Introduction
The Chevrolet Super Sport (SS) badge has long been synonymous with American muscle, adorning iconic vehicles like the 1961 Impala SS and V8-powered Camaros. In 2025, Chevrolet redefines this legacy with the all-electric 2025 Blazer EV SS, a midsize SUV that blends supercar-like acceleration with family-friendly practicality. Boasting 615 horsepower, a 303-mile range, and a starting price of $62,095, the Blazer EV SS aims to deliver performance thrills without sacrificing the space and comfort families need. But does it live up to the SS heritage, and can it truly be fun for the whole family? I took it for a spin on the track and roads around Charlotte, North Carolina, to find out.
The SS Legacy Goes Electric
Since its debut on the 1961 Impala, the SS badge has signified power and performance across Chevrolet’s lineup, from sedans to trucks. Over four million SS-badged vehicles have been sold, making it a cornerstone of Chevy’s identity. The 2025 Blazer EV SS marks a bold evolution, being the first all-electric SS model and the quickest ever, with a 0–60 mph sprint of 3.4 seconds. Unlike its V8-powered predecessors, this SS relies on dual electric motors and a 102-kWh battery pack, delivering 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque in Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode.
This isn’t Chevy’s first SS SUV—the TrailBlazer SS of the 2000s carried the badge—but the Blazer EV SS is a modern interpretation, built on GM’s Ultium platform. It competes in a crowded field of performance electric SUVs, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and Jeep Wagoneer S. At $62,095, it undercuts premium rivals like the Wagoneer S ($65,200) while offering more power than the Mach-E GT ($54,490).
Performance: A Rocket in a Straight Line
The Blazer EV SS is a beast off the line. In WOW mode, activated via the 17.7-inch touchscreen, the dual-motor setup unleashes instant torque, rocketing this 5,730-pound SUV to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds—faster than a 1960s Chevelle SS. My test at the Ten Tenths Motor Club, part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex, confirmed Chevy’s claim, with one run clocking 3.3 seconds thanks to a slight downhill gradient. The acceleration is visceral, pinning you to the seat and eliciting gasps from passengers. Chevy advises warning your kids before flooring it to avoid whiplash-like jolts.
The SS’s powertrain uses new silicon carbide inverters and segmented magnets to minimize energy loss and heat buildup, ensuring consistent performance. Launch control, engaged by pressing the brake, mashing the gas, and releasing, delivers a gut-punch start that feels like a roller coaster launch. However, the drama fades after the initial surge. Unlike the growling V8s of past SS models, the Blazer EV SS is eerily quiet, with only a subtle electric hum in its loudest setting. For some, this lack of “drama” may detract from the fun, as electric motors lack the visceral roar of combustion engines.
On the track, the SS is competent but not a corner-carver. Chevy tuned it for safety, with predictable understeer rather than playful oversteer, making it less engaging than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s drift-capable setup. The upgraded suspension—stiffer springs, 60% stiffer anti-roll bars, and new monotube dampers—reduces body roll, while Brembo six-piston front brakes and optional summer tires ($395 Performance package) provide grip and stopping power. Still, the 5,730-pound curb weight limits agility, making it feel more like a “back-road bomber” than a track star.
Family-Friendly Features
The Blazer EV SS shines as a family hauler. Measuring 192.6 inches long—five inches longer than a Tesla Model Y and nine inches longer than an Ioniq 5—it offers a spacious cabin. The rear seat is notably roomy, with 38.9 inches of legroom and a flat floor, comfortably fitting three adults or two car seats. Cargo space is generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.1 cubic feet with them folded, though it trails the Wagoneer S (64 cubic feet). The lack of a frunk is a minor drawback, as is the absence of cargo-area seat-release buttons.
The interior blends sporty flair with practicality. Orange-accented seats and optional bright colors like Habanero Orange add personality, while the 17.7-inch infotainment screen and 11-inch digital gauge cluster are responsive and customizable. However, GM’s decision to exclude Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may frustrate tech-savvy families, as the Google Built-In system requires individual app logins. Physical controls for climate and volume, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports enhance usability.
Standard Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving system, is a standout, performing flawlessly on mapped highways and even some two-lane roads. It automatically changes lanes and handles traffic, making road trips less taxing for parents. The Chevrolet Safety System, including automatic emergency braking and side-cyclist alert, adds peace of mind. However, the flat front seats lack bolstering, which may discomfort drivers during spirited cornering.
Range and Charging: Road-Trip Ready
Range is a high point. The 102-kWh battery delivers an EPA-estimated 303 miles, outpacing the Ioniq 5 N (221 miles) and Mach-E GT (265–280 miles). This makes the SS ideal for family road trips, with minimal range anxiety. DC fast-charging peaks at 190 kW, adding 78 miles in 10 minutes, though Chevy doesn’t provide full 10–80% charge times. An overnight charge on a Level 2 charger restored 298 miles in about eight hours. Bi-directional charging allows the Blazer to power external devices, a practical feature for camping or emergencies.
Driving Experience: Fun, But Not a Track Star
On public roads, the Blazer EV SS excels. The suspension absorbs bumps well, even with 22-inch wheels, offering a smoother ride than the Ioniq 5 N or Kia EV6 GT. Steering is precise, with a faster ratio than lower trims, and one-pedal driving (up to 0.3 G regen) feels intuitive. Modes like Sport, Snow/Ice, and customizable Z mode let you tweak steering, throttle, and braking, while Competitive mode loosens stability control for more dynamic handling.
However, the SS’s weight—over 1,000 pounds heavier than the Ioniq 5 N—dampens its agility. It handles corners respectably, but rapid left-right transitions highlight its mass. For most families, this won’t matter; the SS is tuned for safe, predictable street driving, not track days. Merging onto highways or passing slower traffic is effortless, delivering the “fun” Chevy promises without requiring illegal speeds.
Value and Competition
At $62,095, the Blazer EV SS is a relative bargain, offering more horsepower than the Mach-E GT ($54,490) and undercutting the Ioniq 5 N ($67,675) and Wagoneer S ($65,200). It’s eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, further sweetening the deal. Compared to the base Blazer EV LT ($44,600, 220 hp), the SS’s $17,500 premium buys significant power, all-wheel drive, and features like Super Cruise.
However, rivals have strengths. The Ioniq 5 N is more engaging for enthusiasts, with sharper handling and a drift mode, though its 221-mile range limits practicality. The Mach-E GT is cheaper and nearly as spacious, but its range and power lag. The Tesla Model Y Performance (on hiatus for 2025) offers a lighter package but a less comfortable ride and polarizing interior. The Blazer EV SS strikes a balance: it’s not the most thrilling but offers unmatched space, range, and value for performance-minded families.
The SS Experience: Does It Deliver?
The Blazer EV SS carries the SS badge with pride, delivering supercar-like acceleration in a practical package. Its 615 hp and 3.4-second 0–60 time make it the quickest SS ever, fulfilling Chevy’s promise of straight-line thrills. The spacious cabin, long range, and advanced tech like Super Cruise cater to families, while the sporty suspension and brakes add just enough zest for casual enthusiasts.
Yet, it’s not perfect. The lack of engine drama may disappoint purists craving the sensory overload of a V8-powered Chevelle. The heavy curb weight and understeer-prone handling limit its track prowess, and the absence of CarPlay/Android Auto is a misstep in a family vehicle. For those seeking a pure performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N remains the benchmark.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS redefines the SS legacy for the electric age, blending neck-snapping acceleration with family-friendly utility. It’s not a track monster, nor does it try to be. Instead, it offers a compelling mix of power, range, and space, making it a standout in the midsize electric SUV segment. For parents who want to merge onto highways with a grin while hauling kids and cargo, the Blazer EV SS delivers performance car fun without compromising practicality. It’s a worthy torchbearer for the SS badge, proving that electric SUVs can be both thrilling and sensible.
