Last updated: 2026-08-24

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and the Toyota Highlander? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Highlander currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 53/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Toyota Highlander Generations Compare?

As of August 2026, the Toyota Highlander is in its fourth generation (XU70), which began in 2020. This generation has not undergone any significant facelifts, indicating that it is a mature platform likely benefiting from several years of refinements and improved reliability. Historically, later models in a generation cycle are well-sorted, as manufacturers have had time to address any initial issues. In contrast, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV is in its first generation, launched in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, the Blazer-EV might experience typical first-generation issues as manufacturers work out initial production and design challenges. Buyers often find mature platforms like the Highlander more reliable compared to newer models such as the Blazer-EV.

Verdict

The Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Chevrolet Blazer-EV, scoring 73/100 vs 53/100.

The Toyota Highlander demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 73/100 compared to the Chevrolet Blazer-EV's 53/100. While the Highlander has a higher total recall count due to its longer market presence, it has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 5.8 per 10,000 sold versus the Blazer-EV's 26.6. The Highlander's estimated annual repair cost of $489 further underscores its reliability advantage, as the Blazer-EV's costs remain unspecified. Key differentiators include the Highlander's fewer complaints and lower repair costs, making it the more dependable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Chevrolet Blazer-EV has 58 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Toyota Highlander has 20.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Toyota Highlander scores 20 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Chevrolet Blazer-EV
2Toyota Highlander
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet Blazer-EVToyota Highlander
Reliability Score53/10073/100
Years Tracked29
Total Recalls866
Complaints per 10k Sold26.65.8
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2025 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins02

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander presents a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the power train and air bags categories, with the latter being notably linked to 41 crashes. In contrast, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV has fewer total complaints, with the electrical system being the most reported issue, although only one is crash-linked. The Highlander also shows significant concerns in service brakes and unknown or other categories, both with multiple crash-linked incidents, whereas the Blazer-EV's issues are more distributed and less severe, with no single area showing a high crash correlation. Overall, the Highlander's problem profile suggests more frequent and severe safety-related issues compared to the Blazer-EV.

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet Blazer-EVToyota Highlander
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6.5Average0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES4.8Average0.6Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3.7AverageNone
VISIBILITY/WIPER2.5LowNone
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.7Low0.7Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.8Very Low1.5Low
PARKING BRAKE1.7LowNone
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.6Very Low0.3Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.8Very LowNone
SUSPENSION0.6Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGSNone0.5Very Low
STRUCTURENone0.4Very Low
ENGINENone0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNone0.1Very Low
STEERINGNone0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEMNoneNone
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNoneNone

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Blazer-EV or Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander has an annual repair cost of $489, with owners typically visiting the repair shop once every three years. With a 13% risk of major repairs, it's a reliable choice based on independent repair cost data. In contrast, specific cost data for the Chevrolet Blazer-EV is unavailable, but electric vehicles often have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. For cost-conscious buyers, the Highlander provides a clear picture of potential expenses, making it a safer bet for budgeting. Without concrete data, the Blazer-EV remains a more uncertain option in terms of long-term repair costs.

How Does Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet Blazer-EVToyota HighlanderEdge
202557/1003R / 18C76/1008R / 40CToyota Highlander
202449/1005R / 76C67/10016R / 198CToyota Highlander

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer-EV scored 57/100 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs the Toyota Highlander?

If you prioritize reliability and lower long-term costs, the Toyota Highlander is your best bet. With a reliability score of 73/100, a low repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, and an estimated annual repair cost of $489, it offers a dependable ownership experience. The Highlander also has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 vehicles sold (5.8) compared to the Blazer-EV, making it a solid choice for those who value peace of mind. On the other hand, if you're interested in the latest electric vehicle technology and can accommodate a few more potential issues, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV might appeal to you. However, keep in mind its lower reliability score of 53/100 and higher owner complaint rate of 26.6 per 10,000 sold. While it has fewer total recalls, its top issues include critical systems like the electrical and forward collision avoidance, which could impact your driving experience.

Chevrolet Blazer-EV vs Toyota Highlander: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Blazer-EV more reliable than the Toyota Highlander?
Based on our data, the Toyota Highlander is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 53/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has more recalls (66) compared to the Chevrolet Blazer-EV (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Blazer-EV or the Toyota Highlander?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Highlander has a lower complaint rate at 5.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 26.6 for the Chevrolet Blazer-EV. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Chevrolet Blazer-EV or Toyota Highlander safer?
Both the Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Toyota Highlander received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Decided between Chevrolet Blazer-EV and Toyota Highlander? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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