it can be quick charged at speeds up to 190 kW.
Handling and Drivability
Besides vertigo-inducing acceleration, the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is equipped to handle corners. My tester has the optional Performance Package that includes summer tires and performance low-metallic brake linings. Those tires measure a meaty 275/45R22 all around, which is good since the SUV weighs 5,730 lbs (2,599 kg). That's a hefty increase over regular Blazer EV models with the smaller battery. Other performance upgrades include a SS ride and handling package as well as Brembo brakes.
All of these components add up to a vehicle that has quite good capabilities, albeit in a brutish way. The Blazer EV SS drives like a sledgehammer. There’s ample mechanical grip from the tires, but it lacks the precision and feel of other high-performance EV SUVs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. At times, especially when powering through a long sweeping corner, I feel like I’m driving the Blazer EV SS as much as I’m merely holding on, along for the ride.
Another way to put it, that Ioniq 5 N feels like a big hot hatch masquerading as a SUV. The Blazer EV SS feels like an SUV with massive power and grip. Don’t get me wrong though. The vehicle isn’t an unruly beast. Turning off all the sport and performance settings will have the Blazer EV SS driving sensibly, similar to most other electric SUVs.
Competitors
Ride Quality and Comfort
Despite the stiffer suspension and reduced ground clearance, the Blazer EV SS still has a decent ride quality that’s livable for day-to-day driving. It is stiffer than most EV SUVs, but that’s the SS handling package trying to match the grip, power, and braking forces.
Up front the driver and passenger get heated and ventilated seats. Both are power operated with the driver’s also including the memory function. Finished in a perforated suede/Evotex material, the front seats lack any real lateral support which is surprising for a vehicle this capable. It adds to the feeling of one merely hanging on during spirited driving.
The rear seating is spacious enough for adults, with 38.1-inches (968 mm) of headroom and 38.9-inches (989 mm) of legroom. The outboard seats are heated and there is a generous 25.5 cubic feet (722 L) of space in the cargo hold.
Interior Style and Quality
Color is welcome, color is good. This is something I wish more manufacturers would believe in, but thankfully Chevrolet does with the Blazer EV SS. The optional red interior matches the Radiant Red Tintcoat exterior paint. It also suits the vehicle’s persona as this is a flashy, brash EV, so why not have an interior to match? I’m also a fan of the vents, featuring a cool pattern that bends in a bit of color. The entire interior feels different than the norm and makes the Blazer EV SS feel special.
Tech and Safety
The dual screen set up is cool with the screen-within-a-screen layout. Both are sizeable with an 11-inch driver information center and 17.7-inch infotainment system. The SS trim comes well equipped, featuring rains sensing wipers, autosense power liftgate, heated wipers, Bose premium 8-speaker sounds system, remote start, wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, head-up display, ambient lighting and more. My tester also included the optional dual pane moonroof.
I’d be remised if I didn’t bring up the obligatory fact that Chevrolet’s electric vehicles, including the Blazer EV SS, does not have any form of Apple CarPlay. I won’t go off on a diatribe about why this matters and still feels like an oversight. I covered all that in this review here. I just hope we’re at the point where we’re counting down the days/years until it will be included in future products.
On the positive, General Motor’s fantastic semi-automated Super Cruise driving technology comes standard in the Blazer EV SS, as does rear pedestrian alert, enhance automatic park assist, Chevy safety assist, forward collision alert, rear cross traffic braking, reverse automatic braking, intersection automatic emergency braking, and more.
Value Dollars and Sense
The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS starts at a price of $62,095 (all prices include destination charges) in the United States. As tested, the total came in at $64,930. That pricing puts it near identical to a similarly equipped Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, and a bit lower than the Kia EV6 GT or Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
In Canada, pricing starts at $72,599 with an as tested price clocking in at $76,199.
Final Thoughts
Chevrolet has entered the niche all-electric performance SUV market with a solid product. Not as raw and uncompromised as the Ioniq 5 N, it’s more of a rounded performer, much like the SUV’s main rival, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. Not everything is perfect with this Chevy, but things rarely are with any vehicle.
But to answer my original question at the start of this article, yeah, this potent, powerful, and uninhibited Blazer EV does live up to the SS name.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Category | 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS |
|---|---|
Powertrain | 9 / 10 |
Efficiency | 8 / 10 |
Handling and Drivability | 7 / 10 |
Passenger Comfort | 7 / 10 |
Ride Quality | 3.5 / 5 |
Exterior Style | 4 / 5 |
Interior Style and Quality | 8.5 / 10 |
Infotainment | 8 / 10 |
Cargo Capacity and Towing | 4 / 5 |
Safety | 5 / 5 |
Value | 7 / 10 |
Emotional Appeal | 8 / 10 |
TOTAL | 79 / 100 |
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Powerful Acceleration | Seats Lack of Lateral Support |
Styling Inside and Out | No Apple CarPaly |
Cornering Grip | Needs More Driving Feel |
FAQs
- Q: How much will the Blazer EV SS cost?
- A: In the United States, the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS starts at $62,095 including destination charges.
- Q: What is the range of the 2025 Blazer EV SS?
- A: The Blazer EV SS can travel up to 303 miles on a single charge, or 488 km.
- Q: How Fast Can the Blazer EV SS Charge?
- A: The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is capable of charging at speeds up to 190 kW.
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine/Motor | Dual Motor |
Output: | 615 hp, 650 lb-ft |
Drivetrain: | AWD |
Transmission: | 1AT |
Range: | 303 miles / 488 km |
0-60 mph: | 3.3 seconds (est) |
Starting Price USA | $62,095 (incl. dest.) |
Starting Price Canada | $72,599 (incl. dest.) |
As Tested Price USA | $64,930 (incl. dest.) |
As Tested Price Canada | $76,199 (incl. dest.) |
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation