2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS First Drive Review
Introduction
On a crisp spring morning at Ten Tenths Motor Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, we pushed the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS beyond its everyday street credentials. Chevrolet repeatedly emphasized that this isn’t a dedicated track car, yet the SS‑trimmed Blazer EV—built on GM’s scalable Ultium platform—proves that a family‑sized electric SUV can deliver a compelling blend of performance, ride comfort, and handling precision.
Powertrain and Thermal Management
The Blazer EV SS is exclusively offered with dual‑motor all‑wheel drive and the 102 kWh Ultium lithium‑ion battery pack. Nominal output stands at 515 hp (384 kW) and 450 lb‑ft (610 Nm), rising to a blistering 615 hp (458 kW) and 650 lb‑ft (880 Nm) in Wide Open Watts mode. Behind these figures lies a pair of high‑efficiency electric motors featuring segmented permanent‑magnet rotors that reduce eddy‑current losses, and silicon carbide inverters in the rear drive unit to minimize switching losses at high voltage.
Thermal management has been fine‑tuned: a high‑capacity liquid‑cooling circuit with a four‑stage pump optimizes pack temperature under sustained track use, while a dedicated heat exchanger for inverter cooling sustains peak power output. Chevrolet’s latest over‑the‑air (OTA) software update, delivered this spring, further calibrates motor torque delivery and regen maps to enhance consistency under repeated hard launches.
Chassis Dynamics and Suspension Analysis
Chevrolet’s primary goal with the SS package was to improve “stop, go, and turn” performance. Up front, revised aluminum knuckles and a quicker 13.3:1 steering ratio sharpen feedback, albeit still mediated through electric assistance. Monotube, high‑pressure dampers with custom valving work alongside stiffer anti‑roll bars (25 mm front, 30 mm rear) and uprated coil springs to decrease body roll by approximately 20 percent versus the RS model.
Brembo‑sourced four‑piston calipers claw at 15.7‑inch ventilated rotors, cutting fade during back‑to‑back sprints. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires (275/45 R20) plant the 5,730‑lb (2,600 kg) curb weight with surprising poise. At the limit, drivers hear a high‑pitched “sing” from the front tires as understeer quietly sets in—a more diplomatic warning than a sudden slip, but one that underscores the need for improved seat support during lateral transitions.
Software, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance
This Blazer EV retains Chevrolet’s CarPlay‑free infotainment architecture, now running a refined Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P processor for faster UI responses. Navigation excels at route planning with predictive EV charge stops, including real‑time Super Cruise corridor availability, and the latest OTA release added streaming video apps (Peacock, Max, Prime Video) for entertainment during DC fast‑charging pauses.
On the driver‑assist front, Super Cruise now supports automatic lane changes on over 500,000 miles of mapped highways, and a forthcoming beta integrates traffic‑aware cruise functions with junction‑lane guidance. Vehicle‑to‑Home (V2H) capability remains optional via GM Energy’s Ultium Home Charging Station, enabling up to 11.5 kW export power during grid outages.
On‑Track Impressions
We approached Ten Tenths with a healthy respect for the Blazer’s mass and ride height. Despite weighing in at over 5,700 pounds, the SS showed commendable composure through elevation and camber shifts. Launch control reliably delivered our measured 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds—just shy of Chevrolet’s quoted 3.4 seconds—thanks to a slight downhill gradient and consistent traction management.
Lift‑off regen adjusts across five levels, topping out at 0.3 G. In one‑pedal mode, the initial throttle mapping feels intuitive, rarely jarring passengers even under aggressive tip‑in. Brake blending between friction and regen is seamless, ensuring a linear pedal feel whether charging the pack or hauling down from triple‑digit speeds.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
At a $60,600 starting price, the Blazer EV SS enters a crowded performance‑EV arena. The Ford Mustang Mach‑E GT and Rally models trade blow‑by‑blow acceleration for lower range and less sophisticated thermal controls, while the Kia EV6 GT boasts brisk 0–60 mph times but steps off in range and ride comfort. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, priced several thousand dollars higher, remains the benchmark for pure EV sport performance, yet the Blazer SS strikes a balanced value proposition for buyers prioritizing daily usability alongside occasional track outings.
Expert Opinions and Outlook
- Automotive engineer Dr. Lena Morris: “The integration of silicon carbide inverters is a game‑changer for efficiency—expect to see this tech cascade through GM’s portfolio.”
- Chassis dynamics specialist Carlos Vega: “Monotube dampers with multiple bypass valves deliver both damping precision and compliance—a rare combination in this segment.”
- Industry analyst Priya Singh: “With increasing OTA capabilities and V2H potential, Chevrolet is strengthening the Blazer’s appeal as a tech‑forward family hauler, not just a performance SUV.”
In sum, the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS delivers a substantive ride and handling upgrade without sacrificing range or comfort. While not a dedicated track toy, its combination of powertrain innovation, chassis tuning, and software refinement makes it one of the most well‑rounded performance EVs for 2025.