Which Electric SUV Is the Better Value, the 2024 Blazer EV or Jeep Wagoneer S?

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, with first-time buyers ready to get behind the wheel of a zero-emission vehicle now that there are more charging stations around and more models to choose from. While there was a time when all-electric vehicles were mostly compact sedans and hatchbacks, these days, there are full-size pickups and spacious SUVs that are perfect for drivers who want to switch to electricity-only but need more cargo space than a small car can provide. Now that there are plenty of options available, the problem has become narrowing those options down.

If you’re looking for an electric SUV, you might have seen the Chevy Blazer EV for sale and wondered how it compares to the growing field of competition. Today, we’re going to see how it stacks up against Jeep’s midsize electric SUV, the Wagoneer S. Specifically, we’re going to take a look at the value that each model delivers to drivers who are looking to go green without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in and see how these two electric SUVs stack up…

Trim Levels

Launched in the 2024 model year, the Blazer EV debuted with just two trim levels: the LT (MSRP of $48,800) and RS (MSRP of $53,200). The LT trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving it extra traction on wet and snowy roads, and gets a range of 279 miles, which is plenty for getting around town, commuting, or even taking the occasional road trip (something made even easier with the myChevrolet app, which lets you find compatible charging stations along your route). This trim also comes standard with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver information display behind the wheel, making it easy to control media, get navigation directions, and see warnings from the advanced safety features onboard.

The RS trim has a sportier look, with black exterior accents, red badges, Evotex seating, and other cool styling touches. It also allows you to choose between an all- or rear-wheel drive system fed by a more powerful motor that boosts horsepower and brings the available range up to 324 miles, giving the Blazer a sportier feel to match its athletic aesthetic. An even more performance-oriented SS trim had been announced but wasn’t available at launch, with Chevy deciding to focus on the trims that were more accessible for everyday drivers.

Jeep, on the other hand, decided that the Wagoneer S would debut with only one available trim: the Launch Edition. With an MSRP of a whopping $71,795, this model is going to be out of reach for many drivers. Many of the features that justify this price are things that don’t make a big impact on the driving experience, like a 19-speaker sound system and dual-panel sunroof. While its motors provide plenty of power, it goes toward shaving seconds off of the SUV’s zero-to-sixty time rather than adding utility.

Even though the Wagoneer S Launch Edition has 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque compared to the 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque on the Blazer EV RS, its towing capacity is 100 lbs lower (3,400 lbs for the Wagoneer S compared to 3,500 lbs for the Blazer EV RS). If you do prioritize performance, you only need to wait to get the 2025 Blazer EV SS that can keep up with these figures, as it will exclusively have a dual-motor powertrain that produces 557 hp.

Reliability

There’s a lot of buzz around the Wagoneer S because it’s breaking new ground as the first all-electric vehicle Jeep has ever made (for the US, at least). While they have offered plug-in hybrids over the last few years, this is their first time releasing a model that runs 100% on electricity. That’s certainly exciting, but it can also be concerning for drivers looking for a reliable vehicle. New releases can sometimes go through growing pains, and many prefer to stick with tried-and-true options.

While the Blazer EV is new for the 2024 model year, it’s far from the first EV to be released by Chevy. In fact, it’s not even the brand’s first all-electric SUV, since the Bolt EUV debuted back in the 2022 model year. GM’s Ultium platform, which powers the Blazer EV, has also been used to power vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV (launched in the 2022 model year) and the Cadillac LYRIQ (launched in the 2023 model year). Suffice it to say, the platform that powers the Blazer EV has been around for years and has garnered plenty of praise from everyday drivers and automotive reviewers alike, so you can count on it to get you where you need to go, day in and day out.

Expectations

Both of these EVs are named after already-existing non-EV models. This is something that many automakers have done as they begin to roll out electric models, and it can be helpful to drivers when done right. Buying an EV for the first time can feel overwhelming, and having familiar names can make the process easier. While the Blazer EV and Equinox EV might not be built on the same platforms as their non-electric predecessors, they’re similar enough that if you like one, you’ll probably like the other. The Blazer EV is different from the Blazer, but its dimensions are pretty similar:

• Length
  • Blazer: 191.8 inches
  • Blazer EV: 192.2 inches
  • Difference: +0.4 inches
• Width
  • Blazer: 76.7 inches
  • Blazer EV: 78.0 inches
  • Difference: +1.3 inches
• Height
  • Blazer: 67.0 inches
  • Blazer EV: 65.0 inches
  • Difference: -2 inches
• Cargo Volume
  • Blazer: 64 cu.ft.
  • Blazer EV: 60 cu.ft.
  • Difference: -4 cu.ft.

But if drivers considering the Wagoneer S think they’ll be getting similar dimensions to the gas-powered Wagoneer, they’re in for a rude awakening. While the Wagoneer is a full-size SUV, the Wagoneer S is in a whole different category as a midsize SUV. That means the Wagoneer S is significantly smaller in every way, providing less room for passengers and cargo than prospective buyers familiar with the Wagoneer nameplate might expect:

• Length
  • Wagoneer: 214.7 inches
  • Wagoneer S: 192.4 inches
  • Difference: -22.3 inches
• Width
  • Wagoneer: 83.6 inches
  • Wagoneer S: 74.8 inches
  • Difference: -8.8 inches
• Height
  • Wagoneer: 75.6 inches
  • Wagoneer S: 64.8 inches
  • Difference: -10.8 inches
• Cargo Volume
  • Wagoneer: 116.7 cu.ft.
  • Wagoneer S: 64 cu.ft.
  • Difference: -52.7 cu.ft.

What They Have in Common

Despite the differences in their price tags, the Blazer EV and Wagoneer S have a lot in common. Both are midsize SUVs that seat up to five people and offer around 300 miles of range. Both can be charged using Level 1, Level 2, or DC Fast-Charging, so you can add range both slowly at home and quickly while out and about. Both have comfortable interiors with plenty of standard comfort and convenience features, including power-adjustable seats and multiple displays. Both even have fun features like ambient interior lighting, a front light bar, and an available sporty black and red interior. While the Wagoneer S does have some unique extras, like a touchscreen for the front seat passenger, it doesn’t provide as many practical upgrades as you might hope for, considering its higher price.

The Blazer EV: A Great Value and Great EV

While the Wagoneer S is certainly flashy, it just doesn’t offer drivers the same value they can find with the Blazer EV. There’s a reason that this new electric Chevy was named Motor Trend’s SUV of the year for 2024: it gives buyers plenty of bang for their buck and gives them multiple trim levels and powertrains to choose from so they can get something that’s just right for their budget and their needs. While it’s certainly different from the traditional Blazer, it’s close enough in size to give longtime Chevy drivers a good idea of what to expect so they can make an informed decision when shopping for their first EV. This reliable, attractive, and advanced electric SUV is sure to serve you well as you drive into the future.